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.

Dale Hansen: Winner of the Internet, Feb 14, 2014

Dear readers, I'm adding yet another regular feature to this blog, Winner of the Internet. These will be humorous or impactful videos that I feel are worthy of attention. The series' first video is one that was shared amongst some of my Facebook friends and which has been spreading across the web. Dallas sports anchor Dale Hansen delivered a response to all the hoopla surrounding University of Missouri defensive lineman Michael Sam, an NFL prospect who recently came out. Thank you Mr. Hansen, for being fair, honest, reasonable and funny.

Oh Cheers Cheerios!

 


Although the outcome of the Super Bowl wasn't as I would've liked, there were some bright spots amongst the disaster. The halftime show brought the cool with the funky Bruno Mars and the always-awesome Red Hot Chili Peppers and the oft-anticipated Super Bowl commercials kept me guessing, from Maserati's clever Quevhazane Wallis ad (yep, you fooled everyone, sneaky, sneaky!) to the nostalgic Radio Shack spot, ( hell yes for the 80s!) to the Cheerios Family. Yep,  the family who brought so much chatter to the internet last year returned in a humorous ad that featured  adorable 6-year old Grace Colbert slyly negotiating her way into a puppy after discovering impending big sisterhood. Once again, bravo Cheerios!