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The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Ebenezer Baptist Church formerly enjoyed a long and prosperous partnership, but it had fallen by the wayside until a chance meeting between Ebenezer’s current senior pastor Sen. Raphael Warnock, and the executive director of the orchestra, Jennifer Barlament, brought them back into fellowship.

According to Rough Draft Atlanta, Barlament and Rev. Warnock ran into each other at the Woodruff Arts Center sometime during the fall of 2024.

As Barlament tells the story, Warnock’s love of music and the arts offered the opportunity for the church and the orchestra to rekindle a dormant relationship.

“I said, ‘Hey, Reverend Warnock, nice to meet you,’ and introduced myself,” she recalled to the outlet during an interview earlier in January. “And one thing led to another. We just had a really nice conversation about music and how much he loves music, how great the acoustics are here at Ebenezer and how the orchestra and the church had this relationship in the past. And so he basically said, ‘Well, come on down, let’s do something together.’”

According to musician and educator Dr. Patrice Turner, the worship director at Ebenezer Baptist Church, most are aware of Ebenezer’s history in the context of social justice, but fewer people know about the rich musical legacy of the church.

“People know about Ebenezer being a home for social justice,” Turner told Atlanta Rough Draft. “They know about the great preaching that has happened at this church, but they might not necessarily realize that there was a wealth of musical and arts-related production that has come out of Ebenezer. And so this particular concert reflects that.”

Morehouse College Alum, Carlos Simon, a composer whose work is included in Turner’s survey of music history, specially crafted for the collaboration between the orchestra and the church, told the outlet that he hopes his music can spur more composers to speak out regarding social justice.

“I think that more composers are having the courage to speak about what’s happening in the world, whether it be politics or socioeconomic problems, and embed that into the music,” Simon told Atlanta Rough Draft. “And so that there is a cultural awareness that happens and people, hopefully audience members, will leave and say, ‘Wow, I had no idea, you know, this was happening’ or ‘I had no idea about this segment of the Black church. Let me do my research. Let me understand, maybe go to the church, you know, and visit.’ So I think there’s a lot more emphasis to reflect our society.”

Rev. Dr. Bernice King, the CEO of the King Center and the youngest child of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, discussed this year’s theme for observations of her father’s legacy, “Mission Possible,” with GPB News a few days after the Jan. 4 recording of the concert.

The concert can be watched via GPB.org starting on Jan. 20.

“What is possible is that we can continue to cultivate and protect freedom, justice and democracy,” King said, “if we align ourselves with the teachings of my father, nonviolence and not just the actions, but the mindset that he left for us to consider.”

RELATED CONTENT: MLK Day Falls On Inauguration Day, Some Set To Honor King With Community Service

We’re back for round 2 y’all. Sakamoto Days pilot started real strong, and episode 2 did not miss a step. After Shin got conscripted out of the hitman life into retail, he is still very much in a reluctant adjustment period to the significantly slower pace of life. That said, his ESP makes him very good when it comes to customers, and he is getting to work with his idol. His idol, of course, is still loudly and idly daydreaming of ways to take out Shin. if he bothers him too much, but that’s neither here nor there.

Interestingly enough, episode 2 actually skips two chapters from the manga. Admittedly, those two chapters were relatively inconsequential in the grand and served more as just ways for Shin and Sakamoto to play off each other. While I’m used to anime following its source, there’s an argument that those chapters were filler, and episode 2 serves to introduce the latest character you recognize from the OP and wonder how they fit into the plot. 

Episode 2 focuses on Sakamoto and Shin running into Xiaotun Lu, who also sports an updated visual look from the manga. It’s a more modern and contemporary look, and the redesign works well. We drop some stereotypical Chinese Girl Martial Artist elements in exchange for something a little more 2025, while keeping the distinguishable long ponytail.

The episode does not reinvent the wheel, but the fact remains the execution is impeccable. The fights are well directed and dynamic. The music is top notch. The jokes hit, the voice acting’s great. There is an incredible amount of heart that manifests in ways both small and large.

I know in my last review I said that Sakamoto Days felt like it had more in common with anime from the early aughts, but this episode really accentuates the feel good vibes we see in Spy X Family. It’s a story about a dude who loves his wife, loves his simple life, and takes to heed what his wife says to him.

The sitcom-y nature of the series means that I’m probably not going to be reviewing past this episode and I’m not in the business of recaps these days, but you should know that I’m definitely still going to be tuned in Saturdays.

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The post Help Wanted? Help Needed? Who’s to say: ‘Sakamoto Days’ Episode 2 Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.

The Nintendo Switch is easily one of the best consoles available for indie gaming. The console offers a diverse portfolio of games that cater to any gamer’s taste: from roguelikes, farming sims, role-playing games, and interactive fiction experiences, there is a game for every type of gamer. Whether you prefer romance stories, social intrigue, or something with a little more swords and shields, the Switch is a must-have.

While it would take us months (maybe even years!) to list out every single Switch indie game, we do have some standout games to recommend that are perfect for both newbie gamers and seasoned professionals. Some, like Stardew Valley and Among Us, support multiplayer, while others are best enjoyed solo. Each one, though, deserves a space on your console’s (undeniably limited) hard drive.

Donald Trump’s decision to move his inauguration indoors leaves thousands of his most devoted (and paying) supporters out in the cold—literally and figuratively. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies announced Friday that the “vast majority of ticketed guests will not be able to attend the ceremonies in person.”