American Black History - Old Photos

American Black History - Old Photos American Black History - Old Photos

07/30/2025

"Leprechaun in the Hood" (2000) is a cult comedy horror film directed by Rob Spera and stars Warwick Davis, Ice-T, Anthony Montgomery, Rashaan Nall, and Red Grant. This movie was the fifth installment of the "Leprechaun" series about people taking the Leprechaun's gold and hunting them down to reclaim it by any means necessary. "Leprechaun in the Hood" takes place in Compton, where some up-and-coming rap artists face off with the creature.

Without being overly critical, which is easy to do, the film is a comedic gem not meant to be taken seriously. The film has a blaxploitation aura as it intended to cater to a black audience using characteristic racial stereotypes. Yet, these types of comedy movies were typical during the late 90s and early 2000s when the landscape of black actors in film was evolving as culture changed. The hip-hop theme of the movie was a welcoming layer to the film's premises, as some of the tracks were decent. However, no official soundtrack was released, so some songs are unavailable.

If you're looking for mindless stoner fun from a horror film, then this is nonsense you can watch. If you take movies seriously, there are other horror movies for you. But for many, it's a nostalgic classic.

Director: Rob Spera
Writers: Mark Jones, William Wells, Alan Reynolds, Rob Spera, Jon Huffman, Doug Hall

Starring Warwick Davis, Ice-T, Anthony Montgomery, Rashaan Nall, Red Grant, Dan Martin, Lobo Sebastian, Ivory Ocean, Jack Ong, Barima McKnight, Bebe Drake, Donna M. Perkins, Daya Vaidya, Chloe Hunter, Lori J. Jones, Eric Mansker, Steven M. Porter

Storyline
When aspiring hip-hop performers Butch (Red Grant), Postmaster P. (Anthony Montgomery), and Stray Bullet (Rashaan Nall) cross the notorious record producer Mack Daddy (Ice-T), their grudge against him leads to their peril. After they break into Mack Daddy's home and swipe an ancient medallion from a grotesque statue, the evil Leprechaun (Warwick Davis) is freed from his magical prison. Soon, the sinister little man is on the trail of Butch, Postmaster P., Stray Bullet, and Mack Daddy himself to retrieve his stole items.

07/30/2025

"Vampire in Brooklyn" (1995) is a comedy horror movie starring Eddie Murphy and directed by Wes Craven. Murphy wrote the film with Charlie Murphy, Vernon Lynch, Michael Lucker, and Chris Parker. The movie also stars a great cast, including Angela Bassett, Allen Payne, Kadeem Hardison, John Witherspoon, and Zakes Mokae. Despite critical responses about the film, it did well at the box office, grossing $35 million on a $14 million budget.

Surprisingly, Hollywood released two primarily black-cast horror movies in '95. "Tales from the Hood" was the other film. Black horror movies were rare occurrences after the 1970s. There was a long drought of theatrically released black horror movies between the late '70s and early '90s. "Vampire in Brooklyn" resembles the classic blaxploitation horror film Blacula. While "Blacula" isn't a comedy, the storyline shows some resemblance.

Critics expected more from Wes Craven and Eddie Murphy, but I'm just pleased that they teamed up in the first place. Nearly 30 years later, the filmmakers and actors have reached an incredible status in the industry. The movie is fun and nostalgic. I highly recommend it to get your horror movie fix.

Director: Wes Craven
Writers: Eddie Murphy, Charlie Murphy, Vernon Lynch, Michael Lucker, Chris Parker

Starring Eddie Murphy, Angela Bassett, Allen Payne, Kadeem Hardison, John Witherspoon, Zakes Mokae, Joanna Cassidy, Simbi Kali, Messiri Freeman

Storyline
In the wake of her mother's death in a mental institution, detective Rita Veder (Angela Bassett) is assigned to a baffling serial murder case. After examining the crime scene -- a corpse-filled ship found adrift at sea -- Rita meets Maximilian (Eddie Murphy), a smooth-talking Caribbean pl***oy determined to romance her. When Rita begins suffering from crippling hallucinations, she calls upon Dr. Zeko (Zakes Mokae), an occultist who suspects a vampire is on the loose.

07/30/2025

"Graffiti Bridge" (1990) is a music-drama film written and directed by Prince. Some consider the movie a sequel to his 1984 film, "Purple Rain." However, only a few of the same characters were in "Graffiti Bridge, " including Prince, Morris Day, and Jerome Benton. Despite this movie being a sequel, not much of the original story rolled over from "Purple Rain." Instead, Prince took an artistic, spiritual, s*xual, and abstract approach to this movie.

