Entertainment & Culture
Entertainment & Culture
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'Billie Holiday Is Probably One of Our First Civil Rights Leaders': Lee Daniels Discusses His Upcoming Biopic at The Root Institute
Itâs been nearly 50 years since the debut of Lady Sings the Blues, which was a huge inspiration for writer-director-producer Lee Danielsâso much so, that he is now directing his own biographical drama about the iconic Billie Holiday, The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Through her artâespecially her stirring song, âStrange FruitââHoliday became pivotal in…
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Ava DuVernay Talks to The Root Institute on How She Creates Art that Makes A Difference
âArt is the foundation of any movement,â is how director Ava DuVernay began our interview as we unpacked the transformative power of artâboth in its ability to uplift and destroy. DuVernay, personally, has been driven from the beginning of her film career to create art that uplifts and moves the culture forward with creativity, sensitivity…
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Ava DuVernay Gets Real About How Art Can Shape Perceptions at The Root Institute
A visionary film director with an activistâs spirit, Ava DuVernay makes art that is rooted in her conscious. From limited miniseries like When They See Us, to TV dramas like Queen Sugar, to summer blockbusters like A Wrinkle in Time and documentaries, like The 13th, DuVernay crafts narratives with her peopleâand their past, present, and…
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Lee Daniels Discusses How He Juxtaposes Art With Activism at The Root Institute
Lee Daniels has something to say. Known for the dramatic flair sprinkled throughout his art, the writer-director-producer never shies away from controversial and emotional topics as has been displayed in his works such as Empire, Star and Precious. Daniels has routinely prioritized the importance of telling real and gritty stories within the Black community, especially…
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The Root Institute Is Coming This August and Stacey Abrams, Ava DuVernay, Lee Daniels, Tarana Burke and Ayanna Pressley Will Be There
Black people make things happen. We not only create the cultureâwe move the culture forward. We not only influence politicsâwe push for real change in our lives. Without justice, there truly is no peace, and weâre about enriching our minds and bodies as much as our communities. With this in mind, body and spirit, The…