Union Matters

By LAPACAZO SANDOVAL

Special to the AmNews

Creator Tracy Oliver (“Girls Trip”) has whipped up her brand of magic in the new series “Harlem” playing on Amazon Prime.

The PR team sent the entire season (thank you) and I could not get enough of the “unbreakable sisterhood” represented in this delightful series.

The show follows Camille, an anthropology professor (Megan Good), and her close-knit friends who all call the rapidly gentrifying Harlem home. The thicker-than-cornbread group includes the romantic Quinn (Grace Byers), the ambitious, LGBTQ+ up-and-coming tech maven Tye (Jerrie Johnson), and the utterly unique, and unfiltered singer Angie (Shoniqua Shandai).

There will be comparisons to Starz’s very wonderful “Run the World” (also set in Harlem) and let’s be clear, there is more than enough room for two shows (or more) that focus on Harlem.

Drama is the key to this series, and anthropology professor Camille brings that dramatic flourish because she’s in denial, thinking that her life is on track in the academic world but the truth is, she’s not bringing her A+ game and has not for years.

The next character that brings another juicy layer of drama is the beguiling Tye, a lesbian who is best described as a “softbutch” and the creator of a dating app exclusively for queer people of color; she walks with a confident swagger.

One of the most charming parts of the series is how Camille’s voiceovers bookend every episode, focusing her anthropological observation in each episode. One of the funniest episodes is “cuffing season” (i.e. the colder months inspiring single people to search for a partner to cuddle with) which finds the hilarious and complicated Angie lamenting that she’s missed “big nigger season”—her words, not mine.

The writing is first-rate. 10-out-of-10 with Camille’s storylines providing some of the meatier lines especially when she’s acting with Whoopi Goldberg, who plays her new boss.

But the real magic is when Camille, Quinn, Angie, Byers, and Shandai step into their life challenges together. Each of these characters is wonderfully dimensional.

But it’s the diva-with-a-voice Angie (Shoniqua Shandai) who will emerge as the find of this show. After her music contract is canceled and she’s tossed out of the record label plush townhouse, she’s forced to sleep on Quinn’s couch. Desperate to get her career back on track, she accepts a role in the hilarious musical adaptation of “Get Out.” The “Liberal Family” and “Sunken Place” dance numbers and set design are “bad-good” enough to make you feel deeply uncomfortable because it’s not much of a reach to imagine a sanctioned musical version hitting Broadway in the future.

The future of “Harlem” is bright. Four stars and if I could, I would give them more.

Amazon Prime’s “Harlem” (Sarah Shatz/Amazon Prime Video)

The first season of “Harlem” is now streaming on Amazon Prime.

‘Encanto’—Disney’s look at superheroes with a magical, Latinx family

By LAPACAZO SANDOVAL

Special to the AmNews

“Encanto” is Disney’s newest attempt to pay homage to the Latino culture, this time celebrating the people of Colombia. Here the center of the story is about a multi-generational family blessed by wonderful enchantments. The word encanto is used to reference a miracle that made a home for this family, deep in the mountains in a town named “Macondo” founded by the Buendia family in the middle of the jungle. Of course, Gabriel García Márquez’s 1967 novel “One Hundred Years of Solitude” delves deeply into sex, politics, and the bloodstained history of imperialism in Latin America—none of which are quite suitable subjects for a Disney kids” movie. So for its structure and rhythm, “Encanto” leans on more familiar U.S. media touchstones.

Here’s the kicker: almost every member of the Madrigal family has a special power and they tend to be self-obsessed: Isabela (Diane Guerrero) can make beautiful flowers bloom, and Luisa (Jessica Darrow) is strong enough to lift anything.

But poor Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) is the only family member without any evident superpowers.

Their mother, the attentive Julieta (Angie Cepeda), has the ability to heal people with her cooking and other funny family members include Aunt Pepa (Carolina Gaitán), a tempestuous spirit with a mini rainstorm over her head, and their shapeshifting cousin Camilo (Rhenzy Feliz) who could use a boost of self-confidence.

Imagine how poor Mirabel feels and being the youngest sister, she desperately wants to prove (sans magic) she can support her family and community just as well as they can. Plus she’s curious that maybe her lack of powers means that the family’s enchantment is fading. To that end, Mirabel decides to investigate the source of this decline and see if it can be fixed.

First stop, Mirabel searches for her uncle Bruno (John Leguizamo), who left the clan because his visions were so strong they troubled the family. Naturally, along this journey, she reaches out to other family members and there are plenty of cute songs to keep the journey moving.

It’s clear that Mirabel will ultimately locate her own magical destiny because the magic of the Madrigals is real, and the dark backstory makes the family even more interesting. In their own way, the entire family are superheroes because their magic flows into the town, protecting the entire community. It’s a utopia. Until, quite literally, it starts to come apart at the seams.

