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‘Superfly’ Returns TREVOR JACKSON MAKES
BOSS MOVES RYAN DESTINY WISHES UPON A 'STAR'
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Queen Sugar's
DONDRE WHITFIELD SPEAKS HIS TRUTH
ABFF's Jeff Friday Bridging Gaps for Black Talent in Hollywood
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE 2018 AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL
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Editor’s Note
South Beach is already an electrifying city. However, when the 22nd annual American Black Film Festival rolls into town, the energy from
all the red carpet events, celebrity sightings, and movie screenings sends a huge jolt to the Miami area for one unforgettable week. As a fan of documentaries, I’m most looking forward to screening the array of docs featured at this year’s festival from “Whitney” and “The Bobby Brown Story” (Brown makes an ABFF appearance June 15) to “G-Funk,” which explores the origins of West Coast rap. But the documentary that will likely stir my emotions during the ABFF chronicles the brief life and tragic death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. “Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story” is
executive produced by Jay-Z and Trayvon’s parents. Over the past few years, I’ve worked closely with Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin through the Trayvon Martin Foundation, which operates on the campus of Florida Memorial University, where Fulton graduated and where I teach journalism. In a climate where Black lives continue to be challenged daily, this docu-series is a must see. “It’s going to be very informational, very educational,” said Martin, who’ll be appearing at the festival with Fulton. “A lot of things will be revealed that didn’t come out in the trial.”
“Rest in Power” is set to premiere on the Paramount Network in July. Finally, I am proud to present this exclusive digital-only edition of MIA magazine's ABFF issue. We encourage you to flip through the pages while you're on the go. Whether you're standing in line waiting for an ABFF screening or taking a break at the corner coffee shop, MIA magazine is available at your fingertips. Enjoy the festival!
Multicultural Jewels” as it is important that all of Miami is showcased to our visitors and convention delegates. We are excited about the festivities on Miami Beach and super excited about the community day of activities scheduled at the Historic Lyric Theater in Overtown, which is open to the general community to participate. Thanks to all of the visitors that decided to attend ABFF in Miami this week. It is our hope that the hospitality shown while here in the city of Sun, Fun
and Culture will exceed your expectations. In addition to the ABFF hashtags of #ABFF2018 #WeAreABFF, please also tag Miami in your social media posts by using #FoundinMiami #MulticulturalMiami #MiamiFilmMonth
Russell Motley Editor-in-Chief, MIA Magazine
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to partner once again with the 22nd annual American Black Film Festival. The ABFF is highly regarded as the premier film and entertainment conference in the country dedicated to helping elevate persons of color in the industry and is definitely one of Miami’s premier events. The theme for GMCVB’s Multicultural initiatives is “Engage, Embrace and Rediscover Miami’s
Yours Truly, Connie W. Kinnard
Vice President, Multicultural Tourism & Development Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
City of Miami Commissioner On behalf of the City of Miami, I am honored to welcome back the American Black Film Festival. This annual showcase continues to highlight stories of African Diaspora. Our Magic City is a cultural enclave with rich history of the arts. From the Historic Lyric Theater to the Olympia, film and entertainment are an essential part of Miami’s story. I trust that the festival will continue to elevate the stories of people of color, and enlighten the world of experiences. The City of Miami thanks you for all that your organization has done and continues to do for our community.
Subscribe to and view the digital version of Legacy Magazine Facebook: Facebook.com/TheMIAMagazine Twi�er and Instagram: @TheMIAMagazine #ABFF2018 #WeAreABFF CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS "The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and na�onal antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Ha�ng no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all hurt as long as anyone is held back."
