40 YEARS OF CELEBRATING BLACK (AMERICAN) HISTORY MONTH!

Forty years ago this February, President Gerald Ford, was the first to recognize “Black History Month.” This period of acknowledgement evolved from “Negro History Week,” that was created by historian Carter G. Woodson, and other prominent African-Americans. This installment of the FUNKALICIOUS blog, is a retrospective of some American and Internatinal “Black” History accomplishments and occurrences, throughout 2015…
Taraji P. Henson Talks About Being Diana Ross

Taraji’s “trending”… Why? Apart from Ms. Henson’s “Empire” success, she’ll soon grace the cover of W magazine, and she’s giving the flavor of “The Boss.” The Inquisiter, People, US Weekly, Extra, Yahoo and Facebook, are all talking about her look.
THE BROTHERS DOZEN & A SISTA – 13 Successful Black Directors

Saw a story on Atlanta Blackstar’s website about black film directors. A good overview of these mavericks, I wanted to share and archive it, here in the Funkalicious blog…
A LENNY KRAVITZ RETROSPECTIVE – “STRUT” IN SEPTEMBER

Lenny is dropping his new album “Strut” on September 23rd! Rockin’ since 1989, his debut album, was “Let Love Rule.” I remember his then wife, Lisa Bonet, coming to visit us at WBLS to promote her man’s new music. We played it while she sat with us in the studio, and chatted about his musical vision, when NOBODY else did. Although his sound wasn’t traditionally that, of what one would hear on an R&B station, we supported him. We were ‘BLS, we played Queen and INXS – why? Because it was Dope!
GOOD MOVIE – LEE DANIELS DOES IT AGAIN!!!

Went to see “The Butler” last night, Loved It! Part of me was just gonna “write something” on FB, but I had to write more, and GIVE IT UP to the filmmaking genius of Lee Daniels. Starring Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo and an impeccable ensemble cast, Lee has another future classic on his hands.
Forest Whitaker FUNKS UP “The Butler”

Oscar Award winning actor, producer and director Forest Whitaker has several projects on deck right now. Soon to be seen as the lead in Lee Daniels’ “The Butler” opposite Oprah Winfrey, he has current and upcoming roles in six other films.
TYRESE GETS THE RIGHTS FOR TEDDY

Tyrese Gibson tweeted recently: “I have officially secured the life rights to the life story of Teddy Pendergrass, my inspiration. This movie will be made…” People are already saying he can’t pull it off… to those haters, there’s still hope for you 😉 I’m not even a Tyrese fan, but say CONGRATULATIONS!
T.J. MARTIN IS THE FIRST BLACK DIRECTOR TO WIN AN OSCAR!

Seattle native TJ Martin is the first black man to win an Oscar as a Director for his documentary “Undefeated”! Martin was just happy to be among some of his filmmaking heroes according to a recent article in the Seattle Times, now he’s made history. Prior to Martin, the only non-caucassion to win an Oscar for their accomplishment as a Director, was Ang Lee for his film “Brokeback Mountain.”
THE POLOTRICKS OF BLACK FILM AND THE BITTERSWEET COVETED OSCARS

The nominees are in… this past Tuesday the annual Oscar nominations were announced. A lover of movies, I was always impressed by a show that honored the best of the best in film as a youth.