Black Museums You May Not Know About

Black History Month is about educating others on how much we've contributed to the world, and celebrating the culture and the things we do that make us, US! Black influence and history is in every facet of society and there are many museums that celebrate that. The Great Blacks and Wax Museum and Reginald F.Lewis Museum both in Baltimore, National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. Motown Museum in Detroit, fun cultural museums like the Trap Museum and Culture Experience in Atlanta, Black Hair Experience in D.C. and of course the National Museum of African American History And Culture In D.C.

These are some of the more well known museums, this article will cover 5 museums that explore our rich history you may not be aware of .

Black Writers museum

Located in Philadelphia, this museum displays writings and contributions of many Black writers throughout history. Highlighting the perseverance of Black people to learn to read and write, then create our own stories and testimonies to share with the world. The stated goal of the museum is to inspire the next generation of literary greatness within our community. More Information about this museum can be found on the website https://www.blackwritersmuseum.com/

National Museum of African American music

Nestled in Nashville, TN this museum is fairly new opening in 2020. It showcases Black peoples various contributions to the music industry. All of the genres created, influenced, or inspired by us, and how our contributions to music intertwine with history. This museum is one I definitely plan to visit one day, more details about the museum's long history and it's mission can be foud on the website https://nmaam.org/ 

Apex Museum

Located in the Black mecca Atlanta, the African-American Panoramic Museum explores Black life and  contributions in every avenue possible. One thing that makes this museum stand out is that exhibits are rotated out every quarter, so repeat visitors learn something new each time. The museum's website displays a brief but powerful message, "Whatever you do, never let them begin our history with slavery." The museum's website is https://www.apexmuseum.org/

National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

Located in Selma, Alabama not far from the Edmund Pettus Bridge where "Bloody Sunday" occured. This museum highlights the struggles and battles many African-Americans went through to obtai the basic right to vote. The sacrifices made, the persistent activitst who continued to push forward and even the continued fight to this day for voting rights. More Information can be found on the website http://nvrmi.com/ 

Negro League Hall of Fame

Located in Kansas City is a musuem I have been clamoring to get to for years, the Negro League Hall of Fame. Everyone knows about Jackie Robinson who broke the color barrier in the major leagues, but what about Larry Doby the man who followed in Jackie's footsteps? Or Negro League legends like Satchiel Paige, Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson, and Buck O'neil? This musuem tell's their stories and the story of the leage overall. With so much history packed into the exhibit it is a must visit for any baseball fan. The musuems website is https://www.nlbm.com/

While this is just a handful of musuems highlighting Black History, there are many more throughout the country covering all that we bring to the table. For more information on Black museums

visit https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-museums-united-states-and-canada/

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Black Cartoons You May Have Forgot About

 Probably one of the greatest feelings in the world was sitting in front of the TV, with the biggest bowl of cereal possible watching Saturday Morning cartoons. Unfortunately that feeling isn't as prevelant nowadays for kids, as Saturday Morning cartoons aren't really a thing any longer. Due to cable channels like Cartoon Network and Boomerang not to mention streaming apps, cartoons are accessible anytime for today's kids. 

Since Black History Month is all about what the culture brings to society and it is alot. I wanted to highlighted some forgotten cartoons that starred Black chraracters.  We all know cartoons like The Jackson 5,Fat Albert, The Proud Family, Doc McStuffins, and Static Shock. Here are 7 cartoons featuring Black characters you may or may not know of or even remember. 

C-Bear and Jamal

                                                 

Debuting on Fox Kids in 1996, C-Bear and Jamal starred Tone Loc as a backwards cap rapping teddy bear named C Bear. C Bear becomes alive around Jamal and at times his friends, encouraging them and helping them outlandish child adventures. One of the highlights of the show was one of Jamal's best friends, Kwame. Kwame believed in conspricays and blamed everything on the "man", he was a hotep before that was a thing and as a 9 year old that makes it even more hilarious.

The cartoon only lasted for 13 episodes, which is weird because I could have sworn there were more episodes. Anyway it's currently airing on The Roku Channel, for all who wish to check it out.

Mister T

In the 1980's fresh off his role as Clubber Lang in Rocky III and as B.A. Baracus on the A-Team, Mr. T was a bonafide star. With his signature mohawk look and dripped in jewerly full of gold, along with his "Pity The Fool" catchphrase. People were drawn to Mr. T, Which as customary during that time meant getting your own cartoon. He even had his own cereal to go along with the cartoon.