Keon Hardmon
Chairman Miami City Commission Member of the Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA)
Dexter A. Bridgeman CEO & Founder Russell Motley Editor-in-Chief Zachary Rinkins Editor-at-Large Yanela G. McLeod Copy Editor Shannel Escoffery Associate Editor Md Shahidullah Art Director
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JUNE FILMMAKERS FILM FESTIVALS ART CINEMAS #FoundInMiami #MiamiTemptations
$8 FILMS* AT ART CINEMAS
During Miami Film Month in June, visitors and locals can take advantage of $8 films* at these participating art cinemas:
Bill Cosford Cinema
Miami Beach Cinematheque
5030 Brunson Dr., Coral Gables, FL 33146
1130 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Coral Gables Art Cinema
O Cinema Miami Beach
260 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33134
500 71st St., Miami Beach, FL 33141
O Cinema Wynwood
90 NW 29th St., Miami, FL 33127
Celebrate with screenings from Miami filmmakers, film festivals and special hotel offers throughout June. For more information, visit MiamiFilmMonth.com *Coupon is required to take advantage of Miami Film Month offers. Please visit MiamiFilmMonth.com for restrictions, details, and to download your coupon.
ORGANIZED BY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
PRESENTED BY
©Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau — The Official Destination Sales & Marketing Organization for Greater Miami and the Beaches.
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ABFF Designed to Connect, Celebrate Black Excellence in Film and Television By Zach Rinkins For many well-informed Competition, and “Best of the ABFF” outlets. won the HBO Short Film Award for his entertainment insiders and aspiring Awards Presentation. Guests can also “We just introduced this new series film “FIG” in 2011. In 2018, Coogler’s creatives, summer begins in Miami Beach unwind at the opening night party on called the ‘Business of Entertainment’. It highly acclaimed third theatrical release with the American Black Film Festival. June 13, the White Party on June 14, and is a nine-part career development series “Black Panther” joined the exclusive From June 13-17, thousands of the “It’s So Miami” closing night party on for people who want to transition into listing of films exceeding $1 billion in box attendees and celebrities will convene at June 16. office receipts. film.” the Loews Hotel, located at 1601 Collins The festival also includes Beyond the lights, cameras, and Friday identified access at ABFF as a Avenue, to network, consume exclusive numerous networking events and panel action, ABFF is a dynamic critical component of personal and content, and gain insights from industry discussions with Cadillac shuttles multi-purpose platform with an equal professional success. veterans. ABFF creator Jeff Friday works transporting attendees from various “Access is important,” he emphasis placed on entertainment, as a conductor of sorts to ensure all programming locations. continued. “We developed this festival education, and business. components of this like a conference. multi-faceted When you buy a extravaganza work in festival badge, you harmony. have access to all “I started this festival events until festival 22 years ago the venue meets with a vision of capacity. You can getting look at the schedule African-American and select your people together to adventure.” celebrate film, After an television, and 11-month marathon content about us,” vetting of more than Friday revealed. “I 4,000 video always knew that we submissions, were a community of identifying program people that did not partnerships, have enough planning festival showcases like this or panels, and soliciting enough organizations sponsors, Friday said, that supported “ABFF is diversity in 100-percent about Hollywood.” the people. You Festival goers can don’t have to be catch celebrities such Black to come to as “Power’s” Omari ABFF. Everyone can Hardwick, “Queen celebrate Black Sugar’s” Kofi Siriboe, culture. You don’t and Hip-Hop legend ABFF Ventures CEO Jeff Friday (far right) joins Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis (ABFF's 2018 Celebrity Ambassador) and Issa Rae for have to be Black to Rev. Run passing watch the NBA. The the Spotlight Screening of the Season 2 premiere of "Insecure," July 2017, South Beach. through halls while NBA is essentially heading to their Black people “We are celebrating ourselves,” Friday “We’ve found that there are a lot of events. entertaining the world. Black culture is added. “Every year ABFF gives us the people of color who don’t have This year, the festival will world culture,” added Friday, who said it opportunity to pause and celebrate Black connections in Hollywood,” Friday showcase screenings of “Superfly” from is his goal for the ABFF to continue to people and Black culture as a whole. Over shared. “There is really no academic path Sony Pictures, “Whitney,” produced by entertain, inspire, and empower revelers the past 22 years, many people have come to becoming an executive in Hollywood. Roadside Attractions, and clips from for generations to come. through our festivals. They’ve gone to We are really trying to close the loop BET’s upcoming television movie “The become successful in this business. I am between talented Black people and studios Bobby Brown Story.” really proud of what we’ve been able to and networks,” added Friday, while ABFF’s interactive programming do.” touting support from content partners includes the 21st Annual HBO Short Find out more at For some, ABFF can seem including NBC, Sony, HBO, BET, Film Competition, Celebrity Scene www.ABFF.com. magical. It’s where a young Ryan Coogler OWN, and Disney, among other Stealers, ABFF “Comedy Wings”
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Whitfield Believes Minority Entertainers Help Move the Country Forward By Angeline Taylor
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Dondre Whitfield appears in a scene with Retina Wesley in the third season of OWN’s “Queen Sugar.”