I don’t want to enter into any spoiler alerts but the family’s matriarch, Abuela (María Cecilia Botero), takes it upon herself to investigate and it turns out that the ostracized uncle Bruno is needed to help solve the puzzle.

Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote eight original songs for the film, all of them solid, several of them gems, such as the strongwoman Luisa’s song “Surface Pressure” and the ensemble number “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” and the really fun, catchy rival song, Camila Cabello’s “Havana.”

There are a lot of great levels in “Encanto” and it’s a visually pretty film. A new classic? You bet.

AFRICAN DIASPORA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

ADIFF 2021 - Nov. 26 to Dec. 12, 2021

IN PERSON SCREENING - ADIFF 2021 OPENING NIGHT

FRI, NOV 26 @ 7:00 PM THE SLEEPING NEGRO Confronted with a series of racially charged incidents, a young black man must overcome rage, alienation, and hopelessness in order to find his own humanity. Q&A W/Dir. Skinner Myers

In accordance with New York City guidelines, proof of vaccination will be required for all In-Person attendees. View full list of COVID-19 protocol on ADIFF’s website at nyadiff.org. CINEPOLIS - 260 W. 23rd St - NY 10011 - Tickets @ nyadiff.org

ADIFF VIRTUAL @ NYADIFF.ORG

77 FILMS - 38 COUNTRIES - 38 WORLD / US / NY PREMIERES

“Encanto” (Disney photo)

“Encanto” is playing now. https://movies. disney.com/encanto

Virgil Abloh at Paris Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2019

tickets on sale today at telecharge.com

(Myles Kalus Anak Jihem (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Virgil_ Abloh_Paris_Fashion_Week_Autumn_Winter_2019_(cropped).jpg), https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode)

By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH

Special to the AmNews

It has been reported that the groundbreaking African American fashion designer Virgil Abloh died last week of a rare cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma. He was 41 years old.

Abloh is most known for his incredible career ascension to becoming the artistic director of menswear at Louis Vuitton in 2018 while he remained the head of Off-White, a label he founded. Abloh also worked with Nike and worked closely with rapper Kanye West as his creative director.

The powerful designer broke the mold as one of the first African American people to work in a high-ranking role for a French high-end designer. The New York Times wrote, “The appointment was seen as the dawn of a new era and a move by an industry that had long struggled to face its racism. Rather than merely appropriating or pillaging the traditions of Black culture, it was acknowledging the truth.”

Abloh did not fall in line with the fashion world—the fashion world fell in love with him and trusted his sleek, elegant and futuristic menswear designs. His fashion shows were lavish while his friends in the hip hop industry strutted down his runways alongside professional couture models.

The AmNews covered his first show for Louis Vuitton where he quickly revealed his new line for the label just three months after the announcement of his position. “Virgil Abloh showed himself to be a designer with vision and major connections, as artists such as Kanye West and Rihanna supported his first runway show for Vuitton. Not only did several influential African American artists, designers and entrepreneurs attend the show, Abloh added a handful of his friends to the show. Kid Cudi, Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), Playboi Carti, A$AP Nast, Theophilius London and The Internet’s Steve Lacy all walked down the runway, showing solidarity and community for the high-end label’s leap forward into the future.”

Abloh was born in Rockford, Ill. to Ghanaian immigrant parents, Nee and Eunice Abloh. He grew up around garments as his mother was a seamstress and gave him foundational knowledge in creating.

“Streetwear wasn’t on anyone’s radar, but the sort of chatter at dinners after shows was like ‘Fashion needs something new. It’s stagnant. What’s the new thing going to be?’ That was the timeline on which I was crafting my ideas,” Abloh said to GQ.

The impact Virgil Abloh made on the fashion world is priceless. He openly offered his genius and Black excellence to a world that was not constructed for him to thrive. He will forever be known as an icon and an undeniable agent for change.

HOROSCOPES BY KNOWYOURNUMB3RS KYA FRENCH

December 9, 2021 — December 15, 2021

Vinateria A mental shift is taking place like shifting gears in your car. Are you shifting into drive, neutral, reverse, or just parked waiting for directions from the Divine Creator to make your MOVE? Not all of us can move at the same time as everyone has their own personal cycles and transits for sudden changes to appear, or see results. Your results are based on what kind of due diligence you’ve applied as the outcome can come in many shapes to get you in alignment with the cosmic energy. How many times does the Divine Creator have to pull your coattail before you fall into unnecessary circumstances? Venus in Capricorn retrogrades at 26 degrees, then stations direct at 11 degrees on Jan. 29, 2022. Review from Nov. 18 up to Dec. 19 what transpires in your life, then you’ll receive a clearer picture of what’s occurring during Venus retrograde.

