Source: thesingingcritic.blogspot.com

In 1992, we were introduced to Whoopi Goldberg’s character of Deloris van Cartier, a failing lounge singer who witnessed a murder and had to take refuge in a convent until she could testify against her ex-boyfriend who committed the murder.  The movie was a success and with all successful movies, they wanted to try to capitalize on the magic by making a sequel, and that’s where Sister Act 2 came in.

Deloris donned the habit and reclaimed her place as Sister Mary Clarence to teach a music class to keep the school from closing. Within this music class we came across a bounty of characters. let’s see what they’ve been up to since singing:  “If you wanna be somebody, if you wanna go somewhere, you better wake up and pay attention.”

Source: WENN

Whoopi, Whoopi, Whoopi.

Whenever Ann Coulter is around you know an argument is sure to pop off. Add Whoopi Goldberg and the rest of the ladies of “The View” to the mix and you have a full-blown case of fireworks. Yesterday, the always controversial republican stopped by the daytime talk show to discuss her new book, “Mugged,” but what Whoopi, Sherri, and Joy really wanted to know was why she always has something ridiculous to say about black people in her attempt to discredit democrats.

Ann had barely gotten through four sentences before Whoopi had to interrupt her and plainly ask what I’m sure 99% of viewers were wondering: ”What are you talking about?”

“Oh you know what, hold up Ms. Coulter, please stop. Please stop,” Whoopi added. “If you are going to talk about race, at least, at least, know what you’re talking about.”

Coulter then asked, “What Don’t I Know,” to which Whoopi replied:

“Well tell me what you know about being black. Your facts are a little shaky. I mean, you’re saying that because liberals have abandoned black people now—what? I don’t get it. I don’t understand.”

And that was just the beginning. Before long, Joy, Sherri, and even Barbara had to ask Ann what the heck her purpose is — in life. What’s even more hilarious than the bickering is the fact that Elizabeth left her girl all out there to fend for herself. Ain’t no love for a republican on “The View.” Check out the clips if you didn’t see her appearance yesterday. What do you think?

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Source: empireonline.com

We’ve all had those moments where we’ve fallen for a character onscreen. Sometimes it’s the loving “mama,” the hilarious friend or that man who is just so damn fine. Life would be great if we could just take all our favorite characters from films and put them in your friends and family. Too bad we’re stuck in the real world where those perfect characters don’t exist. That doesn’t mean that we can’t fantasize about it though? Here is a list of some of the best movie characters that would make the most amazing people in real life.

Source: photographytips.com.au

When our favorite books are turned into movies it can either be really great or terribly awful. Though the film adaptation of The Color Purple was a bit different from the book, as expected, the movie was still a masterpiece. The film was well cast with big names who were trying new things and people who had yet to step onto our radar. But it all came together to create an iconic film. So timeless that we bet you still can’t help but to watch it when it comes on tv. Though the story is full of pain, many of us have been able to find humor in some of the film’s darkest moments. Like, What’s Love Got to Do With It, lines from The Color Purple have become a part of the culture. (I’m sure many of you will quote the more popular ones in the comments section.) You know the plot, you know the lines but did you know these behind the scenes secrets? Read on to find out.

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com

Who is going to play Shug Avery?

You would not believe the number of names that came up when it came to this role. Initially, it seemed like the directors were going for a professional singer. Phyllis Hymen was the first choice for the role. While some sources say she declined it, others say she lost it. (The story was included in her biography.) Patti Labelle auditioned for the role but didn’t make the cut. Sheryl Lee Ralph also tested for the role. After Phyllis Hymen was out of the running Spielberg himself tried to get Chaka Khan but she later admitted that she was too scared to take on the role. She wasn’t the only one who wasn’t interested. Diana Ross, Lola Falana and Tina Turner all turned down the role of Shug Avery. Who knows how these divas would have come across on screen but we’re glad that the role eventually went to Margaret Avery. She nailed it.

If there’s one thing we know, it’s that the key to longevity in virtually any career field, is diversification. Whoopi knows this. Which is why in addition to her steady co-hosting job on “The View” and producing “Sister Act” on Broadway, the arts and entertainment maven is directing a documentary about legendary comedian Moms Mabley.

Get more information about the documentary at Black Voices.com. 