The Cartoon called Mister T (for copyright reasons) followed Mr. T as a gymnastics coach traveling the world solving mysteries, in the same vain as Scobby-Doo. Each episode featured in a live action segment with Mr. T, first giving a overview of the episode and last providing moral lessons learned. 

Mister T aired for three seasons on NBC, currently only a handful of episodes are available to watch on YouTube.

Hammerman

Just like Mr. T, MC Hammer was not only a rap star he was a world renowned superstar in the early 90's. With his flashing clothes and dance moves to go along with his rap, Hammer appealed to the masses. This bought him deals with Pepsi and British Knights, even a toy deal with mattel for a Hammer doll.

He crossed in the cartoon lane in 1991 with his Hammerman cartoon. The premise was actually promising, regular ol' Stanley is just a guy around the neighborhood helping to keep it clean. He has possession of a pair of talking shoes that transform him into the superhero Hammerman when he puts them on.

The series aired on ABC for 13 episodes, and featured the typical 80's/90's staple of have live action segments featuring Hammer, where he spoke with a group of neighborhood kids about lessons learned during the episode. Hammerman is not currently available on any streaming services, a clip here and there can be found on YouTube.

Kid 'N Play

Like Hammer, Kid 'N Play were successful hip hop artist who had just enough appeal for the masses. So in 1990, fresh off their success with the first House Party film. CBS decided to see if they could be successful in the cartoon world.

The cartoon featured the duo getting into some wild adventures as they embarked on tour for their music career. As a kid not knowing any better, I always wondered why characters like Bilal and the three bullies from the movies weren't included in the cartoon. Of course, those characters were created for the film which had nothing to do with hip hop act of Kid 'N Play.

Just like Mr. T and Hammer, Kid 'N Play appeared in live action segments at the beginning and end of each episode. They couldn't strike gold with the cartoon and it only lasted for one season. A couple of episodes are available on YouTube.

Fillmore!

Fillmore! was an early 2000's ABC cartoon. It focused on Cornelius Fillmore, a one-time troubled middle schooler who has gotten on the straight path. He now investigates "crimes" that occur around his school, X Middle.

Along with his partner Ingrid, the two are members of the school's safety patrol doing what it takes to keep the school safe. The cartoon took heavy influence from crime proceduals and other hard-hitting cop shows toning it down for appeal to kids. It actually is a cartoon adults can enjoy as well due to that very reason.

It ran for two reasons and replayed for years on Disney channels such as Disney XD. It's not currently available on Disney Plus.

WayneHead

WayneHead is a cartoon created by Damon Wayans. Many can take it or leave it with the Wayans family style of comedy. I think their comedy legends, with Damon being the overall funniest of the bunch. From my understanding his intentions were very well with this cartoon, it unfortunately did not pan out well.

The cartoon follows Damey Wayne, a regular kid with a bald head and a club foot just doing regular kid things in NYC. It ran for one season on WB Kids during the WB's early years as a network. I'm not sure if it was because WB didn't have a large following at the time or people just didnt care for the show.

Either way it's a crime the show wasn't able to find it's footing. It's currently available on platforms like Amazon Video and Google Play for a couple bucks.

Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child

An HBO Kids staple in the 90's was Happily Ever After. The series took fairy tales we all grew up with and switched it up, incorporating different cultures into each episode. Now it wasn't primarily Black characters highlighted in each episode, but a great deal of episodes did include Black characters.

Each episode featured major Hollywood stars at the time to voice the characters, and were narrated by Robert Guillaume. The series debuted in 1995 and ran until 2000, as a kid I didn't realize it but the show highlighted how important representation is.

The series is currently available on HBO Family for those who haven't cut the cord yet, and HBO Max for those that have.

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Subscribe To Grand Crew

 

Without question Abbott Elementary is the best new comedy on TV right now, but dont sleep on another freshman sitcom Grand Crew. Grand Crew is one of NBC’s newest ensemble comedies. Like most sitcoms it follows a group of friends navigating life and their different situations, while relying on one another. I’ll admit it took me a couple of episodes to enjoy Grand Crew and “get” it’s type of humor, which is probably the driest of dry humor. At least to me though, it secretly is a genius program.

