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https://blacknerdproblems.com/aaron-pierre-casted-as-green-lantern-john-stewart/
When Green Lantern: The Animated Series dropped back in 2012. It was a banger that got robbed of more seasons. However, it gave me hope that a live action Green Lantern would soon come. It wasn’t soon at all. Green Lantern was in production pow for numerous years. We didn’t know if it would ever see the light of day, and if it did, would we get to see Green Lantern John Stewart or Green Lantern Hal Jordan in the lead. Twelve years later we have our answer as Aaron Pierre has been cast as John Stewart in HBO’s Green Lantern series Lanterns.
After seeing Aaron Pierre in Rebel Ridge, where he portrays a military specialist in close quarters combat and firearms, it was impossible to not to think that it makes sense for him to portray Green Lantern John Stewart. He’s got the size, demeanor, and temperament. So while some are excited about the casting and rightfully so, there’s a hard-light construct elephant in the room that’s gotta be addressed about Green Lantern John Stewart. John Stewart is a dark-skinned superhero that will now be portrayed by an actor that has a lighter complexion.
This is a thing that happens often with dark skinned characters when they move over to live action. It happens often with dark skinned black characters (Roberto De Costa), and even non Black poc characters (America Chavez). I said a thing that happens but let’s call it by name: colorism. A common occurrence in castings that effect not only dark skinned characters but dark skinned actors. However, this isn’t a reflection on Aaron Pierre or his acting ability. This isn’t suggesting that he didn’t audition his ass off or that he was handed the role. That man Aaron Pierre is going to do a fantastic job. We are simply talking about colorism as a pattern that happens in casting. That’s it. No, I’m serious, That’s legit it. You could stop reading right here.
I promise you that’s all that needs to be said. Key phrase, needs to be said. Some folks may feel that it doesn’t need to be mentioned at all because it’s one Black character portraying another Black character. What’s the issue? To which I would say, “If you’re not Black, google colorism.” If the person is Black, I would say, “Come on, fam…” I’ve said this before, I come from a long line of “I don’t wanna talk about it” but when has not talking about something ever made it better? To not acknowledge colorism happening does a discredit to those Black folk that feel affected by it. You gotta acknowledge a thing (that thing being colorism) so that we can move forward.
Again, no one is calling for Aaron Pierre to drop from the role or for the show to be boycotted. Neal Adams purposely made John Stewart a dark skinned character and colored him that way in a time where most heroes were a usually a specific shade of brown. Neal Adams, was a white comic book artist (that knew how to correctly draw black characters) dealt with this back in the 70s. Ronald Wimberly, an Black comic book writer and artist wrote/drew a whole essay in 2015 about being asked to lighten a Melita Garner, an Afro-Mexican comic book character. Acknowledging the importance of the choice to make John Stewart a dark-skinned man is an important thing. So when we see it not playing out in live action, we gotta acknowledge why folks may feel disheartened with the casting so that we move forward with Aaron Pierre playing the character. I promise you that acknowledging colorism, doesn’t mean someone is not black enough or shouldn’t have support.
It’s simply saying while this actor is dope and will do well, it would have been nice for a dark-skinned actor to have gotten the chance to run with the opportunity. That’s it. I promise you both things can be true at the same time. I swear it is possible. Zendaya is a great example of an actor that acknowledges colorism and stomps it out by going after different roles even if they call for white woman’s portrayal. This is how she uses her privilege to not take up space from dark skinned actors getting a chance at certain roles. Amandla was in the running for the role of Shuri in Black Panther then dropped out cause she felt similar in that she was taking up space where she shouldn’t. Ed Skrein is a white dude that prevented the white washing of a Hellboy character Ben Daimo by purposefully dropping the role which led to Daniel Dae Kim taking up the role.
