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My country doesn’t love me because I’m Black. Why?

Why must I turn on the news to see yet another “police kill unarmed Black person” headline? Why must it be on video to demand outrage? Why the hell is this happening again?

Why do we have to sit young ones down for another version of “the talk?” Again, another generation of beautiful Black children learning how not to get killed by police. Meanwhile, their white counterparts play a painfully ironic game of cops and robbers at the playground.

Why do we have to add another name to an ever-growing list of hashtags? A name that unfortunately may be forgotten as we continue to add to the list of Black people who are unjustly murdered.

Why do my brothers and sisters still live in fear? Why do they have to wonder whether they’ll be next?

Why is there another petition to sign? Another protest to attend? Why are we still screaming for justice?

Can anybody hear us?

Why can’t we protest this way? Why can’t we speak out that way? Tell us what works for you, America. We’ll do anything.

Why does it feel like we have done everything? Maybe we have. Why does it feel like nothing has worked? Maybe it hasn’t.

Why are you still silencing us? Where’s our seat at the table? We made the damn table. AND we set it. When will we get the invite to join?

Why are our blood, sweat, and tears not enough?

Why is our blood on the hands of the country we call our home? Why doesn’t that country protect us the way that we have vowed to protect it? Why does my country demand so much respect from me and return not even an ounce of compassion?

Why do I not feel at home in the only home I’ve ever known? Why do I continue to give so much to this home with nothing in return?

Why are we still hurting? Why are we still crying? When does the mourning stop?

Why are we reliving the pain of our past generations? A pain they hoped we’d never have to feel. A pain they fought to eradicate from the world.

Why does my Blackness offend you so much? Damn, does my Blackness offend ME that much?

What if I try to change? Be more like them? Walk like them. Talk like them. Embrace their whiteness?

Nah, it still doesn’t work.

Why did you lie to us? Why did you sell us a bogus dream? You told me we solved all this racism shit so long ago. Why are we still seeing it daily? Scratch that. FEELING IT DAILY.

Why do you want me to shut up and dribble? Or dance around on stage for your entertainment? Why don’t you value my mind?

Why are you afraid of me?

Why do you misunderstand me?

Why do you marginalize me?

Why do you keep me down? Why aren’t you lifting me up?

Why do you not value me?

Why the fuck do you not love me, America? Why doesn’t our country love us?

Meet Alex Hodgkinson: The inspiring entrepreneur behind ODR Studios

ODR, which stands for On Da Ronse, means have an idea and make it happen, and that’s exactly what Alex Hodgkinson, the founder, and CEO of ODR Studios did.

“[It] means have an idea and make it happen… [It’s] how this started. It’s basically our philosophy.”

 

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With just a dream of what he wanted to create, Hodgkinson set out to turn ODR Studios into a reality without a full-fledged game plan. But just about a year after finding the perfect abandoned factory space, he made that dream a reality.

“It’s got these Belfast trust roofs, they’re from the 1920s. You don’t see too many of those… [and] 9 by 9 foot factory windows, which let in a lot of light. Good soft light… Not too many spaces have this big of windows. They can really play well to different types of content creation.”

ODR Studios is unlike any other photo studio that you’ll see, so you know we had to pull up and see what was good. The space will blow you away, and Hodgkinson has the right swagger to make the whole thing work.

The studio, which is located in Newark, NJ, is a massive and eccentric space where Alex lives, operates his business, and hosts some of the dopest photo and video shoots happening in the game right now.

“It’s a different space than anything that you’ve been to. It’s just different, it’s unique.”

With little knowledge of photography, Alex still knew he wanted to have a wild space where he could host friends for events and parties.

And in April 2017, he started working on ODR Studios as a place to do just that. Furthermore, the studio is an interesting place for creatives to come and utilize.

“I love designing interior spaces and seeing how people interact with them. Basically trying to make the experience as cool as possible. And when I took on this project that was my idea.”

Since opening their doors in April 2018, ODR has had the likes of Vogue Magazine, James Rodriguez, Dua Lipa, and countless others use the space for shoots. Still, each shoot came with its own set of challenges.

 

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“Each shoot keeps you on your toes. You have the logistics of it…and then you have the talent.”

Despite the challenges, Alex and his team are always able to come through and deliver. Not only does the unique space itself draw people in but Alex’s dedication to making the experience as enjoyable as possible keeps people coming back. 

