SUNDANCE 2020: Obamas unveil enlightening, inspiring doc ‘Crip Camp’

When Crip Camp debuted on the opening night of the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, lines of ticket-holders were left without a seat because of the enormous demand. Part of the hype was likely due to the fact that the film was executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, making it instantly intriguing if nothing else.

The Netflix film does not disappoint and welcomes viewers into a world they may not have considered before being mesmerized by the dedication, perseverance, and truly remarkable moments it serves up from the first minute.

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Check out the official synopsis:

Down the road from Woodstock, a revolution blossomed in a ramshackle summer camp for teenagers with disabilities, transforming their lives and igniting a landmark movement.

In the early 1970s, teenagers with disabilities faced a future shaped by isolation, discrimination and institutionalization. Camp Jened, a ramshackle camp “for the handicapped” in the Catskills, exploded those confines. Jened was their freewheeling Utopia, a place with summertime sports, smoking and makeout sessions awaiting everyone, and campers felt fulfilled as human beings. Their bonds endured as they migrated West to Berkeley, California — a promised land for a growing and diverse disability community — where friends from Camp Jened realized that disruption and unity might secure life-changing accessibility for millions.

Co-directed by Emmy®-winning filmmaker Nicole Newnham and film mixer and former camper Jim LeBrecht, this joyous and exuberant documentary arrives the same year as the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, at a time when the country’s largest minority group still battles daily for the freedom to exist.

It’s nearly impossible to leave this film unchanged or uninspired. Watching kids contend with challenges in the relentless way they do and recognizing how many similarities we share despite major differences is an intense and illuminating experience. Of course, the doc is not all fun and games and the darker aspects of reality for the disabled people of the country are much more alarming than we ever considered.

Crip Camp doesn’t offer any tidy solutions to the ongoing issues, but it certainly ignites a desire to learn and do more.

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Reports of Sexual Assault Rose 27% at Military Academies

It’s no secret that sexual assault in the military is a problem. In an arena that prides secrecy and cultivates a boys club atmosphere, unfortunately those assaults often go unreported.

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Ludacris surprises Florida students with $75K worth of music equipment

Students from at a South Florida high school got an extra special surprise the week courtesy of rapper Ludacris.

According to NBC Philadelphia, Wednesday, Luda gifted the students at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School with $75,000 worth of music equipment as part of StubHub’s #TicketForward program; a collaborative with The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation that plans to invest $3 million in public school music programs nationwide.

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“I understand the importance of music education,” the 42-year-old explained to the excited teens. “It’s very important to me.”

During his visit, the entertainer also attended a school-wide assembly where he graciously participated in Q&A session that allowed him to share advice and encourage those in attendance to pursue their passions despite the odds against them.

READ MORE: What Kobe Bryant’s death has taught me about how Black men mourn

HOW AWESOME! Students in Hialeah, Florida were taken aback when rapper Ludacris showed up at their school. But he brought them an even bigger surprise: $75,000 worth of instruments for the school's music program! 🎵❤️ STORY: https://t.co/X15iFa0skd

— FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) January 30, 2020

“If it weren’t for individuals reaching back and giving me that confidence, I wouldn’t be here today,” he explained. “If you get knocked down nine times, you get up 10. Just keep going.”

As if the new equipment wasn’t enough, Ludacris also surprised the school’s band director, Kevin Segura, with two Super Bowl tickets for this weekend’s game in Miami.

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“We have instruments being held together with tape, they don’t move, they’re banged up,” Segura said. “So these instruments are going to improve our sound and going to motivate kids to want to do band so hopefully I can build up this program to what it once was back in the day … I’m really, really excited that I’m going to the game. I didn’t think I was going so this was a nice surprise for me.”

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What Kobe Bryant’s death teaches us about living emotionally richer lives

There is never a good time to die.

Still, there are situations that tend to help ease the grieving process because they fit snuggly into “what seems” right and wrong, fair or unfair, just v. unjust when it comes to death. For example, when someone passes away due to old age or after suffering through disease managing emotions around the loss are relatively uncomplicated. The heart feels the loss, but the head reminds that this is to be expected. Alternately, when someone dies at a relatively young age, in a tragic or unexpected way, the heart and head are both scrambling. What happened? And perhaps most important, looking for the why.

Sadly, the tragic helicopter accident that claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other people on board, is a reminder of how out of control we truly are when it comes to life and death. And it’s been hard.

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It’s been a devastating blow for the families and friends of the victims; people who experienced unimaginable loss and are left to deal with “figuring out” the rest of their lives. It’s been a shocker to Kobe Bryant fans, folks who feel a connection to a man they admired from afar. It’s even posed a challenge to pop culture, as we know it. How do you follow a story, in real-time, with integrity and fairness? How do you edit a society that has thrived on being filter-less?