Now trying to have these type of discussions online can feel like an mfer trying to ice skate up hill, especially when the hill are people either ignorant of colorism, don’t see the issue (because of their own privilege), or see the information and twist words around into this being Black people nitpicking or bringing a Black person down. The willful dismissal of facts and nuance got Roi Ottley and Edward R. Murrow rolling in their graves. However, it is my belief that even through that all that it entails, it is important to acknowledge an issue no matter how big or how small so that those going through it can feel seen. I’d rather say the disheartening thing and it be known so that someone who was disheartened can at least feel heard and invited to partake (if they so choose) in seeing their favorite character portrayed on screen.
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The post Aaron Pierre, Green Lantern John Stewart, and the Elephant in the Casting Room appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
When Green Lantern: The Animated Series dropped back in 2012. It was a banger that got robbed of more seasons. However, it gave me hope that a live action Green Lantern would soon come. It wasn’t soon at all. Green Lantern was in production pow for numerous years. We didn’t know if it would ever see the light of day, and if it did, would we get to see Green Lantern John Stewart or Green Lantern Hal Jordan in the lead. Twelve years later we have our answer as Aaron Pierre has been cast as John Stewart in HBO’s Green Lantern series Lanterns.
After seeing Aaron Pierre in Rebel Ridge, where he portrays a military specialist in close quarters combat and firearms, it was impossible to not to think that it makes sense for him to portray Green Lantern John Stewart. He’s got the size, demeanor, and temperament. So while some are excited about the casting and rightfully so, there’s a hard-light construct elephant in the room that’s gotta be addressed about Green Lantern John Stewart. John Stewart is a dark-skinned superhero that will now be portrayed by an actor that has a lighter complexion.
This is a thing that happens often with dark skinned characters when they move over to live action. It happens often with dark skinned black characters (Roberto De Costa), and even non Black poc characters (America Chavez). I said a thing that happens but let’s call it by name: colorism. A common occurrence in castings that effect not only dark skinned characters but dark skinned actors. However, this isn’t a reflection on Aaron Pierre or his acting ability. This isn’t suggesting that he didn’t audition his ass off or that he was handed the role. That man Aaron Pierre is going to do a fantastic job. We are simply talking about colorism as a pattern that happens in casting. That’s it. No, I’m serious, That’s legit it. You could stop reading right here.
I promise you that’s all that needs to be said. Key phrase, needs to be said. Some folks may feel that it doesn’t need to be mentioned at all because it’s one Black character portraying another Black character. What’s the issue? To which I would say, “If you’re not Black, google colorism.” If the person is Black, I would say, “Come on, fam…” I’ve said this before, I come from a long line of “I don’t wanna talk about it” but when has not talking about something ever made it better? To not acknowledge colorism happening does a discredit to those Black folk that feel affected by it. You gotta acknowledge a thing (that thing being colorism) so that we can move forward.
Again, no one is calling for Aaron Pierre to drop from the role or for the show to be boycotted. Neal Adams purposely made John Stewart a dark skinned character and colored him that way in a time where most heroes were a usually a specific shade of brown. Neal Adams, was a white comic book artist (that knew how to correctly draw black characters) dealt with this back in the 70s. Ronald Wimberly, an Black comic book writer and artist wrote/drew a whole essay in 2015 about being asked to lighten a Melita Garner, an Afro-Mexican comic book character. Acknowledging the importance of the choice to make John Stewart a dark-skinned man is an important thing. So when we see it not playing out in live action, we gotta acknowledge why folks may feel disheartened with the casting so that we move forward with Aaron Pierre playing the character. I promise you that acknowledging colorism, doesn’t mean someone is not black enough or shouldn’t have support.
It’s simply saying while this actor is dope and will do well, it would have been nice for a dark-skinned actor to have gotten the chance to run with the opportunity. That’s it. I promise you both things can be true at the same time. I swear it is possible. Zendaya is a great example of an actor that acknowledges colorism and stomps it out by going after different roles even if they call for white woman’s portrayal. This is how she uses her privilege to not take up space from dark skinned actors getting a chance at certain roles. Amandla was in the running for the role of Shuri in Black Panther then dropped out cause she felt similar in that she was taking up space where she shouldn’t. Ed Skrein is a white dude that prevented the white washing of a Hellboy character Ben Daimo by purposefully dropping the role which led to Daniel Dae Kim taking up the role.