As a child and an adult, African-American actor Dondre Whitfield has performed on shows that have changed the color of television. “I feel like my memoir is going to be called from Robert to Remy,” said Whitfield, referring to his character Robert, the young sweetheart of Vanessa Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.” Today, the three-time Emmy Award nominee is part of the talented cast in OWN’s drama “Queen Sugar.” He plays Remy Newell, an irrigation specialist and confidant to the Bordelon family, which is fighting to keep the family’s sugar cane business alive. Each role in Whitfield’s 35-year career has allowed his finger to be at the pulse of a controversial topic in the United States of America – racism.
“I hesitate only slightly in saying this,” Whitfield, 47, said. “We live in a time right now where I am thankful for this administration allowing truth to come to the surface.” Whitfield clarified by saying that President Barack Obama was “a powerful sleeping pill for our people,” but “there is no snooze button in this fight until all citizens are created equal,” he added. “We’re a long way from having citizens be treated equally.” Whitfield explained that’s why shows like “Queen Sugar” and organizations like the American Black Film Festival are important to the country. “I can’t think of anything more American than black and brown folks in this country,” he said. He used his own wife, veteran actress
and director Salli Richardson Whitfield, as an example. The two have been married for 15 years. Salli Whitfield directed during the first season of “Queen Sugar.” “My wife’s own story is an example of what we are capable of doing if given the opportunity,” he said about his wife’s journey. “When we are given the opportunity and the platform, we rise to the occasion.” He continued, “Sister Oprah Winfrey should be given much credit for the birth of so many.” In addition to Winfrey, producer Ava DuVernay has led many women to direct on the groundbreaking OWN drama. “Queen Sugar” speaks to the story line of people of color and ABFF is a strong advocate for creating and nurturing the talent of minorities,” Whitfield said. He added that ABFF
founders Jeff and Nicole Friday have shown their activism for the arts year after year. He expects this year to be no different. That’s why Whitfield said he has supported the festival since the days it was held in Acapulco. “Every year, the expectation is for something groundbreaking,” he said about ABFF. “Every year, they live up to that expectation. There are so many film festivals that do not allow our voices to be heard.” Dondre Whitfield moderates ABFF Talks: Hot in Hollywood June 15, 7:45 p.m. Loews Miami Beach Hotel
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Experience the Tastes, Sounds, and Culture of Historic Overtown By Kechi Okpala
The district of Overtown is a community of heritage, culture, and entertainment. One of the oldest black neighborhoods in Miami, it is a place that reflects the true essence of black Miami. Formally known as “Colored Town,” it was the place where black U.S. born citizens and international immigrants alike worked and entertained on Miami Beach would live, lodge, and entertain during the period of segregation because they were not allowed onto Miami Beach. “Overtown” became the “Harlem” of the South for famous people including Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole, and Muhammad Ali who visited Miami to perform their latest hits and indulge in getaway vacations. The fun, history, and fanfare still echo within the community with so much to do and experience. From family activities, delectable restaurants, and historic tours, “Experience Overtown” provides a listing of the most popular spots to go when visiting the history district.
PLACES TO EAT: Jackson Soul Food 950 N.W. 3rd Avenue Miami, FL 33136 www.jacksonsoulfood.com Established in 1946, this comfort-style soul food restaurant is the one of the go-to-places in the Overtown community. It serves as a foundation for a lineage of first-class establishments. Its fish and grits breakfast platter is enough for two to share.