“We’re not a giant studio and don’t have chains, yet. So I’m able to cater to specific needs and things like that.”

The studio has built a community of creatives, fans, and supporters unlike any other that you’ll find at other studios out there. This sense of community keeps people coming back, even members of the Kulture Hub team.

We see you Goldyn.

Whenever the studio has events or screenings, homies of the studio roll through and show love. Through ODR, Alex is looking to grow this community of creatives and continue to expand on the early success.

 

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The Syracuse University grad has plans to start using other locations in Newark, while also continuing to improve the existing space. The new spaces will offer more ways for shooters to highlight their talents and grow on their own successes.

“How can I have people come in here and use the space? How can I make it as seamless and enjoyable for them as possible? And allow themselves to be creative and have the right things around?”

ODR will continue to find new spaces that can create crazy visuals for photographers and videographers to capitalize on.

Earlier this summer, Hodgkinson opened the ODR Beach House down the shore in NJ, where ODR hosted some of the hottest shoots of the summer. This is just the first of what is sure to be a long list of ODR shooting sites.

ODR Studios is definitely a place all young shooters should pull up for future shoots. The unique space, the tailored services, and the dope community are all aspects that can help up-and-coming shooters grow as artists.

 

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Beyond the OG and ODR Studios, we’re sure that Alex has more up his sleeve to wow us. We’re hype to see what’s coming next for him and the whole ODR community.

“[Maybe] trying to create some ODR sponsored or ODR produced content ourselves and putting those projects together.”

Alex’s hustler spirit is something that we can all draw from. No matter what your hustle may be, keep in mind these words of wisdom from the man behind ODR Studios.

“Just start and just get going on something and put everything into it and if you work hard enough day to day, normally something good will happen…Just start, have a crack.”

This advice is clearly something Hodgkinson has taken to heart, and it’s given us one of the dopest new creative spaces out here.

Made in America ’19 solidifies it as one of the hottest festivals in the country

We already knew this year’s music festivals were going to be some of the hottest in recent memory. As one of the last festivals before the season comes to a close, Made In America ’19 proved to be one of the best.

The festival, which was started back in 2012 by Jay-Z, has quickly cemented itself as a can’t miss festival on the circuit. This year’s Made in America featured unforgettable performances by some of the biggest names in music, rising stars, and fresh newcomers.

Cardi B and Travis Scott, who went head to head at this year’s Grammys for Best Rap Album, headlined Saturday and Sunday nights respectively. However, across both days, most of the hottest performances were on the Tidal Stage.

Countless acts tore up the stage with wildly energetic sets. The fans fed off of the artists’ energy and the artists fed off the fans’ for each performance. The stage served as a place to showcase some of the hottest rising stars in the game.

Peep Made in America ’19 the Kulture way!

 

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Don’t get it twisted, though. The Tidal Stage wasn’t the only place to find great performances in Philly this past weekend. Hometown legend Lil Uzi Vert went on right before Travis Scott and gave one of the most unforgettable performances of the weekend.

Other notable performances included Gucci Mane, MadeinTYO, Blueface, Lizzo, and Juice WRLD. The success of this year’s festival will only mean more growth for Made In America in coming years. More artists, more stages, more fans, more legendary performances.

On top of all the great music from the weekend were other ways for fans to enjoy their experience at Made In America. 

There were dozens of food stands and trucks from bomb local Philadelphia eateries. Fans could also visit Cause Village, which featured stands from local and national organizations doing amazing work in our communities. Fans had the opportunity to learn about these groups and become part of their movements.

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The music, the food, the community, and so much more were on full display last weekend in Philadelphia. Made In America ’19 was a festival for the books and we’re already looking forward to next year. We hope to see y’all there too.