The center of these groups of friends is Noah played by Echo Kellum of “Arrow” fame. Noah wants nothing more than to be in a relationship, and he looks to romantic comedies for inspiration which is hilarious. He is a walking romantic comedy encyclopedia, which is a ununsual character trait but is something a person in real life probably has that same quirk. His crew is rounded out by his sister Nicky (Nicole Byer), Wyatt (Justin Cunningham), Sherm (Carl Tart), and Anthony (Aaron Jennings). All working through their own issues but also making things work.

The show has covered some topics I don’t think have been talked about on TV yet. Such as the effects of letting another grown man see you cry, navigating political differences when you’re dating and really into a person. How being a vegan can be looked down upon within the Black community, especially from the older generation. As well as  being a kept house husband just to name a few. Wyatt is perfectly content being a house husband because of his friends constantly lamenting about the lackluster dating scene. A frequent comment I've heard from single people I know, which makes the show even more relatable. 

Take the time to check out Grand Crew, it comes on NBC Tuesdays at 8:30 and can be watched on the NBC App, Peacock, and Hulu. 

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Subscribe To Abbott Elementary

 

Abbott Elementary is ABC’s newest hit comedy, a mockumentary style sitcom similiar to The Office and Scrubs. Starring Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Tyler James Williams amongst the ensemble cast. The sitcom follows these characters as they navigate teaching at one of Philadelphia’s poorest schools, making the best of a tough situation..

I’ll admit I was a little late to the Abbott Elementary party. I think I started watching on episode 3, I heard people mentioning how good it was. My wife finally nudged me enough to watch it and the word of mouth that it was funny was absolutely correct. The show has potential to be a must watch for years to come, and maybe a classic one day.

One of the highlights of the show to me, is Principal Coleman played by Janelle James. To be perfectly honest Principal Coleman ain’t shit and doesn’t really care about much besides herself. It’s hilarious how oblivious she is to real issues going on at the school while she set's out to make herself look good all the time. I can’t forget school custodian Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis) he’s at the point in his career where he just doesn’t care and will say whatever comes to mind. Lisa Ann Walter and Chris Perfetti play their roles to perfection as well. Perfetti as Mr. Hill the socially woke white teacher in everything he touches is hilarious as well.

If you haven’t tuned into Abbott Elementary, don’t miss the boat and check it out. It come’s on Tuesdays at 9:00 pm and you won’t be disappointed.

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Subscribe To Kenan

 

NBC sitcom “Kenan” starring a legend amongst 90’s kids and a future comedy legend period Kenan Thompson is a sitcom I didn’t know I needed. I honestly didn’t feel one way or another about the show, if I checked it out I checked it out and if I didn’t I didn’t. Well I’m here to say I am glad I checked it out.

Just kicking off its second season. Kenan stars of course as a fictionalized version of himself, a local Atlanta TV morning show host raising his two daughters while grieving his wife’s recent passing. Helping him raise his daughters are his brother/manager and his father-in-law played by Don Johnson (of Miami Vice and Nash Bridges fame). A casting choice I certainly didn’t expect to work that does.

What I liked most about the series is that Kenans grieving is an arc within the show. He has a hard time admitting just how much he is hurting, is keeping upbeat as possible for his daughters, and every move he makes he has his wife in mind. The series gets big points for  portraying a Black man as a good damn father doing everything possible not to let his kids down.

It does fall into some sitcom traps, but what sitcom doesn’t? If you’re looking for a good-hearted series with some laughs, Kenan is your show.

The show currently airs on Monday's on NBC. The first season is only 10 episodes. The second season is 5 episodes in. Perfect for a weekend binge during this time of year. You can find it on the NBC app, Hulu, and Peacock so go ahead and subscribe to Kenan.

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Throw It In The Trash

 It's that time of year again where we gather with friends and family over a plate of food. Be thankful for what we have and the people in our lives. As we gather to pass down family recipes, watch football, play cards and look for Black Friday deals. 

We also should have some serious discussions about some traditional Thanksgiving dishes that absolutely postively belong in the trash. Through my own personal taste and talking to people I know. I've compiled a list of Thanksgiving dishes you really shouldn't put on your plate. Maybe even better just dont bothering cooking it. This list has no particular ranking.

Green Bean Casserole

I love green beans or as our culture still call them "string beans". I've never had green bean casserole though, but a few people I asked ranked that on the list as trash worthy. Looking at the recipe the green beans are the centerpiece with cream of mushroom soup and frenched fried onions as the other ingredients. Doesn't sound or by the photo look very appetizing at all, and based on what I've heard I'll stay away from it.