Lil Greenhouse Grill 1300 N.W. 3rd Avenue Miami, FL 33136 www.lilgreenhousegrill.com In the heart of Overtown, this edgy neo-soul restaurant satisfies all your tastes buds especially if you are a foodie. Try their much talked about barbecue ribs and collard greens. Special Herbs All Natural Juice Bar 1121 N.W. 3rd Avenue Miami, FL 33136 @SpecialHerbsOT
Health and wellness is what Special Herbs All Natural Juice Bar is all about. Want something refreshing, the “Soul Shot” gives a boost of ginger to your soul. House of Wings Miami 1039 N.W. 3rd Avenue Miami, FL 33136 www.houseofwingsmiami.com Wings, wings, wings is this establishment’s forte. It offers 60-plus flavors of chicken wings with a choice of grilled or fried seafood.
2 Guys Restaurant 1490 N.W. 3rd Avenue Miami, FL 33136 Have a lunch date at 2 Guys and order from their assortment of sandwich wraps. Mrs. Moore’s Bakery 122 N.W. 14th Street Miami, FL 33136 www.mrsmooresbakery.com Mrs. Moore’s Bakery is a family-owned and operated bakery. Mrs. Moore started baking with her mother and offers a variety of delicious cakes and sweet potato pie.
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THINGS TO DO: Miami Soul Sessions Poetry & Live Music Every Monday 1306 North Miami Avenue Miami, FL 33136 www.onthebside.com This weekly live music event allows you start the week off right! Enjoy the vibes with a featured DJ of the night spinning the best in R&B & Soul.
PLACES TO GO: Black Archives Historic Lyric Theatre Cultural Complex 819 N.W. 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33136 www.bahlt.org A 400-seat theater and multifaceted facility featuring high-quality performances, the history Lyric Theatre is the lone survivor of the district once known as "Little Broadway," which flourished in Overtown for almost 50 years. The theater served as a movie and Vaudeville venue. It showcased more than 150 performers including Aretha Franklin, Count Basie, B.B. King, Redd Foxx, and Ella Fitzgerald. Historic Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum 480 N.W. 11th Street Miami, FL 33136 www.historicalblackprecinct.org The Black Police Precinct was built in 1950 to provide a separate and segregated headquarters for Black officers. The building is unique as there is no other known structure in the nation that was designed, devoted to, and operated as a separate station house and municipal court for Blacks. The museum is a full-service facility with displays of police memorabilia, artifacts, documents, videos, and word-of-mouth stories told by men and women who worked there. The Purvis Young Mural Metrorail Bypass 11street N.W. 3rd Avenue Miami, FL 33136 www.purvisyoung.com Purvis Young was a notable
self-taught artist from Overtown. Often classified as a folk artist, you can find much of his artwork within Miami and at institutions including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the High Museum of Art.
New Washington Heights Folklife Friday First Friday of the month 9th Street Pedestrian Mall N.W. 9th Street and 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33136 This monthly event provides access to more than 30 vendors who offer custom
Art Africa Miami 920 N.W. 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33136 www.artafricamiamifair.com Art Africa Miami is an art gallery in Overtown that creates a burgeoning art and creative scene. Booker T. Washington Senior High School 1200 N.W. 6th Avenue Miami, FL 33136 www.btwtornadoes.org Booker T. Washington Senior High School was the first public school in South Florida to provide 12th grade education to black students. It was named after Booker T. Washington who founded Tuskegee University in 1881. Dedicated to educating black children, Washington was once revered as the most powerful black man of his era in the United States. Space Called Tribe Co-Work and Innovation Lab 937 NW 3rd Avenue Miami, FL 33136 www.spacecalledtribe.com If you have to send a quick email while touring Historic Overtown or to meet fellow entrepreneurs in the area, this is the place to go.