For now, just peep photos from the festival below

Cardi B at Made in America | @finalfocusfil
Juice WRLD at Made in America | @finalfocusfilms
Meg thee Stallion at Made in America | @finalfocusfilms
@finalfocusfilms
Melii at Made in America | @finalfocusfilms
Roddy Ricch at Made in America | @finalfocusfilms
Buddy at Made in America | @finalfocusfilms
Buddy at Made in America | @finalfocusfilms
Cardi B at Made in America | @finalfocusfilms
Angelica Vila at Made in America | @finalfocusfilms
Angelica vila at Made in America | @finalfocusfilms
@finalfocusfilms
Gucci Mane at Made in America | @finalfocusfilms
DaBaby at Made in America | @finalfocusfilms
Meg thee Stallion at Made in America | @finalfocusfilms
Lil Uzi Vert at Made in America | @finalfocusfilms

How the ‘Unapologetically Different’ podcast is making waves in our community

From the moment you first hear Key and Coach P on the Unapologetically Different podcast, you can tell the duo makes a great team. Former coworkers and current entrepreneurial partners, Kiana Calder and Pierre Labissiere, know what it takes to bring out the best in each other.

“We hold each other accountable. I think that has really contributed to our growth as a team, accountability. Even when we fall, we pick each other back up.” – Key

 

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Because the two work so well together, Key and Coach P have experienced early successes in the world of podcasting. Since its inception in 2017, Unapologetically Different has offered insight on current affairs, social issues, and even self-help through the lens of their proudly black and millennial hosts.

“Pierre and I work really well together. We have a great dynamic as co-hosts, which is visible on our show. Our chemistry is authentic and our listeners feel that. Which is super dope!” – Key

Unapologetically Different has carved a lane for itself by never being afraid to tackle the tough questions facing American, and specifically African-American, culture.

Check out the Unapologetically Different podcast on Spotify

Getting here was no easy task though. Coach P and Key each faced the challenge of juggling full-time jobs, while also pouring their hearts and souls into their Unapologetically Different podcast. 

“You need to carve out time each day to work on your own hustle, because if you do not it will never become a reality. When you have a 9 – 5, you’ve committed time each week to that job and you need to be just as disciplined for your 5 to 9.” – Coach P

However, they never backed down from the challenge and the result is an intriguing podcast unlike anything out there.

“The key is to plan your work and work your plan. Simple as that! Everything else will fall into place when you’re focused and disciplined.” – Coach P

As dope as the podcast is, the Unapologetically Different team does so much more. In March of this year, they held the first Unapologetic Art Expo and earlier this summer, they hosted the Secure the Body Bootcamp. 

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You might be wondering what an art expo or fitness boot camp has to do with a podcast. But if you fully understand what Unapologetically Different is all about, then it makes perfect sense.

Key and Coach P know it’s not enough to sit behind microphones to discuss and criticize our current social climate. Your words don’t mean a whole lot if you’re not taking any real-life, tangible action.

“Awareness is the first step and that is what we create with the podcast but these events and future ones are about getting off the airwaves and getting into the streets, connecting with people face to face and making an impact!” – Coach P

After the success of the first Unapologetic Art Expo, Key and Coach P decided to bless us with another one this Saturday, August 31st.

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Like the first expo, this one will feature art from amazingly talented black artists, with delicious hors d’oeuvres from a local black-owned restaurant, Black Nile.

Specialty cocktails will be served courtesy of Harlem-based and black-owned liquor company, HH Bespoke Spirits. Wine will be available at the event, thanks to the California-based and black-owned McBride Sisters Collection. And on top of all of this, beer at the show will be coming from the black-owned Harlem Brewing.

Events like the Unapologetic Art Expo offer Coach P the opportunity to explore other areas of interest and give back to the community in positive ways. 

This is more than just a podcast. Events and endeavors like the upcoming art show are branches of the podcast and necessary to the fundamental mission of it.

“It’s also crucial to take tangible actions. That is why we put on a bootcamp and this art show.  We want to create brave spaces where people can come and take the conversation off the internet.” – Coach P

Don’t expect it to stop here though. Unapologetically Different has planned to continue to grow their empire, and will continue to bless us with more events.

“In the meantime we’ll continue to grow our team, create future events, expand the Art Expo into other cities, and giving back to our community!” – Key

Cop your tickets for this weekend’s show here.

 

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Meet Trick James: The Iowa rapper keeping it real on his new album, ‘Sucker 4 Love’

Iowa rapper Trick James is here, to tell the truth. His new album, Sucker 4 Love, is a powerful peek behind the curtain into the 21-year-old’s life and emotional state.

We got the chance to catch up with James about his new album, why he makes music, and more.

While listening to the album, you can hear the rapper’s emotional pain right off the bat. It’s rare for a rapper to speak so candidly about depression the way that Trick James does. On Sucker 4 Love he uses music as an outlet to speak about what he’s feeling.

