How ‘Rustin’ and Native Son Teamed to Reclaim the Civil Rights Activist’s History as a Rallying Call
A handful of hours before George C. Wolfe’s Rustin would make its New York premiere as NewFest’s opening night selection on Oct. 12, more than 100 Black queer members of the Native Son collective gathered in The Chelsea Hotel’s Lobby Bar, drinks in hand and under a golden aura of light, dipping in and out of excited conversation.
“It’s really emotional for me,” Native Son founder Emil Wilbekin told The Hollywood Reporter. “Coming into this room and seeing all these beautiful Black queer men — who are legends, icons, mentors, new in their careers — you can feel the joy and love because we don’t have spaces like this.”
Coordinated in conjunction with Netflix, the Rustin film team and Native Son — a collective of Black gay and queer men focused on elevating the voices, visibility and lived experiences of their community — the gathering counted Rustin producer Bruce Cohen and...
“It’s really emotional for me,” Native Son founder Emil Wilbekin told The Hollywood Reporter. “Coming into this room and seeing all these beautiful Black queer men — who are legends, icons, mentors, new in their careers — you can feel the joy and love because we don’t have spaces like this.”
Coordinated in conjunction with Netflix, the Rustin film team and Native Son — a collective of Black gay and queer men focused on elevating the voices, visibility and lived experiences of their community — the gathering counted Rustin producer Bruce Cohen and...
- 10/20/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This year’s Sundance Film Festival will see the inclusion of Outfest Outpost at Acura Festival Village.
The on-site and digital hub for queer films and artists selected at Sundance and Slamdance will also feature three panel discussions Jan. 21, presented by Acura and aimed at gathering LGBTQ filmmakers and performers.
“Since 1996, Outfest has shared a very special relationship with Sundance and the community of artists, industry and fans that descend on Park City every year,” said Damien S. Navarro, executive director of Outfest. “To have historical partners like Warner Bros. Discovery — a long-time supporter of the Outfest Queer Brunch —and new partners like Acura — returning for the second year, we are excited to bring the expansion of powerful programming that we began in 2020 to in-person and virtual audiences.”
The first panel, titled “The Road To Abundance: From Sundance and Outfest To the Oscars,” brings together Chester Algernal Gordon, producer of “The Inspection,...
The on-site and digital hub for queer films and artists selected at Sundance and Slamdance will also feature three panel discussions Jan. 21, presented by Acura and aimed at gathering LGBTQ filmmakers and performers.
“Since 1996, Outfest has shared a very special relationship with Sundance and the community of artists, industry and fans that descend on Park City every year,” said Damien S. Navarro, executive director of Outfest. “To have historical partners like Warner Bros. Discovery — a long-time supporter of the Outfest Queer Brunch —and new partners like Acura — returning for the second year, we are excited to bring the expansion of powerful programming that we began in 2020 to in-person and virtual audiences.”
The first panel, titled “The Road To Abundance: From Sundance and Outfest To the Oscars,” brings together Chester Algernal Gordon, producer of “The Inspection,...
- 1/18/2023
- by Katie Reul
- Variety Film + TV
Whether you find yourself the victim of some questionable, unearthed tweets or on the wrong side of a cultural debate, an Apple Notes apology is always at the ready for Instagram. By now no one really takes those sorry beg-pardons seriously, but it shows that the cancel-wary celeb is at least trying to make amends. Then there’s DaBaby, sometime emcee and architect of the be-all, end-all of celebrity non-apologies. After his clusterfuck of faux-pologies, DaBaby’s left those in the queer community no choice but to demand dollars.
DaBaby...
DaBaby...
- 8/6/2021
- by Lester Fabian Brathwaite
- Rollingstone.com
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched a series of virtual panels aimed at addressing issues of race and gender equity in conversations led by Whoopi Goldberg, Lee Daniels and others.