Lyric Theater
Art Africa Miami
created products from delicious Caribbean bites, fresh squeezed juices, skin oil and soaps, jewelry, artwork and much more. Lyric Live Monthly Amateur Night Showcase First Friday of the month Historic Lyric Theatre 819 N.W. 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33136 In conjunction with New Washington Heights CDC’s monthly Folklife Friday event, the Black Archives presents a monthly interactive talent showcase. The event features a local comedian as host, a live band, DJ, and the Bahamian Junkanoo serving as the sandman to usher least-favored contestants off the stage with a unique Miami flair.
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Actor Trevor Jackson Takes Leap as Leading Man in “Superfly” Remake By Russell Motley Trevor Jackson is one “bad audition again, so I brought my script,” Director X said he felt a responsibility to native son Future. He appears on 10 of mutha…shut-yo-mouth.” Jackson told MIA magazine in a phone do justice to the legacy of the original, the 13 tracks, which features artists such At 21, he’s not old enough to recall interview from Los Angeles, where he which starred Ron O’Neal. as PARTYNEXTDOOR, Miquel, Lil firsthand the popular ‘70s catch phrase. resides. “As soon as I walked in he asked, “I directed a film that builds on the Wayne, and 21 Savage. The album pumps However, Jackson – best known as Aaron ‘Do you want to do this movie with us?’” special elements of the original and mostly dope-boy rap tracks with a few in ABC’s “Grown-ish” – now tackles a Jackson said he cried all the way evolves them for 2018,” Director X said tender ballads – solid, yet worlds apart more challenging role that offers a home. After all, it would mark his first in a statement. “The story, fashion, cars, from Curtis Mayfield’s legendary “Super modern spin on the 1972 cult classic leading role in a major release. For the last hair, and music all have added relevance Fly” soundtrack. “Super Fly.” 14 years, Jackson said he’s been preparing for today with an extra twist of style.” “The reason why I think Future is so “I really just tried to find someone for this moment, first launching his career Jackson’s hair in the film takes on a essential to the making of this movie is that I thought was very cool, but who I on Broadway as Young Simba in Disney’s life of its own – a straightened bouffant because he’s the voice of the new was also very afraid generation and what of,” said Jackson, these kids are describing his listening to…what character they turn up to,” Youngblood Priest, a said Jackson. “It drug dealer trying to embodies the essence score one last big of where this movie deal before calling it was shot and what it quits. “He follows represents.” his own rules. He Jackson is a doesn’t like to kill. crooner himself. He He’s never recorded music for intentionally hurt the “Superfly” anybody. He only soundtrack, however, retaliates when he it didn’t make the feels disrespected. He cut. Jackson’s latest treats everyone with musical 15-track respect and carries project is titled himself like a king in “Rough Drafts, Pt. this film.” 1,” which he penned. The remake He expects to release (spelled “Superfly”) new music in opens the 22nd September. Annual American For now, Jackson Black Film Festival said he’s looking on June 13. The film forward to attending Trevor Jackson plays career criminal Youngblood Priest who wants out of the Atlanta drug scene, but one little slip up differs from the the ABFF for the threatens to bring the whole operation down before he can make his exit. original in several first time. ways. For starters, it’s “I don’t know set in Atlanta, Georgia instead of Harlem, “The Lion King,” then later moving to that only someone who is super fly, what to expect,” he said. “Just trying to New York. The remake also introduces a Los Angeles where he appeared in TV literally, could pull off. keep my head on straight because I know younger protagonist, which Jackson said shows including “Criminal Minds” and “I really wanted it to be straight to Miami Beach is a great place to be.” initially worked against his chances of “American Crime.” capture the essence of the first [movie],” landing the role. Jackson recalled Directing remake of said Jackson, who went back and forth auditioning twice, only to be told he was Blaxploitation classic with Joel and Director X about how to “Superfly” too young for the part. Then he received a Jackson isn’t the only one making a wear his hair. ABFF Opening Night Film call from “Superfly” producer Joel Silver career leap. “Superfly” also marks the first “It’s part of his uniform. It’s part of his June 13, 8 p.m., (The Matrix trilogy, Die Hard) that feature film for Director X, who built a aesthetic.” Fillmore Miami Beach changed his life. career directing music videos for top Super fly soundtrack Hits theaters June 13. “Joel invited me to his house and I artists such as Drake, Justin Bieber, and With ATL as the backdrop comes a thought I was going to have to Nicki Minaj. new-school soundtrack produced by
