Uncategorized

https://nerdist.com/article/three-new-star-wars-movies-announced-including-daisy-ridley-return-as-rey/

After many false starts and canceled projects, Star Wars is finally ready to return to theaters. Lucasfilm announced three new upcoming standalone movies during the opening of Star Wars Celebration 2023. These new Star Wars movies include a story about the founding of the Jedi, a movie that will serve as the finale to this era of interconnected Disney+ shows, and the return of Daisy Ridley’s Rey.

And with that, the galaxy far, far away is finally going back to the big screen. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy revealed James Mangold (Logan, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), Dave Filoni (The Mandalorian, Ahsoka), Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Ms. Marvel, Saving Face) have all been tapped to direct these new Star Wars movies.

While Lucasfilm shared few official details about the films, the little they tell us says a lot. Here’s what we know about these new Star Wars movies so far.

James Mangold’s New Star Wars Movie Tells the Story of the Force

James Mangold’s “will go back to the dawn of the Jedi,” a time set tens of thousands of years earlier than anything we’ve ever seen on screen before. That might mean we’ll meet the figure known as Prime Jedi. That’s the person who founded the Order on Ahch-To sometime around 25,000 years before the events of A New Hope. Fans already know Ahch-To well. They first saw it in The Last Jedi when it served as Luke Skywalker’s hideaway. A release additionally shares, “James Mangold will take audiences deep into the past, telling the tale of the first Jedi to wield the Force and harness it as a liberating power in an era of chaos and oppression.”

Mangold further noted to Empire that his new Star Wars movie “takes place 25,000 years before Episode IV, and it’s about the discovery of the Force.” He further shares, “I told Kathy [Kennedy, head of Lucasfilm] I wanted to make a kind of Bible movie, a kind of Ten Commandments of Star Wars – kind of a Cecil B DeMille film about the arrival of the Force, and that’s what I’ve been pecking away at between press events. That’s the idea.”

James Mangold’s New Star Wars Movie Connects with Rey’s Next Appearance

Kennedy also recently shared that this movie will help inform the new Star Wars movie featuring the return of Rey. She noted to Total Film, “I think it’s a really nice compliment to what we’re doing with moving into the future with Rey, and then understanding a bit more of where this all came from,” she explains. “Because it will be at the heart of creating the new Jedi Order, so to get a real sense of where that might have began with the dawn of the Jedi could be pretty cool.” 

According to a new official Star Wars eras list revealed by LucasFilm, this movie will most likely take place in the “Dawn of the Jedi” era, but could even take place earlier than that.

Dave Filoni’s Film Will Bring Together Many Current Disney+ Series

The next new Star Wars movie will come from franchise veteran Dave Filoni. His film “will focus on the New Republic and close out the interconnected stories told in The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and other Disney+ series.” That’s huge news for both the television and movie side of Lucasfilm. When we get a release date for Filoni’s film, we’ll know just how many more seasons of The Mandalorian we might see. Clearly, there’s already an end in sight to Din Djarin and Grogu’s story. Although, we suppose they could continue on beyond a culminating movie. A release further shares, “Dave Filoni will orchestrate the escalating war between the Imperial Remnant and the fledgling New Republic.”

Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Star Wars Movie

The third and final new Star Wars movie announced will focus on the future. Obaid-Chinoy’s movie will take place after The Rise of Skywalker. It will mark the return of Daisy Ridley as Rey. Set 15 years after the ultimate defeat of the Sith, she will be trying to build a new Jedi Order. Hopefully, that goes a lot better than her mentor Luke Skywalker’s attempts. According to the new list of Star Wars eras, it seems like this movie will take place in the “New Jedi Order” era.

Kathleen Kennedy shared more about the movie with Variety. She noted:

Well, we’re 15 years out from ‘Rise of Skywalker,’ so we’re post-war, post-First Order, and the Jedi are in disarray. There’s a lot of discussion around, ‘Who are the Jedi? What are they doing? What’s the state of the galaxy?’ She’s attempting to rebuild the Jedi Order, based on the books, based on what she promised Luke, so that’s where we’re going.”

Speaking to Empire, Kennedy added, “The First Order has fallen, the Jedi are in chaos – there’s even a question of how many exist anymore – and Rey’s building the New Jedi Order, based on the text that she was given and that Luke imparted on her.” She also offers, “Rey has made a promise to Luke, and that’s really the core of where we’re going and what this story will be. And I think it offers just tremendous opportunity to introduce new characters and start with something fresh, because we culminated with what George [Lucas] was creating, and now we take all of that and move it to the next chapter.” 

On the topic of a possible Luke Skywalker presence in the new Star Wars movie, Kennedy said: “I don’t know if we’ll spend a lot of time in flashbacks or [on] Force ghosts or things like that, but certainly, the spirit of what he represents to her is going to be significant.”