The series called “Academy Dialogues: It Starts With Us” is part of the Academy Aperture 2025 equity and inclusion initiative and is a step toward the Oscars’ continued push for more diversity. The series kicked off with a virtual chat between Goldberg and civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson that was held on July 21 and is available online now.
Other panelists included in the series are Victoria Alonso, Lisa Cortés, Debra Martin Chase, Carmen Cuba, DeVon Franklin, Nadia Hallgren, Taraji P. Henson, Franklin Leonard, Delroy Lindo, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Bao Nguyen, Dawn Porter, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Ivette Rodriguez, Bird Runningwater, Misan Sagay, Bryan Stevenson, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Ligiah Villalobos, Lulu Wang, Emil Wilbekin and Roger Ross Williams.
Also Read: Oscars...
The series called “Academy Dialogues: It Starts With Us” is part of the Academy Aperture 2025 equity and inclusion initiative and is a step toward the Oscars’ continued push for more diversity. The series kicked off with a virtual chat between Goldberg and civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson that was held on July 21 and is available online now.
Other panelists included in the series are Victoria Alonso, Lisa Cortés, Debra Martin Chase, Carmen Cuba, DeVon Franklin, Nadia Hallgren, Taraji P. Henson, Franklin Leonard, Delroy Lindo, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Bao Nguyen, Dawn Porter, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Ivette Rodriguez, Bird Runningwater, Misan Sagay, Bryan Stevenson, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Ligiah Villalobos, Lulu Wang, Emil Wilbekin and Roger Ross Williams.
Also Read: Oscars...
- 8/20/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Whoopi Goldberg, Lee Daniels, Marvel executive Victoria Alonso and more Hollywood heavyweights are on board for a new virtual conversation series from the the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The series, titled “Academy Dialogues: It Starts With Us,” is part of the group’s Aperture 2025 equity and inclusion initiative. Topics will include race, ethnicity, gender, history, opportunity and the art of filmmaking.
“With our ‘Academy Dialogues’ series, the Academy is creating a space for our members — and the public — to talk about inclusion in a way that is timely, relevant and allows for a meaningful exchange on how to bring systemic change to Hollywood,” said Lorenza Muñoz, exec VP of member relations and awards. “These conversations may be uncomfortable for some, but they are necessary to broaden the stories that are getting told and increase opportunities for those who have been excluded.”
First up is a chat with...
The series, titled “Academy Dialogues: It Starts With Us,” is part of the group’s Aperture 2025 equity and inclusion initiative. Topics will include race, ethnicity, gender, history, opportunity and the art of filmmaking.
“With our ‘Academy Dialogues’ series, the Academy is creating a space for our members — and the public — to talk about inclusion in a way that is timely, relevant and allows for a meaningful exchange on how to bring systemic change to Hollywood,” said Lorenza Muñoz, exec VP of member relations and awards. “These conversations may be uncomfortable for some, but they are necessary to broaden the stories that are getting told and increase opportunities for those who have been excluded.”
First up is a chat with...
- 8/20/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is taking part of its Academy Aperture 2025 initiative public by expanding its in-house conversation series “Academy Dialogues: It Starts With Us” to include access not only for their entire membership but also the public — which, of course, includes a larger swath of the non-member industry members as well.
Aimed to provide discussions on race, ethnicity, gender, history, opportunity and the art of filmmaking, the series notably included one edition in July featuring AMPAS board member Whoopi Goldberg interviewing civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson on the “Power of Narrative.” It is available for view now on YouTube, but AMPAS is ramping up the volume, as it were, as these issues move front and center in a more urgent way, not only for the Academy...
Aimed to provide discussions on race, ethnicity, gender, history, opportunity and the art of filmmaking, the series notably included one edition in July featuring AMPAS board member Whoopi Goldberg interviewing civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson on the “Power of Narrative.” It is available for view now on YouTube, but AMPAS is ramping up the volume, as it were, as these issues move front and center in a more urgent way, not only for the Academy...
