deerstalker
https://www.blackenterprise.com/nantucket-african-meeting-house-200-years-jan-4/
The African Meeting House in Nantucket, Massachusetts, will be celebrating its 200th anniversary on January 4 through an evening of live performances and a rededication of the meeting house, which is now only used for ceremonies and special events.
According to the Cape Cod Times, both the meeting house and the Museum of African American History are central locations for Nantucket’s Black community.
Per the Nantucket Preservation Trust, the house is the last remaining public structure that was a vital part of Black communities of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Although it was constructed in 1827 by the African Baptist Society, the building was purchased in 1933 by Florence Higginbotham, who understood the importance of the building.
Despite Higginbotham’s purchase, the building fell into disrepair over the years and was in need of serious repairs.
In 1989, Higginbotham’s descendants sold the Meeting House to Boston’s Museum of African American History and the building was renovated and reopened to the public in 1999.
According to the museum’s website, “The small post-and-beam building, a National Historic Landmark, is the island’s most vivid reminder of a thriving 19th-century Black community. The Museum presents cultural programs and interpretive exhibits on the history of African Americans on Nantucket and makes the African Meeting House available for ceremonies and special events.”
Sage Morgan-Hubbard, the Director of Learning and Engagement at the Museum of African American History, told the Cape Cod Times that the event seeks to honor the history of the building.
“It really is just to honor the important history,” Morgan-Hubbard said. “It will be fun to learn about the history together and share in the celebration.”
According to the event’s listing on Eventbrite, although the event is free and open to the public, seating is limited, but reservations are available on the site.
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So…2024 was a hell of a year. Both eventful and in some respects…hellish. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t some high points. Anime, for the most part, never let us down as we have a sweeping wave of favorites that held us down, entertained us, made us weep, and overall remained a medium and art form that stays consistently and uniquely stays in our streaming rotation.
Carrie: Look Back (October 2024, GKIDS, now on Amazon Prime Video in selected regions)
Plenty of films of the anime variety that released this year to great fanfare: seeing SPY×FAMILY Code: White was an experience. The Studio Ghibli fest returned soothing our souls with our faves and there were many a classic like Ninja Scroll and Cowboy Bebop The Movie returning to theaters while also making way for newer flicks like The Concierge (aka The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store) and Trapezium making some buzz for movie goers. My favorite anime film of the year would have to be the anime adaptation of Look Back, my favorite Tatsuki Fujimoto title, a one shot that went the distance and effortlessly made the world fall in love with it.
In my review of the film, I wrote that Look Back isn’t a long film, the run time is maybe a few minutes short of an hour–and it doesn’t need to be longer, to be a stand out film that emphasizes friendships, connections, and creative outlets. I loved this film for its quieter and more subtle scenes that help flesh out the friendship of the girls and the years that bond them together. Look Back is a film that moved me, held my hearts in its hands, and made me glad that I left the house to go watch in theaters. I think back on this film and I’m thankful for its ability to remind audiences of why making the effort, whether it is for art or for the people we befriend in life is necessary and needed. I adore this film and I am impressed by the labor of love in its narrative and the story of the studio and creatives in their mission to adapt it for the big screen.
Carrie: Dungeon People (July 2024, HIDIVE)
As BNP’s resident HIDIVE subscriber, I watch some hidden gems that I really want other people to watch. Our beloved Delicious in Dungeon over on Netflix came to a end and HIDIVE was circulating news that a new dungeon crawler anime was set to debut Summer 2024. This ‘cozy and pretty cute dungeon keeping’ anime that brought something new to the table with plenty of laughs and proved to be an oddball in its entirety. The first half of the series presented itself as unique and really fun to watch so I even wrote about it here for the site.
Watching Dungeon People became a sort of ritual for me this year as I never quite knew what adventures Clay and Belle would get into, but I always could count on them to fall into something interesting and entertaining. Sure, there was some character development and bonding for the two on realizing the comforts of friendships, purpose, and learning how to ask for help. I cannot stress enough how much the oddball and (while not totally unique) approach of clearing and being in dungeons (I love the Cells at Work comparison, honestly) via anime really served as a charming adaptation of a hidden gem manga series.
Carrie: The Apothecary Diaries (Second Cour Premiered in March 2024, Crunchyroll)
Another manga series I gushed about on the site, adapted from a superb line of light novels, saw me gladly make coverage for it. From praising the manga series to having eyeballs on the trailer for the anime adaptation to even previewing the first few episodes for a lively review–The Apothecary Diaries truly passed the vibe check. Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem wrapped up in a Historical Setting introduces us to Maomao, a young woman who works with an apothecary. Her life changes when she is kidnapped and sold off as a servant for the rear palace, a palace dedicated to the emperor’s consorts, his heirs, and those who serve them.
The Apothecary Diaries truly became a fave this year to watch as it really developed not just Maomao as a character but succeeded in giving her so much more nuance especially when the reveal of who her biological parents were. Seeing both she and Jinshi (their dynamic is so incredibly entertaining), her total opposite together again, outside of the palace made for great scenes touching upon class, gender, and agency.