Recently, Daisy Ridley herself gave her first comments on her new Star Wars movie. While her comments remain vague, she noted to Collider, “I’m very excited. The story is really cool. I’m waiting to read a script because, obviously, I don’t have any other updates. It’s not what I expected, but I’m very excited.” And additionally told the The Hollywood Reporter, ” I’m genuinely really excited about the next one [Star Wars movie]. I haven’t read anything, but I know the story. It’s really worth telling, worth exploring, and I think people will be excited.”

Something tells us it won’t be smooth sailing for Rey, though. The dark side of the Force has a way of always creating shadows over the galaxy far, far away, especially in theaters.

Originally published on April 7, 2023.

The post Three New STAR WARS Movies Announced, Including Daisy Ridley’s Return as Rey appeared first on Nerdist.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/noir-atelier-fashion-house-luxury-chicago/

Noir Atelier is a new Black-owned luxury brand based in Chicago formed by two locals, Shawn Gibbs and Frankie Favre.

According to Block Club Chicago, Noir Atelier launched in September 2023 by offering a python print leather vegan leather card holder for $129, which Gibbs and Fabre say aligns with their vision to provide luxury at an affordable price point.

The founders did their homework before bringing the initial offering, studying designs from Goyard, Yves St. Laurent, and Burberry in order to gauge what design cues they needed to harness so they could create a profitable product.

Gibbs told Block Club Chicago that the designs are multigenerational and unisex by design. “Everyone can’t afford Louis Vuitton, but if we can give you something that’s going to make you feel good … there’s no gender in this, right?” he said. “You can be a man, woman, 18 years old, you can be 60 years old. You can give this to your mom, cousin or coworker.”

Fabre indicated that of the high-end designers he and Gibbs studied, the one that stood out to him, and the one he most wanted to incorporate aspects of was Goyard.

“One of the biggest things was the colorway,” he said. “A company that has inspired us in terms of having options is Goyard… We wanted people to be able to want all the colors…and then be able to accessorize that with their day-to-day.”

Noir Atelier recently made its wares available on the NTWRK marketplace, which Fabre describes as “the QVC of art, luxury and fashion…We’re sitting next to some of the dopest designers and artists around and here we are getting to rub elbows with that network.”

They plan to expand their offerings and their customer base while building a community. They want to throw a proper grand opening party in Chicago next year to get all of their customers and supporters under one roof. A store in Chicago and another in Paris are also on the wish list.

“We got some dope s— happening, and that requires a lot of money. And so right now we’re being very smart financially with a lot of our decisions with the future in mind … so that way we can give people an experience,” Fabre said.

RELATED CONTENT: Young Founder Of Black-Owned Custom Jewelry Store Makes History As The ‘Engagement Ring Queen’

https://www.blackenterprise.com/detroit-grants-37-cannabis-licenses/

Some businesses in Detroit are going up in smoke— in a good way—as the City of Detroit has announced that it has granted cannabis licenses to 37 applicants. Thirteen of those have gone to businesses that are Black majority-owned, five to companies owned by a majority of women, and 21 that are owned by residents of Detroit.

“Just shy of a year ago, the City of Detroit awarded its first round of adult-use limited licenses, which saw a little more than 50% of adult-use limited licenses awarded to Detroit residents who are the majority owners of their businesses,” said City Council President Pro Temp James Tate in a written statement.

“Of those newly licensed business owners in ‘Round One,’ 16 are African American. Today, we continue the progressive expansion of our cannabis industry with the announcement of ‘Round Two’ awardees. Congratulations to all those who persevered through a gauntlet of challenges to get to this point, and I am excited for the future as we continue to provide legitimate opportunities for Detroiters within an industry that previously shut them out.”

The City of Detroit’s Office of Marijuana Ventures and Entrepreneurship (OMVE) has stated that the licenses distributed in this second round went to the businesses that have demonstrated the potential to be successful in this field. This round includes businesses that will become adult-use cannabis retailers, microbusinesses, and designated consumption establishment licenses.

“We congratulate all the successful applicants who have been awarded licenses in Round 2,” said Kim James, director of the Office of Marijuana Ventures and Entrepreneurship. “These individuals and organizations have exhibited remarkable potential and commitment to operate successfully while honoring the City’s diversity and equity goals. We are excited to witness their contributions to the sector and the positive economic impact we expect to see for the City of Detroit. OMVE remains dedicated to facilitating a transparent and fair licensing process, ensuring that all applicants have an equal opportunity to participate in this growing industry. The Office encourages unsuccessful applicants to continue their pursuit of entrepreneurship and stands committed to offering support and guidance for future licensing opportunities.”