- 8/20/2020
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
A small audience of Empire fans got the chance to see the show's season five premiere ahead of its Sept. 26 air date, as well as hear from castmember Jussie Smollett, at the Tribeca TV Festival on Saturday.
"That was great, but it's nothing compared to the rest of the season," Smollett said after the screening during a Q&A with Afropunk Chief Content Officer Emil Wilbekin.
The new season actually begins with a time jump, pushing viewers two years ahead of what they saw at the end of season four.
Smollett, who plays ...
"That was great, but it's nothing compared to the rest of the season," Smollett said after the screening during a Q&A with Afropunk Chief Content Officer Emil Wilbekin.
The new season actually begins with a time jump, pushing viewers two years ahead of what they saw at the end of season four.
Smollett, who plays ...
- 9/23/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
For decades, John Hughes’ six-movie run between 1984 and 1987 was the gold standard of teen-centric high school films including “Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Pretty in Pink,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” and “Some Kind of Wonderful.” Hughes didn’t direct all of those films, but was sole screenwriter on each — enough to stamp them in the cultural consciousness as “John Hughes films,” a term that became synonymous with the teen cinematic experience.
Save for perhaps “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” which centers on a kid who is literally too cool for school, Hughes’ work centered on characters who were “other.” That’s also proved to be a saving grace in reexamining Hughes’ work. His ’80s-era muse, Molly Ringwald, recently wrote an essay for The New Yorker that explored her relationship with his films from her 2018 perspective.
What she unearthed was well-considered and thoughtful, and it forced both her and her...
Save for perhaps “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” which centers on a kid who is literally too cool for school, Hughes’ work centered on characters who were “other.” That’s also proved to be a saving grace in reexamining Hughes’ work. His ’80s-era muse, Molly Ringwald, recently wrote an essay for The New Yorker that explored her relationship with his films from her 2018 perspective.
What she unearthed was well-considered and thoughtful, and it forced both her and her...
- 4/10/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Long before she graced Elle and Vanity Fair, Kerry Washington was a regular cover star for Essence magazine. So it's no surprise the actress is once again gracing the November issue, a publication that recognized her talent long before Scandal became must-watch TV. But promoting black celebrities is just one part of the magazine, which has been a beacon of fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice for African American women since 1970. And while A-listers such as Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama appear on the glossy front it is the folks behind the scenes that make the trend-setting publication what it is today. Two of those essential employees? Editor-at-Large Emil Wilbekin and Communications Director Dana...
- 11/18/2013
- E! Online
You may recall that, last month, I profiled the IndeGoGo fundraising campaign for the web series Truth. Be. Told., a 30 minute docu-web series that seeks, according to its filmmaker and activist creator Katina Parker, to “reclaim the birthright of Queer Black visionaries within Black families and communities by providing a platform for out, Black Lgbtq people to tell their personal stories of challenge, radical self-inquiry, transformation, and triumph.” Among the persons who were profiled in the first season of the series were, Tony Award-winning playwright/actress/author Staceyann Chin; Emil Wilbekin, Editor-at-Large for Essence magazine; former New York Times editor Linda...
- 5/9/2013
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
There are many words that can describe Janelle Monáe, but the May cover of Essence sums her up perfectly: flawless beauty.
And we're not just talking about the singer's stunning good looks that rightfully landed her a contract with CoverGirl -- it's also Monáe's award-winning music, singular style and message of individualism that completes her enduring allure.
On Thursday night Essence celebrated Monáe's May cover and her mantra of "be unique," by throwing an intimate dinner at the Mondrian Soho hotel in New York City. Guests included Monáe's Wondaland Arts Society crew members Nate Wonder and Chuck Lightning, as well as legendary supermodel-turned-mogul Iman, fashion activist/documentarian Bethann Hardison, celebrity stylist June Ambrose, journalist Lola Ogunnaike, FashionBombDaily.com's Claire Sulmers and GlamazonsBlog.com's Jessica Andrews, to name a few. Essence's masthead toppers were also in attendance -- President Michelle Ebanks; Acting Managing Editor Vanessa Bush; Editor-at-Large Emil Wilbekin and Public Relations Director Dana Baxter.
