Case for Best Picture: ‘Elvis’

Elvis, The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, was the ultimate teenage heartthrob of the 1950s who now, — with his renowned provocative dancing, greased-back black hair, and mesmerizing voice — has been brought back to life by Austin Butler in Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis.”

Audiences watched the life of Elvis Presley from the perspective of Colonel Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks, who was Presley’s questionable manager. Parker wakes up alone in a hospital room in Las Vegas, with papers and newscasters labeling him as a crook, a manipulator, and a cheat who took advantage of the young talent. So the movie is Parker’s attempt at explaining himself and telling the story of Elvis’s rise to fame and eventual fall.

The movie brings together audiences of all ages; typical moviegoers, teenagers, and even those who were fans during Elvis’s prime. The audience will surely enjoy the extraordinary performance of Austin Butler, which captures the whole essence of Presley — from his sideburns to his gravel voice. Butler’s performance is transformative, as seen in a major sequence of Elvis’s performance. You can see Elvis transform from a nervous kid with trembling legs behind the stage to a performer whose strong voice travels into the hearts of girls in the audience — carried by charm, charisma, and raw emotion. Butler became Elvis. He captured both the vulnerability of Presley as he faces rejection, as well as the highs when Elvis eventually falls in love with his wife, Priscilla.

Although it is predominantly a musical drama, the movie does more than tell the story of Elvis: It tells the story of a changing America. Elvis had been raised in a predominantly Black neighborhood, growing up with soul music that was crucial to the formation of his own style. His style was not accepted by many at the time; yet, he continued to perform to make his family proud. A scene in the film shows the suggestive nature of Elvis’s dancing and sound, earning him the title of “A white boy with Black moves.” Elvis’s main musical inspirations came from his childhood from the sounds of famous Black artists. The film highlights the racial controversies that arose from Elvis’s music as they fit into a broader conversation of racial dynamics and fame during the 1950s. The movie does a spectacular job of pointing out the tense social atmosphere at the time with threats of Elvis’s arrest and the transformation of his image.

“Elvis” is an ever-changing film with eye-catching sets and a color palette indicative of a rich and bustling lifestyle of vibrant Las Vegas shows, gambling, and fame. Butler revived an icon of American culture through his electrifying performances and a spot-on accent. Although an American icon, “Elvis” maintains relatability among audiences with its themes of family and love, which makes it a standout in the Best Picture category.

“Elvis” is deserving of the Best Picture Award. It had everything, with fantastic production and costume design, flowing storyline, and dazzling performances that made me wish I was one of the girls losing my voice and hollering at Elvis Presley myself!

RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

European Old Master Paintings Reexamined In New York Under A Fresh Take On Blackness And Slavery

Across the world’s finest art institutions and most prized collections, a number of exhibitions are recontextualizing what makes an old master painting. Erasure of Blackness in the Western art historical canon has been a source of anguish mentioned by many Black artists working today, such as Adebumni Gbadebo, who recently exhibited a solo show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art concurrently to a Claire Oliver, and Simone Elizabeth Saunders, who has a show coming up March 17th.

Over just the last few months, places like the Metropolitan Museum of Art are consciously working to change perspectives on some of the same works of art that have previously felt exclusionary. Court painter Diego Velazquez is known for his Las Meñinas portrait of the Spanish royals, but also for his assistant, friend, fellow artist, and slave Juan de Pareja. Juan de Pareja, Afro-Hispanic Painter opens April 3rd, with insights included by the late Harlem Renaissance scholar Arturo A. Schomburg.

On February 27th (closing just days before the Metropolitan showcase, on March 30th), Ten True Stories of Dutch Colonial Slavery from the Rijksmuseum traveled to the United Nations.

As indicated in the title, the Rijksmuseum show takes 10 true stories from the 17th to the 19th century, when Dutch slavery was abolished. Spanning the colonial Dutch empire in Brazil, Suriname and the Caribbean, as well as in South Africa, Asia and in the Netherlands itself, the stories are anchored by a single object called a tronco, or a wooden foot stock used as punishment and constraint.

Originally shown in Amsterdam in 2021, the Visitors’ Lobby is dedicated to the art as part of the United Nations Outreach Programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery, largely sponsored by the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UN and the Dutch diplomatic mission in the United States. It is reported to be the first exhibition on slavery in Dutch history. Discourse with American and Caribbean experts is included in the program at its closing, then travel around the UN until December 2024.

MORE FOR YOU

The rawness and sorrow of traumatic histories is challenged by contemporary artists, however.

