Ever since CNN aired the super controversial Black in America two-part series last year, I have anxiously awaited a new installment of the documentary. Many people were not pleased with the topics that were covered in the original series, which resulted in a lot of heated discussions and debates surrounding the show and how we as African-Americans were being portrayed.

This time around, CNN host Soledad O’Brien promises that it will provide a balanced and truthful overview of the state of African-Americans this time around.

Here is an exclusive clip from the show featuring comedian Steve Harvery. Check it out here.

Part 1 airs tonight on CNN 9pm, EST. Will you be tuning in? What were you thoughts on the last one?

Last night, I was invited to take a stroll down the yellow brick road to see The Wiz starring pop/R&B songstress Ashanti. I have always been a huge fan of the 1978 film version with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson so I was excited to see the live production. If you’re wondering if Ashanti was able to hold her own with powerhouse cast mates such as LaChanze (she won a Tony for her role in the Broadway production of The Color Purple), Tichina Arnold and Dawnn Lewis, you’d be pleasantly surprised to learn that Ms. “Aw Baby” herself did a wonderful job! The male cast was excellent too, but for me the Tin Man played by Joshua Henry stole the show with his unbelievable vocals.

Overall, the show is a must-see for those who love the spin on the classic L. Frank Baum tale. Although, the costumes seemed a bit lack-luster, it was still a feel-good production that’s great for the entire family. If you’re in the New York City area and would like to see the play, it will be showing until July 5th at The New York City Center located 131 W. 55th Street.

Are you a fan of The Wiz?

Now that I’ve finally caught up on my DVR recordings, I’ve had the chance to watch BET’s Harlem Heights, which premiered on March 2nd. Being that I am a reality TV fanatic, I knew that I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to see young, educated professional BGs and guys living in the culturally rich, legendary neighborhood of Harlem.

I’ve never been impressed by BET’s programming or lack thereof, but after watching the first 3 episodes, to my surprise I actually like it. The show doesn’t seem to stray from the recipe of dating/love, friendships, and drama that typically make a “reality” TV show successful. Although there seems to be a bit of cattiness brewing on the show, it’s still refreshing to see BGs and guys being primarily portrayed positively on TV.

You can catch full episodes on BET.com.

Now that it’s been on the air for 3 weeks, what do you guys think? Have you seen it or do you avoid BET at all costs? Share your thoughts!

In case you don’t want to go out and brave the love-filled crowds on Valentine’s Day, why not curl up on the couch with your cutie and watch an oldie, but goodie love story? I’m a huge fan of nostalgia so popping in one of my favorite romantic DVDs is always a treat. The only problem is trying to convince my hubby to turn off ESPN and join me!

What’s your favorite big screen love story? Here are a few of my favorites starring us BGs and guys:

Love & Basketball (2000) starring Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan.

Brown Sugar (2002) starring Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan.

Boomerang (1992) starring Eddie Murphy, Robin Givens and Halle Berry.

Love Jones (1997) starring Larenz Tate and Nia Long.

BTW, the winner of the Wei East Natural Beauty Perfector Hand & Body Treatment is Wes! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address.

As promised, here are a few shots that I took while visiting the Manifest Hope: DC Gallery on Monday. The exhibit showcased photographs, sculptures, paintings and other original pieces created by incredibly talented visual artists across the United States who used their craft to motivate the grassroots movement that ultimately carried President Obama to victory.

Although the exhibit was only open to the public for two days and is now officially closed, I just wanted to share some of these breathtakingly brilliant artistic creations.

Which one is your favorite? **Unfortunately, I didn’t think to get the artists’ names or the names of the creations.

Ever wonder why movies like, Love Jones, The Best Man, Brown Sugar and other similar films are rarely found in theaters? Well, the answer is complex and is often a result of racism, but there are a couple of obvious ways that we can reverse this disparity so that our stories are shown on the big screen too.

Last Friday, I attended an interesting panel discussion about the state of black women in Hollywood hosted by Essence during the Urbanworld Film Festival here in NYC. The panel consisted of famed TV producer Suzanne de Passe (Zane: The Sex Chronicles, Sister, Sister, etc.), director/writer Gina Prince-Bythewood (Secret Life of Bees, Love & Basketball, etc.), actress Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda) and SVP, Production for Fox Searchlight Zola Mashariki (Notorious B.I.G). They spoke about the difficulties of breaking into the world of film for African-Americans, particularly African-American women, as well as solutions that could possibly make a difference.

From left, Suzanne De Passe, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Sophie Okonedo.

According to these esteemed panelists, the following two actions can help us get quality movies that we want to see in the theaters:

*Stop buying boot-legged DVDs!!
*Support films that star a predominately ethnic cast during the opening weekend!!

So go out and see the Secret Life of Bees starring, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys when it comes out in theaters on October 17th. Click here to view the trailer.

If we support films featuring us BGs and guys, perhaps more will be made for all of us to enjoy!

What is your favorite film starring an African-American cast? What are your thoughts on this subject? Are you guilty of partaking in movie piracy? Come on, BGG won’t tell on you! 🙂