Additional cast members are Ingrid Chavez and Robin Power. George Clinton, Mavis Staples, and Tevin Campbell also perform. Unfortunately, the film did not do well at the box office, grossing over $4 million on a $7 million budget. Yet, the soundtrack had a better reception, reaching number six on the US Billboard 200 and US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

Director: Prince
Writer: Prince

Starring Prince, Morris Day, Jerome Benton, Ingrid Chavez, Robin Power, Jill Jones, George Clinton, Mavis Staples, Tevin Campbell, The Time, T.C. Ellis

Storyline
"The Kid" (Prince) struggles to maintain control of the Glam Slam nightclub where he plays. Morris Day is the godfather of the nightclub scene and tries to force the Kid out. The Kid is about to succumb when Aura, a sensual guardian angel-type character (Chavez), comes to Prince's aid.

07/30/2025

"The Principal" (1987) is a crime drama directed by Christopher Cain and written by Frank Deese. The film stars Jim Belushi, Louis Gossett Jr., Rae Dawn Chong, and Michael Wright. The 80s had plenty of high school-themed movies. There was no shortage of films released highlighting teenage life. However, producers haven't made many movies dealing with multicultural students in the inner-city. Cain filmed the movie in Oakland, California, at Northgate High School. It was one of the first films to illustrate gang violence and takeovers within a school environment and a precursor to movies like "Dangerous Minds" and "The Substitute."

The film is a fictional story packed with some thrills and action. Michael Wright gives an excellent performance as the movie's antagonist. Buleushi plays the caring principal while struggling to handle a tough school. This movie isn't "Lean On Me" or "Stand and Deliver." But there is some good messaging there.

Director: Christopher Cain
Writer: Frank Deese

Starring Jim Belushi, Louis Gossett Jr., Rae Dawn Chong, Michael Wright, J.J. Cohen, Esai Morales, Troy Winbush, Jacob Vargas, Thomas Ryan, Reggie Johnson, Kelly Jo Minter, Ruth Beckford

Storyline
Burglary. Drugs Assualt. The students at Brandel High are more than the new principal, Rick Latimer (James Belushi), bargained for. Gangs fight to control the school using knives — even guns — when necessary. When Latimer and the head of security (Louis Gossett, Jr.) try to clean up the school and stop the narcotics trade, they run up against a teenage mafia. A violent confrontation on the campus leads to a deadly showdown with the drug dealer's gang and one last chance for Latimer to save his career and life.

07/30/2025

"B***y Call" (1997) is a cult comedy film starring Tommy Davidson, Jamie Foxx, Vivica A. Fox, and Tamala Jones. Takashi Bufford and J. Stanford Parker wrote the film, and Jeff Pollack directed it. Bufford also wrote "Set it Off" (1996).

"B***y Call" was part of a genre of black comedies tailored towards a younger generation where s*xuality and romance were the story's primary focus. By 1997, Jamie Foxx and Tommy Davidson had wildly succeeded as actors and comedians, especially from the hit show "In Living Color." In addition, Vivica A. was peaking after starring in several TV shows and nailing some good roles in blockbuster films such as "Independence Day" and "Set it Off," both released in 1996. Tamala Jones was still new in her career but soon found her avenue in acting after filming "B***y Call."

This movie is silly. There is so much randomness and offensive gestures that it's a stark reminder of how films were in the 1990s. But it was on par when it came to who the comedians were. For example, Bernie Mac made a hysterical appearance in a store run by Middle Eastern (or Indian) guys where one of them is white and pretending. And behind all of the foolishness, there was a valid safe s*x message through it all. Many folks who lived in the 90s can probably attest to the number of safe s*x programs that existed during that period. In addition, the movie had a great RnB soundtrack, peaking at 24 on the Billboard 200.

Director: Jeff Pollack
Writers: Takashi Bufford, J. Stanford Parker

Starring Jamie Foxx, Tommy Davidson, Vivica A. Fox, Tamala Jones, Bernie Mac, Ammie Sin, Scott LaRose, Ric Young

Storyline
Rushon (Tommy Davidson) is s*xually pent-up and ready to take things to the next level with his girlfriend, Nikki (Tamala Jones). But when he calls for a date, she asks to make it a double -- bringing along her brash friend Lysterine (Vivica A. Fox), whom Rushon sets up with his lewd buddy, Bunz (Jamie Foxx). Things go better than expected. As the evening transitions from the restaurant to the bedroom, the two men go on a madcap search for what will surely make the night complete: condoms.

07/26/2025

"Three the Hard Way" (1974) is an action film directed by Gordon Parks Jr. and stars Jim Brown, Fred Williamson, and Jim Kelly, three action superstars during the 1970s. Eric Bercovici and Jerrold L. Ludwig were responsible for the screenplay, and Allied Artists Pictures Corporation distributed the film. The movie follows three friends attempting to stop the poisoning of the black population by a terrorist organization that wants to use the water system to transport the deadly chemical.

Parks, Brown, Williamson, and Kelly were very active in filmmaking by 1974. Gordon Parks Jr. previously directed "Thomasine and Burshrod" and "Super Fly." The other three actors were action heroes in films such as "Slaughter," "Hammer," and "Black Belt Jones." "Three the Hard Way" doesn't have an intriguing plot or compelling storyline—however, Parks knew that was the case when he accepted the project. In an interview with The Boston Globe in June 1974, Parks said, "I know that 'Three' doesn't demand substantial acting ability, but that's not the point of the movie. It's meant to be entertaining, and beyond that, I wanted to work with superstars." Parks also added that if producers had left the film to him, he would have treated the film more seriously.