Death changes everything it touches. The passing of Kobe Bryant has caused many to examine their feelings around tragedy, vulnerability, and healing—and look at trauma in their own lives. Here are a few takeaways to consider:

 

Make Space for Black Male Vulnerability

People were moved by the emotional outbursts of Shaquille O’Neal, and countless other Black men, who shed sincere tears over the deaths of Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant and the others aboard the plane. The emotional displays are a reminder of the importance of encouraging Black men to express feelings, thoughts, and comportment that dispel the crippling burden of hyper-masculinity in our community. Black men need the freedom to emote in authentic ways, without fear of having their masculinity questioned, outside of the confines of tragedy.

Trauma Has No Parameters

The families of the victims are suffering a heart-wrenching loss—there is no comparison or parity between what family and fans are experiencing. That said, it does not mean that fans are not experiencing grief and trauma in their own right. First, many fans felt connected to Kobe Bryant and invested in his career and personal life. It’s natural to experience a sense of sadness due to the death and the tragic manner. Second, for many the tragedy will trigger memories and feelings of loss and or trauma in their personal lives, such as the passing of a loved one or accidents they experienced/witnessed. It’s imperative to identify what you’re feeling and utilize resources, such as counseling, to help.

READ MORE: Roger Goodell confirms NFL will pay tribute to Kobe Bryant at the Super Bowl

The Truth Is Never Disrespectful—But Timing Is

Some people make bigger mistakes than others. There are moments to address those decisions and instances when such topics are best left for later. Whether you’re dealing with a superstar or the headliners in your household, discernment is a must, particularly during tough times. That never means sacrificing your safety, or that of others, but understanding the importance of respect and support during challenging times.

Death Touches Everyone

One of the most bothersome things about devastating events is that they serve as a reminder of our personal vulnerability and that our most loved ones can be taken away from us at any time. It’s scary. It’s painful. It’s out of our control. No one knows the when, why or how. The best ways to manage the anxiety and fear that accompany this lack of control to acknowledge it. Talk to your friends and loved ones about your concerns. Create a plan for your loved ones to ensure their security (ex. wills, adequate life insurance and other supports). Most important, actively pursue your happiness. Tell folks you love them, create distance or end toxic relationships.

S. Tia Brown is a journalist and licensed therapist. Follow her on IG @tiabrowntalks.

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SUNDANCE 2020: Here’s why ‘Charm City Kings’ was our favorite film of the festival

Check out the synopsis:

Growing up in West Baltimore, teenage Mouse (Jahi Di’allo Winston) known for roles in Queen & Slim, Proud Mary, and The Upside, feels the fierce pull of different forces: Between notorious ex-con Blax (Meek Mill) and concerned Detective Rivers (William Catlett), and between the straight path set for Mouse by his concerned mother (Teyonah Parris) and the dangers of gang life, which took his brother’s life. The one truth Mouse knows is that he loves the power, artistry and energy of “The Ride” — the exhilarating motorized-dirt-bike scene that is both pastime and passion on the streets of Baltimore. During one eventful summer, Mouse steers his way through two father figures, a first girlfriend, the pull of illegal choices and the thrill of stunt-riding that makes him and his friends feel like CHARM CITY KINGS.

For Mouse, the 13-year-old hero of director Angel Manuel Soto’s Charm City Kings, what he loves is the motorized, urban dirt bike scene that has been a crucial part of Baltimore street life for 50 years. That culture has created its own music genre, its own styles, and local celebrities in the community including DeWayne Davis aka “Wheelie Wayne,” Chino, and Lakeyria Doughty aka“Wheelie Queen.” They ride Yamahas and Hondas which they use to create genuinely incredible tricks, including the “12 O’Clock” move: Popping a wheelie, and as the bike is on its back wheel, turning the handlebars completely vertical as if they were clock hands facing high noon. But the riders’ lives can turn upside-down in unforeseen ways.

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There are so many profound elements of the film from producer, Clarence Hammond, and Caleb Pinkett and written by Sherman Payne. Executive produced by Jada Pinkett Smith and her husband, Will Smith for Overbrook Entertainment, it feels like an instant classic. The teen angst of Black boys is a subject rarely captured or examined on the big screen and subjects like toxic masculinity, trauma, family, and poverty are tackled beautifully through mesmerizing performances from Jahi Di’Allo Winston. His mother is perfectly portrayed by Teyonah Parris and Meek Mill delivered an impressive performance in a prominent role.

All of the acting is superb and the film does a delicate dance between excruciating moments and sweet comedic dialogue. In that sense, this movie is all things. A sweet coming-of-age tale complete with a first kiss and crass teenage boy banter;  a grizzly crime drama that makes you watch through split fingers as you cover your eyes. The backdrop of Baltimore’s bike community is equally captivating and the stunts and chase scenes add a unique action element that will have your jaw on the floor and make you wonder why you haven’t seen any of this before. This film will make you laugh and break your heart and when it’s over you’ll be begging for another ride.

Fortunately, Charm City Kings has already secured a theatrical release date of April 10, 2020 and its definitely one you won’t want to miss.

 

 

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