Visualization is the key to manifesting what you want in your life. Each day strive to do good; also write down your ideas and then work on them. In time, you’ll see results that will keep you motivated to reach any goals in your life. Anticipate a feeling of spiritual renewal or a reward in some form of way, be it receiving data within your dreams or being encouraged by others and experiencing sudden meetings with folks who bring a unique perspective. Publishing, writing, traveling, and researching information is in the forecast this week. Relax. This week is a game-changer when it comes to accomplishing important tasks. Traveling short or long distances is in your forecast; be it running errands or hearing the 411 traveling to you from afar. There may be feelings of being pulled here and there; be sure to stay focused and schedule increments of time out for self. Amazing concepts come to you and can be included in your projects. Include physical exercises with your back, shoulders, and less on your hips. A brisk walk outside in nature is a great reliever from all the work you’re creating. Plan a massage before Venus goes into retrograde on Dec. 19, 2021. You have the plan, now follow up with the footwork to build a solid foundation. Strengthen your mental and emotional muscles to physically get you in the groove. Sing, dance, hum, turn on inspirational and motivational speeches to elevate you in getting the job done. You may want to move in a different direction yet there’s a pull, a nudge, even a detour, or a conversation you need to hear to steer you in the right direction. Letting go was last week’s theme. Are you ready to move on and do something totally new now? Forming new alliances and partnerships is one way to fulfill your tasks. Change is fabulous, and the process is even more remarkable due to you moving from what was comfortable to uncomfortable to build a new chapter in your life. This week indicates traveling, sending an invitation for invite-only, dinner for one, or rock climbing, you name it. Outline your new vision and where you wish to go. Listen to your inner guide without any reluctance as you’re already feeling the need to reach out to a certain someone, a partner, or colleague for better understanding. Go straight to the source as information will be revealed with further clarity. What are your dreams and visions informing you of, that’ll soon materialize right before your very eyes with a twist for you to paint the picture for your own discernment? Listen to your intuitive nature. Your senses and memory are on point this week. These memories that are surfacing are sending you a message to comprehend a time of your life when you seek help or grasp a better grip on yourself. Taking a stand on what you believe in also acknowledging the role you played in your affairs. Don’t beat around the bush to find the information; it’s best to be direct in your approach with individuals. Spend time alone to figure out where you need to reconstruct your life for the better.

Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 21 Now’s the time you begin a clean slate in some aspects of your life. You’re feeling rejuvenated along with an energy that’s been lagging until you decided to pursue a goal in mind. Self-improvement is a major part of everyone’s growth to thrive and explore our natural talents. What natural talents do you possess that can earn you a passive income? Begin to improve your craft as we can all learn through trial and error before it becomes polished. Unresolved issues may surface this cycle, be it water-related, missing information, business affairs unbalanced, or uncertainty about a situation that needs time to develop. Advice from a wise woman can be useful or seeking your own inner guidance to direct your steps on the right path. Your stomach may be sensitive this week so be mindful of certain foods that look delicious but that leave a distasteful abdominal feeling. Drink plenty of water. A tug-of-war that’s pulling like the Uranus in Taurus effect is guiding you to take a leap of faith to jump on the bandwagon. Honesty is the key to any friendships, relationships, affairs if you sincerely want to build. Be sure you are coming from the side of truth, and that nothing less is to be taken seriously. Don’t waiver from your plans if you want to see successful results. A heart-to-heart conversation is needed if you sincerely want to clear the air this week. Speak your truth even if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Decisions about arranging or adding a new partner to build a stronger team are on the rise also it may be in question. When you don’t know how things are going to work out, it’s best to create a trial and error start date with an end date. From there you’ll know whether it’s a go or not. Looking in the mirror is powerful as some people can’t look in the mirror realistically. It’s a reflection of how you invest in yourself, and do you like what you see? If changes need to be made within your identity, then start the process by taking things one step at a time. Be impactful in your due diligence to inspire yourself and others along your journey. You’re the Creator of your destiny, and you can change your status at any moment when you cosmically apply yourself. What do you personally and presently value the most in your life at this moment? You have discovered a new talent that you can share your story with to uplift people to be an advisor in your field. The nudge and change of your mood swings that you’re feeling are to fine-tune you into the cosmic energy to open dialogue and ask or receive information from divine sources. Build the foundation you want by organizing your skillset into specialized categories to begin your new assignment.

Aquarius Jan 22 – Feb 19

Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20

Aries Mar 21 – Apr 21

Taurus Apr 22 – May 21

Cancer June 22–July 23

Leo July 24 – Aug 23

Virgo

Aug 24 – Sep 23

Libra Sept 24 – Oct 23

Scorpio Oct 24 – Nov 22

Gemini

May 22 – June 21

Sagittarius

Nov 23 – Dec 21

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