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Source: Beyonce Online

President Obama’s star-studded New York City fundraiser was definitely a girl power event—at least as far as the Knowles-Carter family goes. Last night, Beyonce, her mother Tina, her mother-in-law Gloria Carter, and her cousin Angie Beyince, stepped out together for an exclusive event at the Greenwich Hotel to make sure President Barack Obama gets reelected this year.

Tina Knowles co-hosted the fundraiser, which featured an appearance by First Lady, Michelle Obama, along with Whoopi Goldberg, Angela Bassett, and Star Jones. It’s easy to see why the room was full of stars. According to the Hollywood Reporter, tickets to the event were $5,000, which got you a photo with Mrs. Obama, and for $25,000, you could attend a private greet session with the First Lady.

I imagine Beyonce and her crew didn’t have to do all that since her husband Jay has “Obama on the text” and all, but I must say the ladies look lovely.

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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Black women have an extraordinary impact on the world, and Crystal McCrary is capturing all of those modern-day successes and triumphs in one book. Through written word and photo essays, Inspiration: Profiles of Black Women Changing Our World, tells the unique stories of 30 black women who are current game changers.

From entertainers to athletes, politicians, and business owners, this book covers black women from all social, cultural, and political walks of life, such as Betye Saar, Majora Carter, Thelma Golden, and Bethann Hardison. Well-known figures such as First Lady Michelle Obama, Ruby Dee, Patti Labelle, Shonda Rhimes, and Venus Williams are also featured.

Wesley Royce, assistant editor for ABRAMS, the publisher of the book, said throughout the book there were a few common threads woven throughout each woman’s story of success.

“These women put in an immense amount of hard work into developing their skills and they didn’t just believe in themselves— they believed in sharing their talents with the world,” he said.

Wesley also noted that no woman said they achieved their success on their own.

“They also all spoke about the importance of other strong women in their lives— whether it was their mothers or own children or friends— and the strength they drew from their support was crucial to their success.”

The book is currently available as a hardcover and for e-readers. For more information visit the ABRAMs blog. Will you check out this book?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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At the beginning of the year, we told you that Raven would be taking the role of Deloris Van Cartier from the hit movie turned Broadway Play, Sister Act.

Recently, she hooked up with her predecessor on The View to co-host. But before she went on stage, Raven and Whoopi gushed about the musical, their favorite selections and Raven’s theatrical debut.

Find out why the women at HelloBeautiful.com are dying to see Raven in the Broadway show and what she and Whoopi talked about, here.

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Let’s be honest, black women have been brushed aside in the comedy world forever. We just don’t seem to get the same respect as our male counterparts. However, it’s nice to see that there are ladies out there, on television, in web-series’, or doing stand-up comedy where they can prove that black women are indeed funny.

While everyone’s waiting for the next Chappelle’s Show to come around (by Dave or anyone else that could be his replacement), wouldn’t it be great if it was by a woman?

Here’s my list of funny black women doing their thing right now, low and high on everyone’s radar:

Source: thetwistgossip.com

Maya Rudolph

Just off the wheels of her successful turn hosting Saturday Night Live this past weekend, Maya Rudolph proved that she is a very funny woman.

Though she is technically bi-racial and doesn’t always portray a black woman, she still does play a lot of black characters. But that’s to her advantage because she is able to impersonate multiple characters of all different backgrounds (anyone else seeing her do Christina Aguilera?) and kill while doing so. Just this past weekend alone she played First Lady Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, and Maya Angelou just to name a few. She also stars on the show Up All Night on NBC, where she plays an Oprah-esque talk show host.

If there’s one thing we can say about Raven Symone, it’s that the girl stays working. Shortly after the cancellation of her sitcom “State of Georgia” on ABC Family, the starlet has landed the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier in the Broadway play, Sister Act. The play, based on the similarly titled movie, is being produced by Whoopi Goldberg.

This is not Raven’s first time on a Broadway stage. Back when she was five years old, Raven sang with the Boys Choir of Harlem. As Raven prepares to take on this lead role, she’ll replace Patina Miller who has played the role of Deloris since the show first opened this past April.

According to Deadline, Raven will begin rehearsals at the end of February and hit the stage at the end of March. She’ll star in the play for a minimum of six months.

Now that Raven’s involved, do you plan on seeing this play?

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