We know that not all anime adaptations are not all built the same. So when I watched the second cour and found that one of the scenes that I was looking forward to the most was handled so well and even added to–(a great breakdown here on tumblr, spoilers beware, obviously )–this sealed its spot on such a list as this. I’m just so looking forward to more brilliant storytelling in season two. The Apothecary Diaries brings so much to the table: in-depth plot points on about medicines, history, and how different people navigated society from maids to concubines to just a really lovable and relatable female protagonist that everyone loves.
Mikkel: Dandadan (October 2024 ongoing, Netflix/Crunchyroll)
This was a really good year for anime and to pick one means I have to sneak in Delicious in Dungeon, Windbreaker, and the Haikyu movie into this paragraph because there’s only one anime that has completely overtaken my feeds, had an OP that has been playing on loop, and otherwise stole my heart.
Dandadan is best described as equal parts horror fantasy, space opera, and two adorable teenage nerds who clearly think of the world of each other while also being completely incapable of communicating because they are in fact both teenagers and nerds. Okuran and Ayase are social outcasts who after daring the other to visit a known haunted town and frequent alien visitation spot end up getting powers and having to navigate a bizarre world to the best of their abilities. The pilot is wild, but the show dances through arcs effortlessly and strikes that oh so delicate balance between the humerus, the saccharine sweet, and the unexpectedly heartbreaking. After episode 3, I used the ShonenJump app to get current on the series, and I can’t wait for more.
Ja-Quan: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Second Cour Aired January 2024 on Crunchyroll)
With all due respect to my beloved three headed faves MHA, Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End was easily the best anime of the year, and I won’t apologize for how hard I’m about to go for this elven tale for the ages – Will certainly didn’t when he dropped a rare write up cosigning it’s immediate goat status. Come take a walk with me as Frieren shreds all preconceived notions of what a quality fantasy looks like.
Plenty of shows and films have started with the end, but a format like Frieren’s is quite unique. As the title suggests, this show starts with Frieren and the gang returning home after their journey to slay the demon king, elevating them to “the party of adventurers that saved the world” status. But what now? How does a story keep going after the series finale? How do you captivate the attention of millions of lovers of dungeons, dragons, and adventure…after the adventure? Good writing, that’s how. Add in some visuals that are as gorgeous as it gets and music that will send you into a hypnotic state of euphoria and you’ll begin to understand that this anime doesn’t miss.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is expertly penned and impeccably paced. Nearly every episode introduces a new element, leaving you salivating for more without the use of cheap cliffhangers. Character development and world building is effortless. Don’t be surprised when you realize how attached you are to Frieren and her new companions or how hilarious you find the hijinks they get into on their journey. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a rare anime that could walk off into the sunset after just 1 season (with many lessons learned), but I’m beyond excited they swiftly green lit season 2.
Frantz: Pluto (Yes, it aired in October 2023, but we watched and rewatched it in 2024, Netflix)
In all things, nobody does it like the OGs did it. New generations bring innovation to the thing, but that original spark of inspiration has to be honored. In anime, it doesn’t get more OG than Osamu Tezuka; the creator of Atom aka Astro Boy. Back in 1964, he’d written an Astro Boy manga titled, “The Greatest Robot On Earth” which was updated in 2003 and then reinvisioned as the Netflix Anime Series: Pluto. (One of our staff writers had lots of feelings about the manga too).
Pluto plays no games and pulls no punches. When a bunch of high-profile robots (who are celebrity superheroes in this world) start getting killed off, an investigator is brought in to solve the case. A cybernetic investigator! It has the same noir feel as Powers with an insider being brought in to handle things. Or Hannibal. The old, ‘it takes a [blank] to catch a [blank]’ – but what sets Pluto apart is its take on Azimov’s ‘Three Laws’ of robotics. So not only is the action intense with high stakes (like, every bot IS a nuke) and set on a global stage but the way it explores artificial intelligence ethics. The voice acting is amazing in Japanese and holds up well in the English dub.
Pluto threw me for a loop because I’d put it on to watch passively while writing. Immediately had to put everything away and do the video game ‘lean forward’ to pay attention. It’s a brilliant piece of cybernoir that had me guessing. Plot twists and turns and devilish details that I couldn’t figure out upfront (which is a big deal for me). I remember being left with this eerie, haunting feeling by the end that we might be facing something like this in real life.
Super huge shout-out to Terminator: Zero which had a lot of the same spirit, but sprinkled some time paradoxes in because…Terminator. If you haven’t already, go watch Pluto and get your mind blown.[Quick note: “Robot” is a Slavic (Czech) compound word that loosely translates to ‘forced labor’ and is more akin to ‘slave’. So, add that layer to all the media around Androids and AI and see how it changes.]