Last year, according to CBS Detroit, the agency awarded 33 adult-use cannabis licenses.

https://blackgirlnerds.com/comedian-ziwe-fumudoh-takes-on-racial-identity-in-black-friend-essays/

Comedy’s most iconic voice Ziwe Fumudoh brings together humor, wit, and tenacity in her new book Black Friend Essays. Debuting as the #1 new release in the category of Discrimination and Racism on Amazon, Fumudoh’s Black Friend Essays brings together a compilation of personal essays by the comedic genius herself.

Throughout this book, Fumudoh combines her perspective, pop culture, and commentary with her misunderstandings around Black identity. In Black Friend Essays, Fumudoh lets readers see the social interactions of the average Black woman in today’s society. She takes readers through eye-opening situations she experiences as a Black woman and learning moments she hopes for non-Black individuals to absorb. 

The Relatable Black Woman

Throughout her story, Fumudoh paints herself as a relatable young Black woman. The social issues she faces are issues many Black women are no strangers to. With the intent of showing readers the experiences many Black women share, Fumudoh recalls specific racial interactions that occur between her and her peers. She describes instances in which her peers would mispronounce her name or question her ethnicity based on the uniqueness of her name as a Nigerian American.

Although she is used to the mispronunciation of her name, Fumudoh hints that the occurrence does annoy her. Having issues pronouncing her name would often open up secondary conversations about Fumudoh’s cultural identity and heritage. It’s almost as if she’s expected to retell her whole life story with the introduction of her name.

She also recalls her experience of being in a white neighborhood and being in a private school versus a public school. She would often find herself alternating her vernacular based on those around her. These interactions demonstrate what navigating life is like for a young Black woman with an African cultural background.

Fumudoh reflects on experiences in her life in which she became subject to microaggressions and other uncomfortable situations she endured. Fumudoh, like many people of color, feels the need to code-switch or update her speech based on her surroundings to gain respect. It is the way she handles these situations that is truly amazing. Her use of comedy is significant to her story as an individual. She slowly introduces comedy as a coping mechanism.

The Topics of Race and Comedy Combined

With a growing number of books centered on race and the individual experience surrounding racism in America, what makes Fumudoh’s novel distinct?

For one, Fumudoh uses witty banter to capture her readers’ attention and poke fun at the racial complexities in her life. Although she uses humor, she doesn’t appear offensive to her Black audience. Instead, she amuses them. She amuses them by poking fun at racial situations she presumes other Black individuals experience. Her sense of humor is distinct. Fumudoh makes an awkward moment lighthearted. The way she deals with situations involving race is to incorporate light humor. She shows readers that she has a thick skin because she can counteract racism with humor.

This isn’t to be mistaken as saying Fumudoh accepts racism, which she pokes fun at in the introduction of her book. Instead, readers can say with certainty that she understands racism and relies on satire to poke fun at those who don’t. She not only focuses on the Black perspective but also shifts her focus to reference other minorities during her discussions on implicit racism.

If you are reading from the perspective of being Black, reading her book will speak to you. She uses comic relief to downplay high-intensity interactions where her race may be questioned. In doing so, she gets people to listen.

It may be challenging for white people to read a book about the racism Black individuals face; however, her humorous responses to non-Black individuals in her book ease any possibility of racial tension. Ultimately, her book promotes anti-racism because she draws attention to the issues Black individuals regularly face. 

What Purpose Do These Interviews Serve?

One plan of action that Fumudoh excels in is her ability to make a name for herself. Her presence in the comedy world is thriving. Her emergence in pop culture began with her asking simple questions to notable stars like actors Alyssa Milano and Chet Hanks. She can get stars to comment on sensitive matters like race.

In her book, Fumudoh is shown interviewing celebrities for her Instagram livestreams. She is an expert in creating questions that fuel debates and getting stars to discuss sensitive subjects they might otherwise avoid altogether. The measures she takes to approach conversations about race are significant. She discusses race with influential figures who have a voice. In doing so, she publicizes Black issues and highlights disparities. Fumudoh is able to get her livestream guests to respond to uneasy questions. She is strategic with her approach in addressing how race affects people of color. 

A Must Read 

With Black Friend Essays, get ready to challenge your preconceived notions regarding racial relations. Fumudoh is talented with her words and strategic with her comedy.

If you are already familiar with Fumudoh as a comedian, then you know the work she is capable of delivering. She uses the right amount of humor at the right time. Her sense of comic relief turns an awkward situation into a learning experience for many.

Fumudoh may be writing about her life as a Black woman, but her novel is an encouraging read for all who desire to educate themselves on racial perception and what it means to be Black in America. Fumudoh’s book is a must read. Her words, humor, and wit allow readers to reflect on her everyday life as a Black woman. This is a read for anyone willing to learn, take in, and understand the Black experience. 

Black Friend Essays is available wherever books are sold.