The Impressions are responsible for the soundtrack, which Lowrell Simon and Rich Tufo produced and released on Curtis Mayfield's label, Curtom. "Three the Hard Way" is an action-packed fun film. I bet seeing these guys together on the big screen in the 70s was great.

Director: Gordon Parks Jr.
Writers: Eric Bercovici, Jerrold L. Ludwig

Starring Jim Brown, Fred Williamson, Jim Kelly, Sheila Frazier, Jay Robinson, Charles McGregor, Richard Angarola, Howard Platt, Marian Collier, David Chow, Junero Jennings, Alex Rocco

Storyline
A record producer (Jim Brown), a Chicago businessman (Fred Williamson), and a martial artist (Jim Kelly) team up against white supremacists who aim to poison the U.S. water supply with a chemical that adversely affects only black people.

07/18/2025

She’s all grown up!

Sasha Obama just turned 24, and her proud parents, forever President Barack Obama and forever First Lady Michelle Obama, took to social media to celebrate their youngest daughter with loving tributes that resonated with warmth, gratitude, and deep parental pride.

Barack Obama, known for publicly cherishing his role as “dad-in-chief,” shared a message that captured both awe and admiration for the woman Sasha has become. “Happy birthday, Sasha! Watching you grow into the incredible woman you are has been a true gift. I’ll always be proud of you and will always be here for you,” he wrote.

“Happy birthday to my sweet girl, Sasha! Can’t believe how quickly time has flown. I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become. Love you always," Michelle Obama shared.

Happy Birthday, Sasha!!

07/18/2025

She’s rewriting Broadway history, one powerful performance at a time.

Celebrated actress Kara Young just earned her second consecutive Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play, this time for her role as Aziza in Purpose. With the win, Young became the first Black performer in history to receive a Tony two years in a row, a groundbreaking milestone in an already remarkable career.

Her portrayal of Aziza, a Harlem-based social worker in Purpose, earned critical acclaim and resonated deeply with audiences. As she accepted her award, Young honored the transformative power of the stage.

“In this world that [is] so divided, theater is a safe, a sacred space that we have to honor and cherish and it makes us united,” she said.

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07/18/2025

Happy 78th Birthday to Jimmie Walker.

Born June 25, 1947, Walker is best known for portraying James Evans Jr. ("J.J."), the oldest son of Florida and James Evans Sr. on the CBS television series Good Times, which ran from 1974 to 1979.

Walker was nominated for Golden Globe awards Best Supporting Actor In A Television Series in 1975 and 1976 for his role. While on the show, Walker's character was known for the catchphrase "Dy-no-mite!" which he also used in his mid–1970s TV commercial for a Panasonic line of cassette and 8-track tape players.

He also starred in Let's Do It Again with John Amos, and The Greatest Thing That Almost Happened with James Earl Jones and Debbie Allen. Walker continues to tour the country with his stand-up comedy routine.

07/18/2025

This hit children's show is going on tour! The award-winning YouTube series Gracie’s Corner is heading to the stage for the first time ever. Backed by Live Nation, *Gracie’s Corner Live: Gracie’s Global Adventure* kicks off August 9 in Atlanta with stops in Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Detroit, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and more.

Created in 2020 by Dr. Javoris Hollingsworth, Dr. Arlene Gordon-Hollingsworth, and their daughter Graceyn, the show was born out of a desire to see more Black children in educational media. Now beloved by millions, it's bringing its signature songs, characters, and joy to families live and in person.

07/18/2025

Serena and Venus Williams are stepping back into the spotlight, but this time, with a mic instead of a racket.

The tennis icons and trailblazing sisters just announced the upcoming launch of their brand-new video podcast, debuting this August on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The show will feature the Williams duo as co-hosts, bringing fans into their world through candid conversations with visionaries, creators, and rulebreakers who are passionate about shaking up the status quo.

“We’re so excited to be launching our new podcast, a place where we will share our personal stories, have authentic conversations, spotlight important topics, and laugh a lot,” they said in a joint statement. “This platform gives us the chance to engage directly with our fans who have supported us throughout our careers, and we’re excited to connect with audiences, old and new, in a way we’ve never done before.”

07/18/2025

Tracy Morgan is beaming with pride, and rightfully so.

The beloved actor and comedian was all smiles as he celebrated a major milestone in his family: his son, Tracy James Morgan, graduated from the University of New Haven with a bachelor’s degree in Music and Sound Recording.

It’s a full circle moment for the Morgan family. In 2014, Tracy Morgan survived a near-fatal car crash that left him in a coma for two weeks and in recovery for much longer. The experience was life-altering, but it also gave Morgan a second chance at life. That second chance led him to moments like this one: witnessing his son walk across the stage and step into his future.

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