Arts & Culture

Animation of Black woman in green jacket with white samurai sword handle in front of orange sky

Sameer Rao Jul 25, 2017 8:12PM EDT

'Children of Ether' Creator LeSean Thomas: Anime Characters of Color are 'A Pretty Big Deal'

The former "The Boondocks" illustrator discusses his new anime project, which opens in 300 theaters today, and the importance of animated shows featuring characters of color.

Brown woman in black sweater with multicolored ornamentation sits in room with blue and yellow walls and red and brown furniture

Sameer Rao Jul 25, 2017 3:42PM EDT

WATCH: Trailer for New Doc Revisits Labor Leader Dolores Huerta's Successes, Struggles

PBS released the trailer for “Dolores”—a chronicle of Huerta’s life and activism from the 1960s through today—ahead of its broadcast debut.

Black woman in black dress in front of black screen with gold imagery; Black woman in black blouse and black-and-grey-patterned outfit in front of blue screen with grey text and icons

Sameer Rao Jul 25, 2017 12:38PM EDT

Kimberly Elise and Loretta Devine Join Indie Comedy "Headshop"

The Kim Bass-directed film about a Black therapist opening a practice in an underserved and reluctant community also stars Nicole Ari Parker and Evan Ross.

Black woman in white shirt and black shorts sits next to Black woman in pink dress next to Black woman in light pink patterned dress next to black woman in black dress with white dots on black couch with blue cushions in front of red-and-blue background

Sameer Rao Jul 24, 2017 11:17AM EDT

'Girls Trip' Earns Estimated $30+ Million in Opening Weekend

The raunchy comedy is headlined by four Black actresses and was crafted by a Black creative team.

Silhouette of Black woman holding gun behind light blue text and in front of dark orange circle surrounded by light orange rectangle with dark orange text

Sameer Rao Jul 21, 2017 1:12PM EDT

Taraji P. Henson Slays, Shoots and Saves in Explosive 'Proud Mary' Trailer

The Golden Globe-winning actress portrays an assassin who must protect a young boy after a botched hit in this action film with a predominantly Black cast.

Black man in black suit with black-and-white shirt and blue-green tie in front of blue background with white text and orange outline

Sameer Rao Jul 21, 2017 11:38AM EDT

READ: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Says Black Superheroes Must Have a 'Social Conscience'

In a new article for The Hollywood Reporter, the former NBA star writes that contemporary Black comic heroes should be driven by an awareness of where their people fit in an imperfect society.

Mural of Black man in black-and-white clothing by blue, red, yellow, brown, grey and green color blocks on grey wall in front of black fence and brown apartment buildings

Sameer Rao Jul 20, 2017 4:41PM EDT

ICYMI: Brooklyn Will Dedicate Crispus Attucks Playground B-Ball Courts to Notorious B.I.G.

The late rapper played basketball at the playground before he achieved international stardom.

Brown men, women and children in multicolored clothing dancing on dark grey pavement in front of brown house with green lawn and light gray driveway

Sameer Rao Jul 20, 2017 2:04PM EDT

#TBT to When Mexican- and Punjabi-American Neighbors United to Celebrate Independence Day

The viral video of the two groups joyfully dancing in the middle of a Stockton, California, street points to a long-standing connection between Punjabi and Mexican communities in Northern California.

Sameer Rao Jul 20, 2017 11:38AM EDT

These 7 Tweets Sum Up Why HBO's 'Confederate' Announcement Pissed Off the Internet

The show, headlined by two White male "Game of Thrones" showrunners, has prompted criticism for its focus on an alternate U.S. where the South won the Civil War and kept slavery intact.

Black man and woman in gold and black performance outfits on brown wood stage in front of light blue screen and black and white furniture

Sameer Rao Jul 19, 2017 5:47PM EDT

NYC 'Cultural Plan' Will Direct City Arts Funds to Diversifying Orgs

Mayor Bill de Blasio: "We must use every tool we have to ensure that every resident, in every neighborhood, has the same access to cultural opportunities."

