Free State of Jones: The Rebellious Newton Knight

I was leaving a less-than-stellar movie recently, when I was immediately cheered up by seeing the poster for The Free State of Jones, set to be released this May. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning, as I've read one of the two books on which this film is based. The story of Newton Knight, of Jones County, Mississippi is an incredible one of a man waging guerilla warfare against the then-powerful Confederacy, made all the more astounding because this man was one of them. Newton Knight was a Confederate soldier who reluctantly joined up so as not to be conscripted away from his friends. Not long after, however, he deserted and proceeded to wreak havoc on a system he'd always considered unjust. Hiding in the swamps, he proclaimed his native area Free State of Jones, and fighting along with runaway slaves, farmers and former soldiers, he worked to undermine those who would foment grave crimes against humanity and exploit those working to make a basic living. In the midst of his heroic deeds, Mr. Knight,  although already married to Serena, with kids of their own, formed a common-law marriage with Rachel, one of his grandfather's former slaves, living openly with her and their children, a fairly revolutionary act at the time. Upon Rachel's untimely death in 1899  "Capt" Knight as he became known, insisted on having her buried in his family plot, where he lies next to her. Through his adult life, Newton Knight worked alongside those suffering from the deepest oppression to achieve harmony and bring about a more ideal America that we still struggle towards today.

Walking Dead: An Epic Love

Most of the time, I'm busy going about life, not thinking that much about being biracial or the existence of interracial families, but there are of course times when it comes to mind or this blog wouldn't exist. The most recent episode of the Walking Dead was one of those grand moments. Amidst the turmoil and chaos surrounding them, two people finally realized they were in love. It was a natural progression over the many years they'd known each other and it seemed destined that these well-matched souls should come together. Although Rick being white and Michonne black is not entirely insignificant, of equal consideration is the deep understanding, mutual respect and sense of comfort they've developed traveling down the road and through life with each other. Although their lives are filled with daily life-and-death struggles, it also encompasses the everyday, such as taking on the crucial responsibility of caring for Rick's children and sharing much-coveted spearmint toothpaste. Along with nervous first-kiss giggles and high (or low) fives, they're building something beautiful and authentic and, as they fight monsters of both the walker and human variety, it will fortify them for the days ahead and into a time where there will finally be a return to peace.  

Embracing the Light Side of History

So as the world enjoys and debates the merits and pitfalls of  The Force Awakens, the 7th installment in the iconic Star Wars franchise, there are many historic factors to consider. This film has broken domestic box office records, having made nearly $400 million domestically as of Christmas weekend. And it's breaking new ground in other ways as well. For the first time since the original trilogy, a strong female lead is gracing our movie screens and as you may have heard through the mad grumblings of some with access to Twitter and too much time on their hands, there is now a complex sidekick to the character of Rey, aforementioned female protagonist. His name is Finn, a storm-trooper who's defected from the dastardly duties he's reluctantly conducted his entire life. And oh yeah, he's black. John Boyega's Finn is the first black character in the social media age to play a truly essential role in the classic tale of the light and dark sides of humanity. The Force Awakens is the first of the new trilogy and this character will help bring about a  thrilling new aspect to this engaging tale.

Very Important Biracial: Nick Deleon

As a devoted fan of D.C. United, I am quite excited to watch them battle for victory in the 2015 MLS playoff semi-finals this November 8. Amongst those who will be on the field in this crucial match will be one Nick Deleon. Born in Phoenix, Arizona to Kristy Deleon and former Trinidadian international player Leroy Deleon, the midfielder started honing his soccer chops in high school then spent his freshman and sophomore years at UNLV. Upon transferring to the University of Louisville, Deleon started all games and racked up 8 goals with 3 assists in his junior year. His senior year proved impressive as well, as he again started every game of the season with 6 goals and 6 assists. Post-college, he was drafted by MLS as a 7th-round pick and began his professional career with the black-and-red in the 2012 season in a match against the L.A. Galaxy, earning a Goal of the Week. In that year's Eastern Conference semi-finals, he scored the winning goal against the NY Red Bulls. In his career with United, he has developed into a force to be reckoned with and as we face our arch-rivals this Sunday with beers in hand and our voices ready to shout in support, Kristy and Leroy Deleon's son and his teammates will fight on our behalf and bring us closer to one more star. Vamos United !  

Very Important Biracial: Trevor Noah

Even at birth, Johannesburg South Africa native Trevor Noah fomented controversy. Born in 1984 to Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, of Xhosa heritage and Robert, of Swiss German descent, his very existence was illegal in the apartheid regime of the time. Starting his career with a starring role on a South African soap, Mr Noah went on to become successful on a variety of tv shows, he moved on to focus on stand-up comedy, a budding art form in his country. Upon moving to the U.S. in 2011, he became the first South African stand-up to be featured on the Tonight Show. He was the subject of a documentary focusing on his career and starred in two comedy specials. In 2015, he was hand-picked by Daily Show host Jon Stewart to helm the iconic satire news program upon Stewart's departure. Soon after, some of Trevor's old tweets were brought to light. Deemed anti-semitic and sexist, the discovery of these tweets made it  necessary for him to address the sometimes ugly nature of comedy. Stewart, amongst others, defended the embattled future Daily Show host and on September 28, 2015 the 31-year old former stand-up sat at the legendary desk of its former star and began yet another chapter in his interesting professional path.

Belle:Truly Beautiful

To entertain my great interests in, as a friend so astutely stated, "snobby British culture and mixed-race people", I attended the recently- released Belle, starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw as the real-life Dido Elizabeth Belle, a biracial English aristocrat who must navigate her way through the duel mazes of upper-class social parameters and late 18th-century racial relations, as being the daughter of a slave, she is relegated to near-second class status although she was to the manor born. Subsequently, I read the richly engaging book, which gave deeper details to the events and era covered in the film. I much enjoyed both because although I can't speak to being an aristocrat, I  greatly appreciate stories of those with a similar cultural background to my own and those who fight for moral justice for the human family. This powerful story brought me great pride and I'm grateful it was brought to the screen and its book form published.

Very Important Biracial: Laura Izibor

As a biracial woman whose diverse family tree includes ancestors from the Emerald Isle, I was thrilled to come across the amazing Laura Izibor. The daughter of an Irish mother and a Nigerian father, the 26 year-old Dublin-born-and-raised Izibor won a national talent competition at 15 and at 17 began the process of  recording her album The Truth Be Told. Over the 4 year period she was recording, she also performed live and in 2009 debuted The Truth Be Told. Her deep and soulful vocals have earned her the rightful nickname The Soul of Ireland. In the years to come, this gifted artist will undoubtedly bring us more funky rhythms and awesome vocals.