Claire Oliver first learned of Canda-based Simone Elizabeth Saunders’ work during the Black Lives Matter movement, and it wasn’t long before they began working together. Saunders has a show debuting March 17th at Oliver’s Harlem gallery called Unearthing Unicorns, in dialogue with the unicorn tapestry at the Met Cloisters.

Saunders was struck by how trapped the unicorn was…and her work sets to free it, along with Black joy, Black love, and Black magic. Through cultural mythology and a rooting in the body, her work challenges tradition and revitalizes it through a racially provocative and positive lens.

Ultimately, the combination of traditional and contemporary art is ushering in an exciting new era for art history, which promises further exhibitions that undo the black-and-white typification of the past.

RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

The Instrumental and Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

… Pattillo was the only African American at Johns Hopkins … the politics, ethics, racism and research surrounding the … . Yet, segregationists prevented African Americans children from benefitting, even … all of whom were African Americans, grew mass quantities of … RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News

Dolly Parton’s Sister’s Tweets Are a ‘Racist’ Dumpster Fire

… appearing to discredit persistent racism within police departments. “We … of prejudice, bigotry, misogyny, racism, ageism, elitism.” On … systemic racism,” one fan tweeted. “Also chastising black Americans for … about the accusations of racism, Parton said her … RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News

UAMS Ceremony Recognizes Pioneers in Black History Wall of Honor Exhibit

By Chris Carmody

The exhibit, which was displayed in the hospital’s first-floor admissions and discharge area during Black History Month, highlighted the accomplishments of Black pioneers from UAMS’ past and present. Many of the honorees attended the closing ceremony. 

Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health, praised the honorees and thanked them for their efforts to improve health care in Arkansas.  

“UAMS would not be what it is without these individuals who made so much of their time here,” he said. “This exhibit is so powerful, and it says so much about our values and our commitment to equity and social justice.”

Tim Nutt, director of the UAMS Historical Research Center, stands at the lectern as he speaks about some of the pioneers recognized in the Wall of Honor Exhibit.

Tim Nutt, director of the UAMS Historical Research Center, speaks about some of the pioneers recognized in the Wall of Honor Exhibit.Image by Evan Lewis

Tim Nutt, director of the UAMS Historical Research Center, said the exhibit showed the rich history of UAMS and the significant accomplishments of its pioneers. He also acknowledged the challenges many of them faced, overcoming racism, sexism and elitism as they blazed trails for others to follow. 

Nutt highlighted the stories of two honorees, Edith Irby Jones, M.D., and Joycelyn Elders, M.D. In 1948, Jones was the first African American admitted to the UAMS College of Medicine. She graduated in 1952 and became a renowned physician who inspired others to pursue medical careers. One of those was Elders, who graduated from UAMS in 1960 and went on to serve as the United States’ first Black surgeon general from 1993-94. 

“UAMS is not the same institution it was in 1948 when Dr. Jones applied,” Nutt said. “In the past 75 years, long strides have been made toward diversity, equity and inclusion across the institution, and progress continues to be seen every day.” 

Michelle Krause, M.D., MPH, the CEO of UAMS Medical Center and senior vice chancellor for UAMS Health, said diversity is a vital component in the work of UAMS’ faculty and staff. That diversity made a difference in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, as UAMS was able to reach individuals and communities from a variety of backgrounds and provide the level of care they needed. 

“We’re dedicated to closing the gaps where we have health care disparities, both at UAMS and across our state,” she said. 

Hosea Long, an honoree and former associate vice chancellor for human resources, said that after he arrived at UAMS in 1991, he became part of a group that pushed to formalize diversity and inclusion efforts on the campus. He said UAMS has accomplished that goal in part by creating a leadership position dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion. That role is held by Vice Chancellor Brian Gittens, Ed.D., MPA. 

“With UAMS being the only academic health institution in the state, it should be a proponent of diversity and inclusion,” said Long, who retired in 2013 after more than 20 years at UAMS. “I see that happening here, and it’s very exciting.” 

Brian Gittens, vice chancellor of the Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, looks at the Wall of Honor Exhibit poster that recognizes Edith Irby Jones.

Brian Gittens, vice chancellor of the Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, looks at the Wall of Honor Exhibit poster recognizing Edith Irby Jones.Image by Chris Carmody

The 2023 Black History Wall of Honor Exhibit was created through a partnership involving DDEI, the UAMS Historical Research Center and the Wall of Honor Planning Committee. 

Betholyn Gentry, Ph.D., who retired in 2020 from her role as a speech-language pathology professor in the College of Health Professions, said she appreciated being recognized in the exhibit. Gentry was the first Black faculty member in the speech-language pathology program, where she served for 43 years.  

“I’ll be glad when we get to the day when there are no more ‘first’ African Americans in any position, when it’s just a normal part of the hiring process,” she said. “We’re getting there. The people being honored today are a testament to UAMS’ attempts to foster diversity.” 

Lanita White, Pharm.D., CEO of Community Health Centers of Arkansas and former assistant dean for student affairs in the UAMS College of Pharmacy, said she felt honored to be included in the exhibit, accompanying colleagues whom she described as “health care giants.” 

“For UAMS to collectively pause and honor these folks for their accomplishments, it speaks to a continuing focus on diversity, equity and inclusion,” she said. “We’re making sure that focus is front and center not only for our staff and students but also for our patients.” 

The members of the 2023 Black History Wall of Honor Exhibit are:  

  • Bill Bauknight 
  • Keneshia Bryant-Moore, Ph.D., RN 
  • Dana Carthon, Ph.D., RN 
  • Ashley Connors, BSN, RN 
  • Rodney Davis, M.D. 
  • Joycelyn Elders, M.D. 
  • Pebbles Fagan, Ph.D., MPH 
  • Henry Foster, M.D. 
  • Betholyn Gentry, Ph.D. 
  • Brian Gittens, Ed.D., MPA 
  • Sharon D. Harris, Pharm.D. 
  • Ronda Henry-Tillman, M.D. 
  • Barbara Johnson, MSN, RN 
  • Patricia J. Johnson 
  • Dina M. Jones, Ph.D., MPH 
  • Edith Irby Jones, M.D. 
  • Roy Kitchen, MBA 
  • Hosea Long 
  • Patricia Marks, Ph.D. 
  • Freda McKissic Bush 
  • Kevin Means, M.D. 
  • Brooke E.E. Montgomery, Ph.D., MPH 
  • Corey Montgomery, M.D. 
  • Lenora S. Newsome, Pharm.D. 
  • Austin Porter, DrPH, MPH 
  • Phillip Leon Rayford, Ph.D. 
  • Al Reece, M.D. 
  • Gloria Richard-Davis, M.D., MBA 
  • Ray Smith, RRT 
  • Billy Thomas, M.D. 
  • Charles White 
  • Lanita White, Pharm.D. 
  • Sophronia Reacie Williams, RN 
  • Sterling Williams, M.D., Ph.D. 
  • Olivia Wilson, MS 

The closing ceremony also marked the conclusion of DDEI’s commemorations for Black History Month. On Feb. 27, DDEI hosted a virtual panel discussion — titled “Resist Silence: Lift Every Voice!” — that focused on ways to empower diverse voices and opinions.  

Gloria Richard-Davis, M.D., MBA, executive director of DDEI, moderated the discussion, which included topics such as creating safe spaces, the stigmas regarding mental health in the Black community, the importance of mentoring, why allies matter, and how one’s faith can empower one’s voice. The panelists were Mildred Randolph, DVM, director of the UAMS Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) program; Tyrun Haynie, emergency preparedness director for Institutional Support Services; Isis Pettway, M.S., licensed associate counselor with the UAMS Health AR ConnectNow program in the Psychiatric Research Institute; Bill Ventres, M.D., associate professor in the College of Medicine; and Keneshia Bryant-Moore, Ph.D., RN, associate professor in the College of Public Health. 

Best Picture winners most out of step with critical opinion

… in the movie—such as racism, war, political activism, … marred with criticisms of racism and colonialist ideals perpetuated … misguided attempt at tackling racism and prejudice in America, … Victor H. Green for African American travelers throughout the country, … RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News

Dorchester seniors celebrate African American culture

Dorchester Banner

Members of the Dorchester Senior program celebrated the history, challenges, victories  and beauty of African American culture recently at the Chesapeake Grove Intergeneration Center at Delmarva Community Services, Inc.

Many attendees dressed in colorful attire and listened to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, read by Christine Bailey. Sandra Snowden conducted three short interviews with seniors who told their stories and imparted their personal wisdom to the assembled crowd.

To the sound of drum and applause 15 persons walked and danced through the tree lined atrium showing off their beautiful outfits, much of it authentic from different countries from the continent. 

The day was concluded with the crowning of the two oldest members present at the center as King and Queen for the day, Mr. Luther Cornish aged  93 and Ms. Dorothy Jackson.

Program manager Mary Handley said, “Our mission at the center is to highlight the relevance of every aging person, to help them feel a purpose for living and to extract their personhood through events like this. All of us, no what our background share mutual respect and celebrate each other. Today was a such a beautiful celebration and the smiles on every face convinced me that our mission was accomplished.”