And we're not just talking about the singer's stunning good looks that rightfully landed her a contract with CoverGirl -- it's also Monáe's award-winning music, singular style and message of individualism that completes her enduring allure.
On Thursday night Essence celebrated Monáe's May cover and her mantra of "be unique," by throwing an intimate dinner at the Mondrian Soho hotel in New York City. Guests included Monáe's Wondaland Arts Society crew members Nate Wonder and Chuck Lightning, as well as legendary supermodel-turned-mogul Iman, fashion activist/documentarian Bethann Hardison, celebrity stylist June Ambrose, journalist Lola Ogunnaike, FashionBombDaily.com's Claire Sulmers and GlamazonsBlog.com's Jessica Andrews, to name a few. Essence's masthead toppers were also in attendance -- President Michelle Ebanks; Acting Managing Editor Vanessa Bush; Editor-at-Large Emil Wilbekin and Public Relations Director Dana Baxter.
- 4/5/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
The New York Times once called Stephen Burrows "the brightest star in American fashion," and for good reason. Burrows' career has spanned over 50 years and has garnered a legacy that is currently being celebrated in a retrospective of his creations from 1968 to 1983 at The Museum of the City of New York.
The exhibit, "Stephen Burrows: When Fashion Danced," is a feast for the eyes and a must-see for any fashion lover. Technicolored gowns, vibrant frocks and eye-catching ensembles fill the room and are a beautiful reminder of a time when fashion, quite literally, danced. The "it" girls and boys of the Disco era were decked out in Burrows' designs as they twirled the night away at clubs like Studio 54. Furthermore, the 69-year-old was also one of the five designers who are credited for putting American fashion on the map, thanks to the historic 1973 "Battle of Versailles" fashion show.
With that said,...
The exhibit, "Stephen Burrows: When Fashion Danced," is a feast for the eyes and a must-see for any fashion lover. Technicolored gowns, vibrant frocks and eye-catching ensembles fill the room and are a beautiful reminder of a time when fashion, quite literally, danced. The "it" girls and boys of the Disco era were decked out in Burrows' designs as they twirled the night away at clubs like Studio 54. Furthermore, the 69-year-old was also one of the five designers who are credited for putting American fashion on the map, thanks to the historic 1973 "Battle of Versailles" fashion show.
With that said,...
- 3/26/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
To celebrate Essence's first-ever "Girlfriends" Issue, May cover star Wendy Williams invited Essence.com's Managing Editor Emil Wilbekin and celeb makeup artist Sam Fine onto the "Wendy Williams Show" this morning to perform a special Girlfriends Makeover session. Check out how Essence transformed two medical school students into glam divas... For more information on the "Wendy Williams Show," click here.
- 4/20/2011
- Essence
Essential ViewingThe Week in RewindCheers! This week there was plenty of good news and many star-studded events that made us want to raise a toast!From J-Hud celebrating the release of her new album, to the Obama's making their rounds in Brazil, our favorite celebs have been living life to the fullest, and having a good time doing it. The President and First Lady make a toast at the official dinner offered by Chile's President Sebastian Pinera in Santiago, Chile.Leona LewisLeona Lewis attends the 25th Anniversary Genesis Awards in a unique, slim-fitting, one shoulder dress.Taraji P. HensonTaraji P. Henson leaves The Mercer Kitchen in New York City. Love those boots!President Barack ObamaU.S. President Barack Obama reviews the honor guard during an arrival ceremony at Palacio do Planalto in Brasilia, Brazil.Janet JacksonJanet Jackson waves to her fans while promoting her new book "True You: A Guide...