When I say really deep and depressing things on my songs I really mean it. So, technically I use my music to cry out for help. I know something’s not right with me and turning some of my most depressive thoughts into lyrics is the only way I can get people to listen.

 

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Getting people to listen through his music has clearly become a way for Trick James to connect with his audience. Starting his music career in high school, he had trouble trying to figure out what kind of artist he wanted to be.

He started out rapping about violence, guns, and drugs because it was the “easy” thing to do. However, when putting together his first mixtape, he tried to take his own life because of an ex-girlfriend. While in the hospital he penned the song “Suicide Letter” and it happened to be the one song that people really connected with.

For his next project Nightmare Hills, his manager pressured him to include similar tracks. Although he was hesitant at first, he ended up writing and recording “Suicide Letter 2” for the next album.

When I finished up my album my engineer begged me to write another suicide letter. I knew if I released another song like that people would never look at me the same but I decided to lock myself in the studio and write Suicide Letter 2… [which] is now still at 1.4 million streams. So I decided to make more serious music about my life and leave everything else behind. That’s why I made Sucker 4 Love

Sucker 4 Love is an extremely ambitious project and a huge leap forward for James. Tracks like “Dream Girl,” “Suckers Anthem,” and “Suicide Letter 3” are full of lyrics about depression and suicidal thoughts.

James is really just being his truest self on this album. He understands that being yourself is the best thing an artist can do.

I hate that kids wanna be so hard. I wish people would just be normal. You don’t gotta act like your favorite rapper, just be yourself.

James goes on to offer more advice about being yourself:

If you like rock music, listen to rock music. If you like going to school, go to school. If you don’t wanna go to jail, don’t do stupid shit. If you don’t got hella money, don’t buy designer brands. Be yourself.

Being himself has clearly allowed Trick James to benefit artistically. His fan base, monthly listeners, and streamers all continue to grow. 

Trick James’ music has inspired those out there who might feel alone in their depression or sad thoughts. It lets them know that they’re not alone in their struggles.

It’s even allowed those close to the rapper to be more open about how they’re feeling.

Growing up in my neighborhood all my friends never showed their emotions. Everybody wanted to be hard and f*ck the most girls. When I first started music I was making music for those people so I assumed those people wouldn’t connect with songs about depression and suicide. I was wrong because those same people ask me for advice about depression now.

Sucker 4 Love is a testament to how great art can be when it comes from an artist’s heart.

Trick James is just getting started and plans to release more music soon. It’s sure to be fire and further cement him as one of the hottest up and coming rappers in the game right now.


Listen to Trick James’ new album Sucker 4 Love  on Spotify:

Riche Uncle talks ‘Failed Success’ doc and struggles artists face going viral

We’re all just trying to go viral nowadays. It seems to be a natural symptom of the current cultural environment that we live in.

But when you take a second to think about it, going viral isn’t all that it’s made out to be. You get your 15 minutes of fame, and that’s it. Everyone forgets about in a matter of days.

St. Louis based filmmaker and marketing consultant, Riche Uncle, explores the ills of going viral in his documentary Failed Success.

In the documentary, Riche Uncle explores how going viral can really play out for aspiring creatives, through the lens of Joseph Leflore, A.K.A. Joe’l, A.K.A. Mr. Ooh My God.

Joe’l reflects on his moment of fame, how it affected his career, and what he wished he did better. In an exclusive interview with Kulture Hub, Riche Uncle further explores how viral moments are exploited and how up and coming creatives, musicians, in particular, should approach going viral.

Riche on the necessary work that needs to be done before one approaches the prospects of going viral.

Musicians should have their business side set up before the even dive into releasing anything.

On top of that, Riche explains the key necessity of having a team. He’s a firm believer that musicians shouldn’t feel the need to do everything on their own.

Don’t be so independent that you try to do everything on your own. I think people get the term independent confused with, I will do everything on my own. Social Media and the internet move too fast for that; you need a team.

Once the right team is set up, going viral becomes something that is way easier to manage. As seen in the Failed Success doc, going viral without the right team around you can lead to the inability to fully capitalize on it.

In Failed Success, Joe’l discusses not being surrounded by the right people. It’s clear that he believes with the right team, he wouldn’t have felt the same kind of exploitation that he was ultimately met with.