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN
MIRAMAR
ANSIN FAMILY ART GALLERY HAITI TOO RICH TO BE POOR: IDENTITY Through July 12 Mon – Thur | 10:00AM – 2:00 PM Miramar Cultural Center 2400 Civic Center Place
MIRAMAR FLEA MARKET Saturday, June 23 8:00AM - 12:00PM
Miramar Isle Park
SW 63rd Ave & SW 33rd St
MIRAMAR FIRE-RESCUE OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, June 27 6:00PM – 8:00PM Miramar Fire-Rescue Station 19 6700 Miramar Parkway
4TH OF JULY
THE MIRAMAR MARVELOUS RACE Saturday, July 7 8:00AM – 1:00PM Sunset Lakes Community Center 2801 SW 186th Ave
SYMPHONY OF THE AMERICAS
Wednesday, July 4 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Miramar Regional Park 16801 Miramar Parkway
SUMMERFEST Saturday, July 14 7:30PM
Miramar Cultural Center 2400 Civic Center Place
For more information, please call (954) 602-4357
2300 Civic Center Place | Miramar, Florida 33025
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MPAA’s John Gibson Aims to Expand Opportunities for Minority Storytellers By Zach Rinkins
MPAA's John Gibson poses with Black Panther film director Ryan Coogler.
As an ambassador for diverse content creators, John Gibson travels the globe touting the universal appeal and profitability of multicultural stories. Despite what appears to be a glamorous gig, Gibson’s job as the Motion Picture Association of America’s deputy chief of staff and senior director of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives is very serious work. “I am somebody who is fighting on behalf of creators of color, women, and those in the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual) space,” Gibson said. “I am a firm believer that we really need to get everyone’s story out there.” MPAA is the film and television industry’s trade association and advocacy group. Its members are Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Paramount Pictures Corporation, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Universal City Studios LLC, and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. The association also provides audience ratings for films. Gibson originally started as a special projects administrator with MPAA. While diversity and inclusion continue to have different meaning for different people, Gibson's definition offers clarity.
“We believe in diversity, inclusion, and belonging,” Gibson affirmed. “Diversity is having someone that looks like you in the room. Inclusion is having them participate in the activity or discussion, but we take it a step further with belonging meaning we allow you to come as your authentic, perfectly gifted self and participate. This is the core of what MPAA does.” Before joining MPAA, the University of Maryland graduate worked on diversity issues and marketing at Holland & Knight, LLP, and Akin Gump, LLP. In 2012, the association tasked the Washington, D.C. native with establishing its diversity and inclusion program. “Part of this role allows me to interface with a lot of film festivals, which
Diversity is having someone that looks like you in the room. Inclusion is having them participate in the activity or discussion, but we take it a step further with belonging, meaning we allow you to come as your authentic perfectly gifted self and participate. are the breeding grounds of creators of color and women,” Gibson said. “Having the MPAA, which is the face of the industry, on the ground at these film festivals is helpful in assisting them with identifying the next generation of great talent. It is critical.” While all association members have diversity and inclusion programs, Gibson strives to promote and make the public aware of these resources and opportunities. He helps organize and
MPAA's John Gibson addresses a gathering at a past ABFF.
supports festivals, panels, and discussions that target minority and LGBTQIA creatives. “Hidden Figures, Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther, and Fate of the Furious were blockbusters because they had good stories and multicultural casts,” offered Gibson, a member of the ABFF Board of Advisors. “People like looking at characters they can relate to. He also facilitated a strategic partnership with the American Black Film Festival.
“As a society, we benefit when we learn from each other,” he explained. “In this current environment that the country is under, stories representing all of us really need to be told. We are at a crossroads right now. The more we understand each other, the more we can relate to and support each other.” For more information about MPAA resources for diverse storytellers, log on to www.mpaa.org/what-we-do/ supporting-storytellers/.