- 3/25/2011
- Essence
Last night, Essence.com was honored at the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards for the coverage of the same-sex marriage of Aisha Mills and Danielle Moodie in the weekly column "Bridal Bliss."Essence.com's Managing Editor Emil Wilbekin took the stage to accept the award. "For over 40 years," he said, "Essence is the place where Black women come first -- all Black women." Here, Wilbekin holds the statue alongside Relationships Editor Bobbi Misick (left), and the loving couple Aisha and Danielle. Congrats!
- 3/20/2011
- Essence
Yolanda Adams knows a thing or two about giving back. This former school teacher has always kept kids near and dear to her heart. Just recently she teamed up with Disney and Steve Harvey for their annual Disney Dreamers weekend. Managing Editor, Emil Wilbekin caught up with the Gospel singer and asked why it's important to participate, what was her dream growing up and more...
- 3/15/2011
- Essence
Since winning season two of "American Idol," Ruben Studdard has been pretty busy, but he still managed to find time to give back to Disney's Dreamers Academy. He joined 110 high school students for a trip of a lifetime. Essence.com's Managing Editor Emil Wilbekin caught up with the R&B vocalist to talk about why it's important to inspire America's youth, what advice he would give to kids who get a big break and more...
- 3/14/2011
- Essence
In the middle of a three-day workshop during Disney's Dreamers Academy, Essence.com's Managing Editor Emil Wilbekin caught up with Bet's 106 & Park host and actor Terrence J to chat about the advice Will Smith gave him, what his dreams were as a kid, and why it's so important to give back to America's youth... Here's what you had to say: Darnell commented via Facebook: "That's my boy, T! Tenacity is the most important part of inspiring and empowering yourself to pursue your passion." Michelle wrote via Facebook: "I like him on 'The Game' -- very cute!"...
- 3/10/2011
- Essence
Raven-Symone shared her inspirational story with 110 high school students and their families this past week at the fourth annual Disney Dreamers Academy in Orlando, Florida. In the midst of all the action, Essence.com Managing Editor Emil Wilbekin caught up with Raven to talk about why it's important for her to inspire America's youth, the best advice she's ever received, her newest TV show "The Great State of Georgia" and more...
- 3/9/2011
- Essence
Grammy-nominated artist Janelle Monae will be honored at the 2nd annual Essence Black Women in Music event during the 2011 Grammy week. Sean "Diddy" Combs will salute the 25-year-old songstress at the invitation-only, red-carpet event on February 9 at Playhouse Hollywood.
Monae, who is profiled in the February issue of Essence magazine, burst onto the music scene in 2007 when she released her first solo work "Metropolis, Suite I: The Chase." She followed it up with her first full-length LP, "The ArchAndroid" last year.
The album gathered a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album, while its first single, "Tightrope," featuring Big Boi, is up for Best Urban/Alternative Performance.
Essence.com managing editor Emil Wilbekin, said, "Janelle Monae is a remarkable creative force and a passionately talented young performer, who perfectly personifies Essence as the 'voice and soul' of Black women."...
Monae, who is profiled in the February issue of Essence magazine, burst onto the music scene in 2007 when she released her first solo work "Metropolis, Suite I: The Chase." She followed it up with her first full-length LP, "The ArchAndroid" last year.
The album gathered a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album, while its first single, "Tightrope," featuring Big Boi, is up for Best Urban/Alternative Performance.
Essence.com managing editor Emil Wilbekin, said, "Janelle Monae is a remarkable creative force and a passionately talented young performer, who perfectly personifies Essence as the 'voice and soul' of Black women."...
- 1/20/2011
- icelebz.com
What can the rapper do to recover from the Taylor Swift incident?
By Gil Kaufman
Kanye West at the 2009 Video Music Awards
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Kanye West has made a habit of brash moves that some might consider career suicide, from radically changing up his musical style, to chasing avant-garde fashion and daring to buck rap's strict macho code. But could one of his most conventional acts of rebellion — Sunday's dis of Taylor Swift at the VMAs — turn out to be the left turn that does irreparable damage to his career?