Even with some of the downfalls of going viral without a plan, Riche doesn’t believe that musicians should shy away from trying to go viral.

Definitely aim to go viral, especially with your musical content. It makes you recognizable for years to come, in return it will give some type of options to cash in on it. You can’t really go wrong with authentic and relatable viral content.

Going viral definitely has its advantages. Artists get to immediately connect with and reach crowds they wouldn’t have had access to before. Riche explained how these advantages can turn into tangible opportunities:

Going viral gives you high traffic and organic engagement. Companies and labels spend a lot of marketing dollars to go viral. Once you go viral, you can do more than obsess with the views and likes and social media posts. You can now get paid to do promotions, appearances and if you are a musician you can do shows.

Even in the case of Joe’l, Riche believes that viral moments are a mostly positive experience for artists.

Joe’l’s “ Ooh my God” viral moment was a brief one, but opened some doors for his voice and fun personality, this will always allow him some sort of opportunity in the industry.

The landscape is changing for creatives. We no longer live in a time where artists need to seek out existing gatekeepers to get their content out to the world. However, with this, comes an over-saturation of content and one of the few ways to make yourself visible is to go viral.

While going viral can be something that quickly gets you in and out of the public eye in a quick period of time, it can also be an opportunity to grab people’s attention and never let go.

So keep putting yourself out there, keep grinding, and make sure you’re ready to take full advantage when your viral moment finally comes.

Keep it real OG: Was Season 3 of ‘Dear White People’ lowkey whack?

We are currently blessed with many great auteurs of color. Directors like Spike Lee and Ava DuVernay have been on their game for years, and newcomers like Barry Jenkins and Jordan Peele are paving lanes for fresh stories about black Americana.

However, with all the praise going around to black directors and creatives, we also have to be real with ourselves when their work isn’t up to par.

I will always support black art and wish for its success, but I can’t do it blindly. Sometimes we just have to admit that just because something was created by a person of color, that doesn’t automatically make it dope.

When Netflix dropped a surprise new season of Dear White People, I was hype as hell. The first two seasons were breaths of fresh air. They told interesting stories about race, gender, and sexuality in America.

I was expecting more of the same from season 3. But it never seemed to reach the bar set by the previous two seasons. That’s not to say there wasn’t anything good to take away from this season. It just fell a little flat.

My biggest issue with this season was the lack of focus. There was no central story that kept me invested throughout the season. Sure, there was some solid character development and interesting storylines, but they did little to push the season forward.

Within a larger context, these storylines and character arcs could’ve made for another great season. Instead, we got 10 episodes that were flimsily tied together to create something that resembles a season of “descent television.”

Throughout the season, experimental and inventive camera, lighting, and even editing techniques are utilized. While they all look cool, they did little to help the season’s story or even an overarching theme. It’s one thing to know how to create a shot with a “dutch angle.” It’s another thing entirely to know when to use it.

Whether it was wonky filmmaking techniques or loose writing, I just never got the sense that the makers of this season’s Dear White People knew where they wanted to take the audience or how they wanted to do it.

This criticism of the new season isn’t just blind hate. It actually comes out of a place of love. A place of love that wants ALL art by people of color to reach its full potential. I hold the TV and movies I consume to a high standard. If it doesn’t live up, I gotta call it out for what it is.

The only way to continue the growth of the amazing art being made is to critique it with realistic expectations. It’s not enough just to see stories about people of color by people of color. Those stories need to be damn good and better be well made.

We’ve had people of color make some absolute classic movies and TV shows. But we’ve also had some people make some absolute trash. I’m here for the classics and I’ll keep calling out the trash for what it is until I’m only seeing classics.

Check out Season 3 of Dear White People for yourself, fam. Keep it real though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvPbJdDKKds

Meet the inspiring chef Lakeith Stanfield is playing for his next movie role

There aren’t a lot of great food biopics out there. There also aren’t a lot of noticeable great Black chefs. These should both be changing very, very soon.

A memoir you’ve probably never heard of, about a dude who you also probably never heard, got picked up by a movie studio you probably have heard of and will be made into a feature-length film with a dude that you definitely have heard of.

Lakeith Stanfield, star of Atlanta, Sorry to Bother You, and Get Out will play Chef Kwame Onwuachi in an upcoming film adaptation of his memoirs Notes from a Young Black Chef. Not much else information is out about the film at this point, but it’s more than enough to get us super hype about the project. 