Grey and white buildings stand with yellow light behind blue reflecting pool and dark grey sidewalk in front of navy sky

Sameer Rao Jul 19, 2017 11:56AM EDT

International African American Museum Launches New Center to Trace Black Family Geneology

Center for Family History leader Toni Carrier: "It's one thing to walk into a museum and see an exhibit about family history, but it's quite another thing to possibly walk out of a research center at a museum with your great-grandfather's marriage record."

Black man in white dress shirt and navy tie and pants and tan overcoat in front of brown trees with green leaves

Sameer Rao Jul 18, 2017 3:45PM EDT

John Boyega Discusses Race, Sci-fi in New GQ Cover Story

The Nigerian-British actor opened up being a Black man in sci-fi and fantasy franchises and 'Detroit,' his upcoming film about police violence during the city's 1967 unrest.

Black-and-white image of Black man holding black police sign with white text in imitation police line-up

Sameer Rao Jul 18, 2017 11:48AM EDT

WATCH: Lakeith Stanfield Fights Wrongful Murder Conviction in 'Crown Heights' Trailer

The "Atlanta" star portrays Colin Warner, a Trinidadian-American teen falsely convicted of murder and seeking exoneration for his two-decade incarceration.

White and blue text on black, blue and red blocks on black background

Sameer Rao Jul 17, 2017 4:43PM EDT

READ: Free Texas Convention Spotlights Independent Latinx Comic Artists

Organizer Hector Rodriguez: "Now, more than ever, with some of the struggles our community is facing—especially in Texas with SB4 and the attack on sanctuary cities—for me, it seems like a big opportunity for us to have a showcase for our community."

Brown man in grey shirt and brown blazer and pants in front of white background with black text and red and blue images; Brown woman in black pants and sheer top with blue, white and red flowers in front of white background with black text

Sameer Rao Jul 17, 2017 2:50PM EDT

Disney Announces Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott as Live-Action Aladdin and Jasmine

Disney announced the casting amid reports that the studio and director Guy Ritchie struggled to find
Brown actors to fill the roles.

Black woman in blue eye makeup and gold eyebrow jewelry and grey outfit in front of blurry brown background

Sameer Rao Jul 17, 2017 11:36AM EDT

Oprah Winfrey and Co. Travel the Cosmos in 'A Wrinkle in Time' Trailer

Ava DuVernay lifted the hood on her Disney adaptation of the 1963 fantasy novel with a new trailer and behind-the-scenes photos.

Sameer Rao Jul 14, 2017 3:58PM EDT

5 Flicks We Can't Wait to Watch at the BlackStar Film Festival in August

The sixth annual BlackStar film festival hits Philadelphia in early August. Colorlines arts and culture reporter Sameer Rao shares his must-see titles.

Black man in yellow beanie and green camouflage jacket sits next to Black woman in pink headscarf and

Sameer Rao Jul 14, 2017 1:50PM EDT

Bay Area Gentrification, Global Warming and Community Justice Collide in the Hilarious New Trailer for 'The North Pole'

The web comedy series, featuring cameos from Bay Area mainstays such as former Black Panther leader Ericka Huggins and comedian W. Kamau Bell, hits YouTube on September 7.The new trailer will get you ready.

Black-and-white photo of Black man in white hoodie and black t-shirt and dark grey jacket against white wall

Sameer Rao Jul 14, 2017 11:06AM EDT

3 Illuminating Excerpts from Dave Chappelle's Interview Magazine Convo With Kendrick Lamar

The comedian interviewed the "DAMN." rapper for Interview's August cover story. Here are a few portions of their wide-ranging conversation about fame, using their influence and more.

Donald Glover and Mindy Kaling speak onstage

Kenrya Rankin Jul 13, 2017 3:12PM EDT

Donald Glover, Aziz Ansari and Ava DuVernay Bag Multiple Emmy Nominations

From Angela Bassett to Mindy Kaling, see which of your faves was nominated.

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