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doomonfilm · 3 years

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Thoughts : Fruitvale Station (2013)

Normally, I celebrate Black History Month on my social media page by posting different achievements, key moments and important figures from the African-American experience. There was something about 2020, however, that made me feel the need for change… mainly, it was the fact that Black Americans continued to be the victim of race-based violence at a disproportionate rate, even in the midst of a pandemic. Based on the continued instances of said violence, I felt the need to make a shift in terms of what I shared on my timeline, so I adopted the #SayTheirNames approach. In doing so, Oscar Grant was a clear cut name for the list, but that also made me realize that I’d never taken the time to sit down and watch Ryan Coogler’s debut film, Fruitvale Station.

On New Year’s Eve 2008, Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan) begins his day staving off an argument with his girlfriend Sophina (Melonie Diaz) and preparing his daughter Tatiana (Ariana Neal) for school. He calls his mother Wanda (Octavia Spencer) to wish her a happy birthday, and during a stop at the grocery store to pick up stuff for her party, he meets a young woman named Katie (Ahna O’Reilly) who is preparing for a party of her own. In need of money, Oscar attempts to sell some weed to his friend, but after a moment reflecting on his last stint in jail, he dumps the weed and chooses to change his life for the better. Oscar, Sophina and Tatiana attend Wanda’s birthday party, and afterwards, Oscar decides to celebrate New Year’s Eve night in San Francisco. Wanda convinces Oscar to take the BART, and during his ride, he is recognized by Katie from the grocery store. She calls out to him, which notifies another man on the BART of Oscar’s presence, and based on their prison history, a fight breaks out. The BART Police get involved at Fruitvale Station in Oakland, and while Oscar and a number of others are being detained, a scuffle breaks out between Oscar and two of the police : Officer Caruso (Kevin Durand) and Officer Ingram (Chad Michael Murray). The struggle escalates, leading to the shooting and eventual tragic death of Oscar Grant on New Year’s Day, 2009.

In the hands of a lesser director, the tragic tale of Oscar Grant would be milked for every bit of emotional and dramatic beat that can be amplified and exploited, but in the hands of Ryan Coogler (and in his debut no less), Coogler gives us a true slice of life presentation of the struggles that trip up even the most well-intentioned young men, and the underlying aspirations to eliminate them. The tragedy that beset Grant, as commonplace as it has become these days, is about as much of a twist ending as that of the film Titanic, so instead, we are shown Oscar Grant taking stock of his life with all the pomp and circumstance of an instruction manual. In my mind, it feels like Coogler and all involved decided to not only make Oscar Grant as relatable as possible, but also show how his last day on Earth had the same ups and downs of any other one.

The strongest aspect of this film is its immediate and deeply penetrating honesty. Before we are properly introduced to the actors portraying their very real counterparts (properly, meaning we hear them before we see them), our first visual stimulus is the actual footage of Oscar Grant’s last moments that lead to his death. Once the actual film starts, there are no airs put on in an attempt to make Oscar Grant an angel… instead, we are shown Oscar attempting to reconcile the broken trust in his relationship, stating his intention to sell weed in order to make money and even driving a car while operating a cellular phone. We are also shown his attempts to connect with and support his daughter, as well as a birthday text and phone call to his mother, therefore humanizing Oscar as we join him on his tragic journey.

Using a handheld camera grounds the film in reality, making it feel more like a documentary than a dramatic retelling. The film has a similar energy and pacing to Gus Van Sant’s Death Trilogy, particularly the film Elephant, in the way that we are shown every mundane element involved in the march toward tragedy, with the main difference being that this story is true. The film looks great in terms of the way it captures the Bay Area, but ultimately, this film was not made as a vehicle to impress viewers with its flashiness. This is a film with a righteous agenda, and it more than holds up its end of the bargain in terms of achieving its goals.

Michael B. Jordan has always had a knack for mixing underlying emotion and a very natural screen presence, which works well in this character study of a life cut short too soon. Melonie Diaz matches Jordan’s natural energy, but not at the expense of displaying her sense of urgency to have the needs of her and her child met. Ariana Neal gives a strong performance for such a young actress as she manages to be charming without being cheesy, and at times, incredibly pensive for such a young mind. Octavia Spencer does what she does best, bringing a loving presence and a motherly sternness to her character that validates Oscar’s choices to shift his life in the right direction. Ahna O’Reilly turns on the charm, making her the kind of beacon that a stranger would gravitate to in hopes of a connection. Key supporting performances by Kevin Durand, Chad Michael Murray, and appearances by Christina Elmore, Tamera Tomakili, Chris Reidell, Denzel Worthington, Jonez Cain, Jasmin Bristow and a host of others fill out the cast for this sad tale.

This film was every bit as moving and powerful as everyone said it was. The fact that I knew how sad an ending I was headed for did not deter my enjoyment of how well the film was made, or how impressed I was by how carefully and respectfully the story was handled. The circumstances surrounding the film are no doubt tragic, which makes this film an important piece of film and cultural history that I will do my best to share with any and everyone willing to listen.