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Ryan Destiny Shines On 'Star' By Joey Francilus
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Actor Ryan Destiny poses on the set of Fox's "Star" which starts shooting its third season in July.
Ryan Destiny is hitting her mark in the entertainment industry at an age when most of her contemporaries are just finishing college. The 23-year-old actress and singer from Detroit plays Alexandra “Alex” Crane, one-third of the singing trio Take Three on the Fox drama "Star," set to return for a third season this fall. Destiny, who will participate in this year’s American Black Film Festival in Miami Beach said working with her “industry dad” Lee Daniels is surreal. Daniels is known for producing Academy Award-winning films “Monster's Ball” and “Precious,” as well as Fox’s “Empire.” “Star” centers around a fictional girl group signed to Atlanta-based record label “Midtown Sound.” Actors Jude Demorest and Brittany O’Grady play the two other band members. The girls’ harmonies, performance, and visual style are reminiscent in creative substance to The Supremes, Motown’s hitmaker in
the 1960s featuring Diana Ross. “We have a formula that works for us,” Destiny said of the cohesive effort she and her two main colleagues put forth on-set. She likened it to a “sisterhood.” “I think we've all been on the same page since we started,” she explained, “like what we want to do and how exactly we want to impact everyone when we are playing our roles.” The talent manager for the burgeoning stars is industry insider Carlotta Brown, played by Queen Latifah, a Golden Globe Award-winning actress and Grammy-winning musician. “She's been such a huge influence,” Destiny said of Queen Latifah. “It's who she is. [There’s] something to learn from everyday on-set. She's always been so humble and real, and for her to be the anchor of all of this is such a blessing because she is the perfect person for that.” Other co-stars include Destiny’s TV parents Roland and Rose Crane,
"Star" cast Ryan Destiny, Jude Demorest and Brittany O'Grady.
played by rock star Lenny Kravitz and supermodel Naomi Campbell. “I would have never, ever, in a million years thought they would be my on-screen parents, ever,” boasted Destiny about working with two icons. “Just like everyone else, we've become friends and developed relationships that are genuine. I'm thankful for that.” Destiny was mum about any spoilers for the upcoming season, set to resume shooting in July. New episodes will air in September or October. “As far as season three, I really have no idea what is happening,” she said. “I honestly won't know anything until next month.” At the show's season-two finale in May, Destiny's character feuds with the group member named “Star” (played by Demorest) in a conflict that threatens to undo the trio in a tussle hearkening back to the Diana Ross-Florence Ballard tension that was ultimately the demise of
Motown's biggest female act. The budding star is also working on a solo music project that she says will take a decidedly different tone than the music she performs on the television series. “I'm in the recording studio right now for my EP that I plan to put out very soon,” she said. “I just want people to just hear who I am aside from the show because it is very different.” “Star” airs Wednesday at 9/8c on Fox. “It's still cool to have the show on-air so they can see the dynamic of my character versus who I am,” Destiny explained. “I'm just excited to let people know who I am more.” Destiny appears at the ABFF on June 14 for the 29 Below Mixer (invitation only) and June 15 for the Comcast Xfinity Exhibit.