Now trying to have these type of discussions online can feel like an mfer trying to ice skate up hill, especially when the hill are people either ignorant of colorism, don’t see the issue (because of their own privilege), or see the information and twist words around into this being Black people nitpicking or bringing a Black person down. The willful dismissal of facts and nuance got Roi Ottley and Edward R. Murrow rolling in their graves. However, it is my belief that even through that all that it entails, it is important to acknowledge an issue no matter how big or how small so that those going through it can feel seen. I’d rather say the disheartening thing and it be known so that someone who was disheartened can at least feel heard and invited to partake (if they so choose) in seeing their favorite character portrayed on screen.
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Sign up here! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram!
The post Aaron Pierre, Green Lantern John Stewart, and the Elephant in the Casting Room appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
HGTV’s Kyra Epps Returns To Chicago To Partner With Habitat for Humanity As Community Impact Partner
Chicago native and award-winning HGTV producer Kyra Epps is returning to her hometown to collaborate with Habitat for Humanity Chicago on a new building project.
Following the success of Buying Back The Block, which saw Kyra and her husband, comedian/actor Mike Epps, work together to rebuild Mike’s childhood community in Indianapolis, Indiana, Kyra is back to build homes and lead workshops in partnership with ReStore Chicago. Her collaboration with Mike to rebuild his hometown inspired Kyra to do the same for her city. Now, she’s on a mission to empower fellow Chicagoans to achieve homeownership and build lasting family legacies.
“No matter how far you go or how successful you become, there’s always a need for a home base,” Kyra tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“Your home base is your foundation and your truth. So, when I reflect on my life and what I want for future generations, I realize it was time for me to come back home and plant that seed for homeownership.”
Driven by a deep commitment to giving back to her community and a strong belief that everyone deserves a beautiful home that boosts their self-esteem, Kyra is partnering with Habitat for Humanity Chicago. She hopes to use her platform to engage the community and teach people how to design their homes, fostering a sense of pride and ownership.
“I’ve officially joined Habitat for Humanity Chicago as their Community Impact Partner, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together,” Kyra says.
“My goals are twofold: first, to educate people about homeownership so they can return to their communities and help break down the barriers that often hold them back,” she adds. “Second, I felt it was crucial for women like me to be visible in these roles, driving change in our own neighborhoods. As a Black woman, I know how important it is to be part of that transformation, and I’m committed to making a difference in my community.”
Kyra and Mike’s time hosting Buying Up The Block became one of the most-streamed home renovation shows, but its success went beyond TV ratings. It resonated deeply with the Epps, highlighting the meaningful impact they could have as public figures in their hometowns.
“Mike and I really get the importance of family and legacy,” she shares. “He invested in his grandma’s house from the 1960s because keeping it in the family was so meaningful to him.”
“After the HGTV show aired, we realized our impact went beyond just us,” she adds. “People started feeling inspired to return to their childhood homes and pour love back into the communities that raised them. Honestly, that inspired me, too—I wanted my kids to see the light from my side of the family.”
Kyra also recalled another motivation.
“My family lost our family home in Chicago for generations, like so many families in Chicago are displaced. That’s when I knew it was time for me to return to my home, to the city that made me who I am, and bring that same love and attention,” she says.
The HGTV star and home designer is reeling over the purchase of her first property on the West Side of Chicago.
“I’m really excited about it!” she says.
On October 12 in Chicago, Kyra will join other women at Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build event to construct a home alongside Habitat for Humanity. Those interested in donating to Team Kyra for Women Build can click here.
RELATED CONTENT: Mike Epps Is ‘Buying Back The Block’ In Indiana For HGTV Show
Early voting is starting across the nation, and that means we have another Paint The Polls Black Town Hall.
Learn how you can make a plan to vote early and use your power at the ballot box. Showing up for each other at the polls this year is crucial. Let’s use our power to fight for each other.
TOPICS: Donald Trump election kamala harris Paint The Polls Black Politics voteThe post WATCH: Paint The Polls Black Town Hall — Early Voting appeared first on Essence.