Garrett: Dragon Ball Daima (October 2024, on Crunchyroll)
When Akira Toriyama passed, the world stopped to give this man the send off he deserved. He left us with his final work, Dragon Ball Daima, which is a return to form to the OG Dragon Ball vibe. The story takes place after the Buu Saga and before the Super series, thereby eliminating the focus on power ups and transformations. Instead, it focuses more on an adventurous romp around the demon world rather than what transformation. The joke among the fandom was this series was Toriyama fixing the GT series like he did with Broly and even if that isn’t the case, it damn sure does feel like it. His love for this world is palpable, and it truly feels like a fitting send off for a creator who gifted us with an incredible series that touched so many. Rest well Akira Toriyama, and thank you for this parting gift.
Love anime? So do we! See what else we have to offer on the site via anime here!
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The post BNP Staff Favorites for 2024: Anime appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
So your Star Wars collection has grown too large, and now needs its own room in your home. It happens. Well, if you’re going to have a room themed to the galaxy far, far away, might as well Star Wars-ize every part of it. Yes, even the furniture itself. The folks at Backyard Resin have created a series of high-end tables showcasing Star Wars elements, and they are each a true work of art. Three of them prominently feature the Millennium Falcon in action, but one pays homage to the Jedi’s greatest weapon. You can check out each item down below:
Star Wars – Millennium Falcon End Table and Coffee Table
The first Backyard Resin table features the Falcon and a rebel X-Wing fighter, pursued by TIE fighters through space. This beautiful dark walnut Star Wars end table starts at $1,140.00 for the 24″ x 24″ version, and there are four other larger coffee table sizes to choose from at varying prices.
Walnut Star Wars – Millennium Falcon Cutting Board
If the table costs too many Imperial credits for your comfort, then this cutting board is a more economical alternative. Like the table above, it showcases the Millennium Falcon, an X-Wing, and an Imperial TIE fighter flying through space. Perfect for the scoundrel-infested cantina (or kitchen) in your home. This 12” x 24” dark walnut Star Wars cutting board will set you back $414.00.
Ocean Star Wars Coffee Table
The next dark walnut coffee table features the Falcon, an X-Wing, and a TIE fighter skimming the surface of the ocean. This recreated a scene very similar to one in The Force Awakens. Similar to the previous tables, this one starts at $1,140.00 for the 24″ x 24″ end table version. The four other larger sizes have varying prices.
Star Wars Lightsaber Coffee Table
The final Star Wars table, our personal favorite, features the most elegant weapon in the galaxy, the lightsaber. This stunning piece features a meticulously airbrushed blade and a 3D-printed lightsaber handle embedded in the table. You can choose between two colors for your blade — Luke Skywalker’s green, or Darth Vader’s Sith red. The 24″ x 24″ end table costs $1,140.00, with the larger coffee tables priced higher.
To purchase these amazing pieces of Star Wars home furnishings, head on over to Backyard Resin.
The post Deluxe STAR WARS Tables Bring the Force Into Your Living Room appeared first on Nerdist.
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 14:Travis Hunter University of Colorado cornerback/wide receiver poses with the Trophy during the Heisman Trophy press conference at the Marriott Marquis on December 14, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) 
Travis Hunter has got everybody talking—again.
And no, no, no — not for the reasons you’re thinking. In what has already been a history-making year for the Heisman Trophy-winning athlete, Hunter officially signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money APAA Sports agency. What better match than one between one of football’s brightest young stars and one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures?
Hunter’s decision comes as he prepares for the NFL Draft after an unforgettable season with the Colorado Buffaloes. The two-way standout dominated both offense and defense under the guidance of Coach Deion Sanders, first at Jackson State and later at Colorado. Quickly rising in popularity due to his skills, versatility, and undeniable presence, he’s already positioned him as one of the most anticipated prospects in football.
The connection between Hunter and Lil Wayne runs deep, as the athlete revealed during his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech. He credited his fiancée for introducing him to Wayne’s music, which became his go-to pregame soundtrack. “My fiancée loves you,” Hunter said during the ceremony. “From that day on, that’s all I listen to for pregame music.”
Lil Wayne’s Young Money APAA Sports agency has been steadily building its reputation in the sports world, representing a diverse roster of athletes including Duke’s Darian Mensah and Colorado’s Jehiem Oatis. With Wayne at the helm, the agency has made waves by combining a deep understanding of culture with a commitment to empowering athletes on and off the field. Signing Hunter marks a significant milestone for Young Money Sports, solidifying its position as a major player in the competitive world of athlete representation.
Hunter’s star power extends beyond the field. He recently signed a lucrative endorsement deal with Adidas, further cementing his status as a marketable and influential athlete. “Working with adidas is a special opportunity for me and something that I’m really excited about as I look ahead to what’s next,” Travis Hunter said at the time. “The partners they currently have are top tier with some of the best young guys like me. I’m pumped to join the three stripes as we continue pushing the boundaries of the sport we all love.”
The partnership with Young Money Sports signals his intention to expand his brand while staying true to his roots and values. For an athlete of his caliber, the synergy between football, culture, and business is key—and Young Money APAA Sports is uniquely positioned to help him do just that.
The post Lil Wayne’s Young Money Sports Lands Travis Hunter appeared first on Essence.