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FASHION
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Miami TV Sports Reporter Bats a Thousand with Fashion Blog By Kalen Johnson He has interviewed heavy hitters from LeBron James to former first lady Michelle Obama. He’s excelled in journalism, named “Best Sportscaster” last year by Miami New Times readers. And WSVN Channel 7 sports reporter Donovan Campbell does it all while dressed to the nines. Now Campbell is opening his closet and sharing his sense of style with his own fashion blog: www.dappersportscaster.com. Campbell said he launched the blog after noticing the lack of male bloggers in South Florida. That’s when he decided to take his passion for fashion to the next level. “I feel there was a need for it, especially for the youth who feel as if they have to keep up with the Joneses. I think everyone likes a man in a nice suit,” said Campbell. The blog gives readers an inside view on Campbell’s favorite fashion looks while providing advice and highlighting his debonair suits,upscale streetwear and flashy footwear. When asked to describe his swag in five words Campbell said, “I can be flashy, neat, edgy, eloquent and of course, dapper.” Dubbing himself the “Best Dressed Man on TV,” Campbell covers all of the major sporting events in South Florida, while donning nothing less than the finest suits and accessories. At the age of 7, he developed a passion for fashion and an appreciation for the finer things in life. Campbell’s favorite brand for custom-measured suits is Musika Frere, a New York City based brand that specializes in luxury menswear. One thing for certain is that Campbell doesn’t let his pieces wear him, he wears his pieces. “I believe you don’t have to have a custom suit to be fly,” said Campbell. “There is no boundary in fashion, if you like something wear it. The suit doesn’t make the man, the man makes the suit.”
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AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018
Kevens Spreads Peace, Positivity through Reggae MUSIC By Cristin Wilson With a catalogue of songs filled with messages of peace and growth, rising international Reggae artist Kevens says although being positive isn’t always easy, it is always a choice. “(While) we all have to go through our experiences that we know, love is the glue that holds us all together,” he emphasized. “Let’s forget about power and judgment.” Kevens was among an acclaimed lineup of music artists, including Hip Hop icon Ice Cube, who took to the stage in June in Seoul, South Korea. The global citizen said he planned to use the international platform as an opportunity to continue to spread positivity. Last year while watching rioters take to the streets in Charlottesville, West Virginia in protest against the removal of a Confederate statue, Kevens had to consciously prevent anger from seeping into his latest single titled “Lady Liberty.” “Reggae to me is the sound of truth,” said Kevens, who works to spread a
message of peace and brotherhood that transcends all cultures. The musician, who started as a deejay decades ago, has gone on to blaze trails in the Reggae genre. He is a pioneering artist of the Ultra Music Festival, giving his 11th performance this year during the 20th anniversary of the festival. Thousands of fans flocked to South Florida to see him and his band, whose music extends beyond the traditional roots of reggae. “His live performances are a mixture of deep dub grooves, hardcore crunch and a plethora of radical reggae re-workings, which make them a unique musical statement that has to be seen,” lauds his website.
Though he performs in venues across the world, Kevens calls Miami home. For him, it is the diversity that has kept him a resident of South Florida. “You can walk down any street and see people from all over the world,” he said. “I love Miami. It gets a little too hot sometimes, but it’s has a vibe to it that keeps me coming back to Miami.”
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
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ABOUT TOWN Florida Film House presents “Zoe 911” movie premiere, starring Paul Antoine and Chelo Chelo, May 26, Littman Theater, North Miami. 3
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AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018
ABOUT TOWN The 4th annual Miami Web Fest, April 26-29, showcases the hottest new web series content from around the world. 1
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1. Actor Keith David 2. Paul Lamb, Esq., Lilian Taylor, Esq., Leslie Zigel, Esq., Miami Web Fest Founder Bryan G. Thompson, Hernan Pantaleon, Esq., Jose Sariego, Esq. 3. Former actor and WWE diva Karlee Leilani Perez and Maria Blanco 4. Ryan Justice, Alexandra Bello and recording artist Kingnyne 5. Monologue competition with actor Jevon White 6. Grant Housley of Paramount Studios and Maria Blanco 7. Jose Luis Martinez, Miami Web Fest Founder Bryan G. Thompsom, Eric Marum, Lillian Taylor, Esq. 8. Bobby Roth (director of Lost, Prison Break, and Hawaii Five-O 9. Niecy Johnson, Sheena Murray, Sandra Justice, Genji Jacques and Eugene Luner
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
ABOUT TOWN The first Miami Virtual Reality (VR) Expo, June 7-9, in the Magic City Innovation District, Miami.
In celebration of the opening weekend of the film “SOLO: A Star Wars Story,” Walt Disney Studios and Lucasfilm hosted a private tour of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on May 31 for several youth from the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals and Black Girls Code.
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AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018
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