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The film will star Stanfield, who is also onboard as a producer. A24, the indie production company behind movies like Moonlight, Hereditary, and Mid90s, is set to finance the movie. Randy McKinnon will adapt the screenplay from the powerhouse memoir.

The film is bound to be a hit, as Stanfield has proved to be one of the hottest young actors in Hollywood and Chef Kwame’s story is a wild one.

Onwuachi is one of the hottest young chefs in the world right now and is probably most famous for his attempt at opening a high-end tasting restaurant in Washington DC. The Shaw Bijou, Onwuachi’s first restaurant, which he opened at the age of 26, closed within three months of opening is doors.

The restaurant featured cuisine that told the story of Kwame’s life in an upscale and exclusive fashion and cost guests $185 per person before tax, tips, or wine pairing. Many thought the move was too bold for such a young chef, but as Kwame outlines in his book, it made perfect sense considering everything leading up to that moment.

Raised in the Bronx, Onwuachi’s upbringing included an abusive father, drug dealing, and time spent living in Nigeria with his grandfather. One thing was always consistent though – the importance of the kitchen.

Whether it was his own house, a friend’s house, grandpa’s house in Nigeria, or his college ‘trap’ house, food always managed to play a major role in Kwame’s life.

From these humble beginnings, Onwauchi managed to find his passion for cooking. Starting off as a line cook down in Louisiana, he worked his way through cheffing on a boat for a crew working the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, starting his own catering company, working in Michelin star kitchens like Per Se and Eleven Madison Park, and eventually graduating from the Culinary Institute of America.

His hustler spirit was apparent throughout. His grind never stopped and hard work always paid off. Of course, he had the balls to make his first restaurant venture a wildly ambitious one. 

Onwuachi’s story should be more than enough to entice movie-goers to see this film. Pair that with the star power of Stanfield, and you’re sure to have a hit. 

Haters gonna hate: Why is LeBron being a great dad making people so mad?

By now you’ve probably seen the clip. In an AAU game, an alley-oop gets thrown up and young Bronny James throws down. On the other side of the court, a hyped-up LeBron James is jumping around, celebrating his son’s great play.

https://twitter.com/BronnyJamesJr/status/1155487543598682112

To most, this was an innocent expression of fatherly joy. To others, it was a selfish and immature move by an egoistic NBA superstar who always wants all eyes on him.

It’s impossible not to look at these reactions through the lens of race. A famous Black man, being told by mostly white sports commentators that his actions as a father are inappropriate and out of line. Doesn’t sit right… right?

For years the stigma of the absent Black father has plagued the African-American community. But in recent years, we’ve seen a reversal in that stigma. Across the country, dads are stepping up in parenting roles that previous generations ignored. 

Some of the best examples of this presence can be seen in the NBA. NBA veterans like LeBron, Dwayne Wade, Chris Paul, and Carmelo Anthony have all been seen in the public eye being the great parents that they are. We see these men thriving in the role of fatherhood and taking great pride in being great dads.

We’ve also seen fathers of young NBA stars being extremely present in their son’s NBA careers. The most notable being LaVar Ball, but he isn’t the only one.

Lavar Ball Bbb GIF by Ball in the Family - Find & Share on GIPHY

At this years NBA draft we saw countless examples of proud fathers standing with their young sons on the biggest days of their lives. We saw sons appreciative of their fathers for the guidance provided and time dedicated to help the dream of getting drafted in the NBA come true.

But why are dads like LaVar Ball and LeBron James critiqued when being noticeably present in their children’s lives?

For years Black men have been chastised for being absent from the lives of their children. Now, when Black men are seen as being overly involved, they receive the same kind of chastising. 

Is there maybe some overcorrection happening on the part of someone like LeBron James? Probably. Should we get on his case for striving to be the father figure in the lives of children that he never had growing up? Absolutely not.

White America will take just about any opportunity to take down a prominent figure, they’re a Black American. Even if that means getting mad at a dad who gets excited for his son throwing down a monstrous dunk, or posting videos on Instagram about his family’s taco Tuesdays.

The hate isn’t just coming from white America though. Fox Sports analyst Jason Whitlock even had some words for LeBron. Telling him to “sit yo ass down.”