Pumpkin Pie

 

Once late August/early September hits you see pumpkin everything. Pumpkin spiced drinks, pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin lattes. Even pumpkin flavored candles, then fast forward to Thanksgiving and pumpkin pie is available in abundance. If I'm ever somewhere and a plate is handed to me with a slice of pumpkin pie is on it. I hope I'm not disrespecting anyone at the gathering who made it when I immediately toss it in the trash. 

Canned Veggies

There is a distinct difference in taste between freshly cooked vegetables and canned veggies. I get it canned veggies are convenient and non-perishable. They also are clutch for large catering events. They however don't compare to the taste of freshly cooked greens that someone put their elbow into. If you are at a residential Thanksgiving dinner and see canned veggies, make your way to your next destination.

Potato Salad

I enjoy some good potato salad, I prefer it in the summer during a cookout but that's just my preference. Alot of people love potato salad as a side dish for Thanksgiving. My brother bought up an excellent point, potato salad is worthy of seconds or the trash depending on who made it. Now the caveat is you wont know until you put a couple of scoops on your plate. A whole movie was based around the debate of potato salad and who made it. 

Cranberry sauce

Talking with a few people I must have missed the boat on cranberry sauce. I've never liked cranberry sauce and believe it's a prime candidate for the trash. I've been told canned cranberry sauce deserves that honor, but homemade cranberry sauce is a whole different ballgame. After having that conversation I thought about it and I've only ever had canned cranberry sauce. Maybe one day if someone else makes it I'll give homemade cranberry sauce a try. Until then it's trash worthy to me. 

Turkey 

To me turkey is the centerpiece of many meals on Thanksgiving, because it's tradition and many people dont want to find alternatives. That is one tradition I'm perfectly ok with fading away. Turkey is just dry as hell and I've heard the old saying just pour some gravy on it, and that doesnt help at all. The one time I had turkey and enjoyed it was when someone fried it. Even then I'm not sure that's enough to justify making turkey the main meat for thanksgiving. Throw the entire bird in the trash! 

That's my list. What are your thoughts, what dishes belong in the trash? 

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Hidden Gem Theater: Strictly Business

It's the 30th anniversary of a movie called "Strictly Business". Now I love this movie but surprisingly I know maybe only 5 other people that have even heard of the movie. Which is quite a shame because it is actually a very good fun movie, and reflective of the culture back then and now.

Strictly Business stars Tommy Davidson, Joseph C. Phillips, and Halle Berry in her first starring role. Tommy's character Bobby is a mailroom clerk at a big Manhattan firm that dabbles in commercial real estate. Joseph's character is Waymon Tinsdale. A high level executive at said firm.

Bobby would like Waymon to mentor him to grow in the company, but Waymon has a stick so far up his ass he believes Bobby acts too Black for the corporate world. That is until Waymon learns Bobby is an acquaintance of Halle Berry's Natalie, who Waymon is smitten by and wants to get to know.

The two decide to partner up and help one another get what they want. As a kid when I saw the movie I just thought it was a funny movie starring Tommy Davidson who of course was making stomachs hurt on In Living Color and the guy from the Cosby Show.

Now as an adult the movie touches on so many relevant topics. Black people having to behave a certain way to be successful in corporate environments. The crab in a barrel mentality amongst Black's. The power of networking and fostering relationships. Corporate politics and racism. Going after what you want and what's more important love or a career?

Strictly Business pulled in $7 million during its box office run. Which I guess is a modest success as I'm sure it didn't receive much promotion. The lack of promotio during it's theater run and afterwards may contribute to the lack of love the movie gets. It also isn't often shown on Cable TV you may catch it on a BET station late at night every now and then. It isn't widely available on any streaming platform, Prime video has it to rent for $3.99. When it really should be available for all to see on HBO Max in my opinion. 

Samuel L. Jackson before he became cool ass Uncle Sam has a role in the movie, Sam Rockwell who I only knew as the leader of the wannabe foot soldiers in Ninja Turtles has a role, and Jodeci have a brief part before they dropped their first album. Speaking of which, the movie is backed by a fire new jack swing era soundtrack led by Jeff Redd's single "You Called And Told Me"  courtesy of legendary Uptown Records. 

All which contributes to it's legacy in my opinion. It's a hidden gem deserving of so much more love and I highly suggest checking it out if you get the chance.

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