It's not the first time 'Ye has bum-rushed an awards show and spouted off about a perceived slight, but the fact that he interrupted the acceptance speech by a beloved, squeaky-clean 19-year-old singer savoring her first moment in the Vma spotlight has led to a firestorm of criticism for the rapper. For his part, West has called Swift to apologize,...
By Gil Kaufman
Kanye West at the 2009 Video Music Awards
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Kanye West has made a habit of brash moves that some might consider career suicide, from radically changing up his musical style, to chasing avant-garde fashion and daring to buck rap's strict macho code. But could one of his most conventional acts of rebellion — Sunday's dis of Taylor Swift at the VMAs — turn out to be the left turn that does irreparable damage to his career?
It's not the first time 'Ye has bum-rushed an awards show and spouted off about a perceived slight, but the fact that he interrupted the acceptance speech by a beloved, squeaky-clean 19-year-old singer savoring her first moment in the Vma spotlight has led to a firestorm of criticism for the rapper. For his part, West has called Swift to apologize,...
- 9/17/2009
- MTV Music News
Loss of 16-year-old magazine leaves marketplace without mainstream hip-hop/ R&B title.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Photo: Vibe Media Group
Vibe magazine, the urban glossy founded in 1992 by legendary producer Quincy Jones, announced on Tuesday (June 30) that the publication is folding and will no longer produce print issues or publish its Web site, Vibe.com.
With the closing of the title, effective immediately, there now remains no large circulation print publication dedicated to covering hip-hop, R&B and fashion on a mainstream level.
During the magazine's memorable 16-year-run, a number of iconic covers were produced, chief among them images of Suge Knight's Death Row roster adorned all in black, and simple, striking photos of Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and Aaliyah to mark their deaths. The magazine, however, will forever be remembered for its controversial coverage of the East Coast/ West Coast hip-hop rivalry, which inspired many of the scenes from the film "Notorious.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Photo: Vibe Media Group
Vibe magazine, the urban glossy founded in 1992 by legendary producer Quincy Jones, announced on Tuesday (June 30) that the publication is folding and will no longer produce print issues or publish its Web site, Vibe.com.
With the closing of the title, effective immediately, there now remains no large circulation print publication dedicated to covering hip-hop, R&B and fashion on a mainstream level.
During the magazine's memorable 16-year-run, a number of iconic covers were produced, chief among them images of Suge Knight's Death Row roster adorned all in black, and simple, striking photos of Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and Aaliyah to mark their deaths. The magazine, however, will forever be remembered for its controversial coverage of the East Coast/ West Coast hip-hop rivalry, which inspired many of the scenes from the film "Notorious.
- 6/30/2009
- MTV Music News
Ordinarily, the posting on Chris Brown's MySpace page would be routine promotion for a musical artist at the top of his game. "Vote for Chris on the Kids' Choice Awards 2009," says the message, which includes the balloting links for his two nominated categories. "Thank you for your support." But these are not ordinary times. On the same day Brown was soliciting awards show support, the 19-year-old R&B star was facing a Superior Court commissioner in Los Angeles after being charged with felonies for allegedly beating girlfriend Rihanna a month ago. As his legal crisis persists, Brown is attempting to focus on business as usual,...
- 3/7/2009
- PEOPLE.com
As you may have heard, Kanye West announced at the American Music Awards that he wants to be the next Elvis. Then West had to take it even further. "When I said the statement, 'I want to be Elvis,' I really should have thought that out more because that statement was actually really incorrect," West told E! News' Ryan Seacrest Tuesday. "Actually, the true statement was 'I want to be better than Elvis.' " So does West have what it takes to get anywhere near Elvis' stratosphere? We talked to some industry insiders to find out... "Kanye is one of the biggest hip-hop stars in the world right now," says Emil Wilbekin, editor-in-chief of urban lifestyle magazine...
- 11/27/2008
- E! Online
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.