The argument of LeBron being an egomaniac who takes away from his son’s shine is straight-up nonsensical. Let the man live. And let Black fathers continue to take pride in the achievements of their children’s accomplishments and bask in that glory.

Everyone should appreciate and encourage what LeBron and other prominent Black dads around the NBA are doing. Continue to get hype for your kids; continue to vouch for them in media outlets; continue being examples of the great Black dads that exist all across this country.

MCU Phase 4: How Marvel bodied Comic-Con by signing a diverse cast

Nobody bodied this weekend’s San Diego Comic-Con like Marvel. They sent the whole internet into a frenzy when they announced what they have in store for MCU Phase 4 movies. 

The news proved to be big not only for devout MCU fans but also for the more casual viewers. Announcing movies like The Eternals, Shang-Chi, Black Widow, and others, Marvel proved Phase 4 is here to shake things up.

We all know the MCU has had issues with diversity and representation in the past. Blockbuster movies starring straight white dudes saving the rest of us from otherworldly threats were a staple for the Marvel Studios. But not anymore.

Springboarding off the success of movies and characters like Black Panther and Captain Marvel, the MCU is fully embracing a world of diverse superheroes that all fans can enjoy. Here are some of the new actors, directors, and characters we’re most hype about seeing in the coming years.

Black Widow – Scarlett Johansson and Cate Shortland

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Although ScarJo is an MCU vet, fans are hype to finally see her get her own movie. what’s even better? Cate Shortland is on to direct.

Black Widow will be the first Marvel movie to be exclusively directed by a female. We know Shortland won’t be the last, and this trend will only help the quality of the MCU films going forward.


The Falcon and the Winter Soldier – Anthony Mackie

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Mackie is also a vet of the MCU world, but we’re most hype for this Disney Plus series because of the fact that Mackie’s Falcon character will be wielding the Captain America shield.

Yessir, we have a black Captain America. Surely, Mackie won’t try to emulate Chris Evan’s Captain America character, but rather make it his own for new fans going forward.


The Eternals – Kumail Nanjiani and Bryan Tyree Henry

Nanjiani and Henry won’t necessarily be the biggest star in this film (Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek are good for that). Still, it’s hard to not be hella excited for these two. Both actors have proven that they’re ready to jump into the superstar stratosphere and are sure to steal any scenes they’re in. 

A group of superheroes led by two women, with a Pakistani American and African American among the ranks is definitely a squad that shouldn’t be f*cked with. Not to be overlooked though, is director Chloe Zhao, who will be offering up some much-needed diversity behind the camera as well.


Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – Simu Liu and Awkwafina

When Marvel gave us Black Panther it was a breath of fresh air for black Marvel fans everywhere. With Shang-Chi, Asian American fans can rejoice similarly. Don’t get it twisted though, Shang-Chi, like Black Panther, won’t just be a movie for a specific demographic.

Fans of all backgrounds and ethnicities will show up in waves to see this and would be foolish not to.


Thor: Love and Thunder – Natalie Portman Taika Waititi, and Tessa Thompson

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Bringing back Taika Waititi for Thor 4 was a genius move by Marvel. The Kiwi writer/director revived the Thor series with Ragnorok, which was low key the funniest Marvel movie to date.

The big surprise though was the announcement that Natalie Portman would be returning as Lady Thor. Waititi is sure to have some more tricks up his sleeve to make Thor 4 one of the hottest movies in the MCU.

Another highlight: The film will confirm Valkyrie’s (Tessa Thompson) status as the first openly LGBTQ superhero in the MCU.


Blade – Mahershala Ali

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Did you think we just weren’t going to mention Mahershala? This was the biggest surprise of the weekend and easily the dopest drop Marvel could’ve given us.

Forget the Fantastic Four; forget the X-Men; Blade was the big Marvel reboot we all needed. And there is not one person on Earth more fit for the role than Mahershala Ali. 

Along with his two Oscars, Ali brings the swag and charisma necessary to make this film a home run. No release date, no director attached, no other actors announced, no problem. Mahershala is all we need.

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This commitment to diverse casts, creatives, and stories highlights a new shift for Marvel. One that we’ve been waiting for from the studio for years.

Movies reflect the world in which we live. And it’s about damn time that the biggest movies in the world reflect the beautifully diverse society that we have today.

Peep the complete list of MCU Phase 4 movies to drop below: