Reel Images Magazine

African Americans are making huge strides in the news scene and it’s time we celebrated their accomplishments. Here is a list of our favorite African American newspeople with a few surprises and some old favorites. From http://www.direct.tv to basic cable, African Americans are making strides!
Oprah: No list of influential African Americans would be complete without a mention of Oprah. With her show going off the air soon and an entire cable network Read the rest of this entry »

When many people think about great African-American actors and actresses, they only think about those they see on the big screen. More often than not, they do not think about those who work behind the scenes and provide the voices for a film. Cree Summer is perhaps one of the most well-known African-American voice actresses. Her vocal talents can be heard on classic cartoons such as “Rugrats” and “Inspector Gadget.” She has also voice acted in several animated films including ” Read the rest of this entry »

James Earl Jones created the best voice in film history, Darth Vader. He did not start out as a well known voice actor; however, he started out as a child who had a monumental stutter. When he moved in with his grandparents and at school had to stand up and read a poem he had written, he found he did not stutter. He found that when he was in front of people reading a script he, did not stutter, and this is what lead him to acting.
James Read the rest of this entry »

There are many useful messages in this movie which allow the viewer to seriously consider the realities of the time and place that the movie takes place. In the south at the time portrayed in this film there were many opportunities for messages to be delivered and gleaned. The dichotomy of the black man driving the old Jewish lady allowed for many formidable opportunities for intuitive statements to be made on the prejudicial slant society held at the time. The scene Read the rest of this entry »

Morgan Freeman, best known for his roles in “Driving Miss Daisy” and “The Shawshank Redemption,” has lead the way for several African American actors on the big screen. It’s not a big leap to say that today’s top African American stars, such as Will Smith and Denzel Washington, owe their success to Freeman.

Freeman started his film career with an uncredited role in “The Pawnbroker” as a man on the street. Surprisingly, Freeman didn’t get his first credited role until 1980 in the Robert Redford movie “Brubaker.” One of his first critically acclaimed roles was in Read the rest of this entry »

I was asked by a friend the other day what my thoughts were on the concept of “The Token Black Guy” in movies in this day and age. Instead of the flippant answer I usually give to such questions, I stopped and thought about this one for a second.

Do they still do that in movies?

The answer is pretty obviously yes. Take the film “Skyline” for example. That cat from the show “Scrubs” plays an almost stereotypical young black Read the rest of this entry »

Race relations in film have come a long way. It’s been a long time, thankfully, that we’ve seen the African American appear in film as only a slave or simple minded helper or dancing fool.

Films have evolved and so has the role of the African American in American life and film. More and more over the years since the 60′s has the African American taken more important roles in film. Sidney Poitier portraying a detective in “The Heat of the Night” demanding respect comes to mind. Also, comes Read the rest of this entry »

Mr. T may seem like a funny choice for a role model, but you can learn a lot from Mr. T. 1. You should be comfortable in your own skin. You don’t need to conform to the world to find contentment. Interacting in your world by being real and welcoming others who are different than you promotes unity. Your hair can be long or in a mohawk; it can be pink or green or brown. You can wear chains and bling and still have a soft heart.2. Say what you mean and be real. Don’t fake it because that gets you nowhere.People don’t say what they mean anymore. They may think it, but instead of just spitting it out, they try their best to diplomatically agree. I’m not saying that we should be judgmental. Judging someone is unacceptable, but I am saying that Mr. T is a great role model to encourage you to say what’s on your mind. He never held back when he thought that something was crazy.Because things are crazy out there. Racism and terrorism and uncontrolled financial debt are all crazy! Crazy! And unless someone says something, how can we dialogue and grow together.

As we approach the 37th anniversary of the People’s Choice Awards, it’s time to celebrate those among our people who have been recognized as nominees for an award. African Americans have been contributing on stage, on screen and on the airwaves for generations now, but in no way does that make the body of work by these individuals any less significant. Without further ado, here is a look at your African American nominees with a chance to take home the hardware on January 5thFavorite On-Screen TeamIron Man 2oDon Cheadle (alongside Robert Downey Jr.)The Karate KidoJaden Smith (alongside Jackie Chan)Favorite TV Drama Actor Taye DiggsFavorite Talk Show HostOprah WinfreyFavorite Male ArtistUsher Read the rest of this entry »

Morgan Freeman can cross one more crowning achievement off his bucket list. Of course, after playing an almost too believable God in the 2003 comedy Evan Almighty, few have doubted how high or far Freeman could possible reach. The American Film Institute has chosen to honor Freeman as the 39^th recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award, only the second African-American to ever receive such prestigious recognition, with Sidney Portier marking the first selection in 1992. Of course, were Freeman to have written this he would likely omit his skin color all together, well documented in his preference to avoid racial distinctions and celebrate common humanity. Such wisdom and earnesty has earned Freeman a number of devout fans both on and off screen across all population segments. Freeman’s presence across film and television cannot go unnoticed, commanding instant respect and credibility on voice alone, breaking the proverbial Tom Hanks barrier. Read the rest of this entry »