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weloveallanimals · 7 years

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Photographer Captures Priceless Moments As 1-Year-Old Meets A Sweet Baby Calf

Mandy Lewis decided to hire photographer Christina Elmore of The Shutter Owl Photography to take some portraits of her son Luke on his first birthday October 13, 2016. She chose her parents’ farm in Lincolnton, North Carolina, as an “amazing” backdrop.

Mandy asked Christina if she could take some photos of Luke with one of the baby calves on the farm.

“It ended up being anything but the usual after I arrived,” Christina said.

The photos of turned out more adorable than anyone could have imagined!

Christina Elmore showed up to photograph Luke Lewis for his first birthday and expected it to be just like any other photo shoot.

“This was going to be one of my usual first birthday milestone sessions,” Christina said.

Luke’s mom chose to take Luke’s photos on her parents’ farm in Lincolnton, North Carolina.

“The backdrop of the farm was amazing, and Luke is one of the sweetest babies I have ever met!” Christina said.

The farm is home to various animals, including cows and their baby calves but what Christina did not expect was Mandy’s request to photograph Luke with the baby calves.

“It was unexpected, but Luke’s mom wanted to try to get some pictures of Luke with one of their calves,” Christina said. “When she asked me during the shoot, I was really excited at the idea, but there’s truly no way I could have expected the sweet moment that was going to unfold before our eyes that I had the opportunity to capture.”

Trying to get the baby calf over to Luke was a struggle, but it all went smoothly once everyone was in place.

“Mandy’s sister, Danielle, trying to half-drag, half-carry this baby calf, whom she named Opal, out to the field for the shoot beforehand was pretty hilarious,” said Christina. “It was better than I could have visualized, as much as I wish I could take the credit.”

The photo shoot was anything but ordinary, it turned out to be a beautiful shoot that Luke’s family will remember forever.

Happy birthday, Luke!

If you know someone who might like this, please click “Share!”

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blackfemmecharacterdependency · 2 months

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March: Happy Birthday List

Pisces Stars (Feb 19-Mar 20)

1: Lupita Nyong'o 2: Danielle Moné Truitt, Jocelyn Jee Esien, Nathalie Emmanuel 3: Alexis Fields, Gloria Hendry 4: Angela V. Shelton 6: Anna Maria Horsford, Birgundi Baker 7: Kali Troy 9: Christiani Pitts 10: Harriet Tubman, Jasmine Guy, Neneh Cherry, Ego Nwodim 11: Ajani Russell 13: Adina Porter 14: Carol Speed, Tamara Tunie, Elise Neal, Greta Onieogou, Jazzy Ellis, Penny Johnson Jerald 15: Aaron Rose Philip 16: Cynthia Bond, Kimrie Lewis, Sierra McClain, Ajiona Alexus 18: Amanda Foster, Irene Cara, Vanessa L. Williams, Queen Latifah, Bonnie Mbuli, Ayisha Issa, Christina Elmore 19: Alycia Pascual Pena 20: Bianca Lawson, Dominique Jackson, Erica Luttrell, Freema Agyeman, Vanessa Bell Calloway

Aries Stars (Mar 21-Apr 19) 21: Sonequa Martin Green 22: Kandyse Mcclure, Kellie Shanygne Williams 23: Chaka Khan, Vanessa Morgan 25: Jeryl Prescott, Lark Voorhies 26: Diana Ross 27: Mariah Carey, Halle Bailey 28: Celai West, Chrystale Wilson, Laura Harrier 30: Gabrielle Byndloss 31: Erica Tazel, Andrea Bordeaux, Zethu Dlomo, Judi Shekoni

My power was out for a while and I didn't get to finish this. I will come by later

#Happy Birthday List #March Birthday List #placeholder tag

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blackfemmecharacterdependency · 2 years

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BFCD Calendar: Celebrity Birthday List

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂

MARCH: HAPPY WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH, SIS!!!

1: Alexis Fields, Lupita Nyong’o 2: Danielle Moné Truitt, Nathalie Emmanuel 3: Gloria Hendry, Meagan Tandy 4: Angela V. Shelton 6: Anna Maria Horsford, Birgundi Baker 9: Christiana Pitts 10: Ego Nwodim 11: Ajani Russell 13: Adina Porter 14: Tamara Tunie, Carol Speed, Elise Neal, Greta Onieogou 15: Aaron Rose Philip 16: Cynthia Bond, Sierra McClain, Ajiona Alexus 18: Vanessa L Williams, Queen Latifah, Ayisha Issa, Amanda Foster, Bonnie Mbuli, Christina Elmore 19: Alycia Pascual Pena 20: Bianca Lawson, Dominique Jackson, Erica Luttrell, Freema Ageyman, Vanessa Bell Calloway

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19) 21: Sonequa Martin Green 22: Kandyse Mcclure 23: Chaka Khan, Vanessa Morgan 25: Jeryl Prescott 26: Diana Ross 27: Mariah, Halle Bailey 28: Celai West, Chrystale Wilson 30: Gabrielle Byndloss 31: Erica Tazel, Andrea Bordeaux, Zethu Dlomo-Mphahlele

APRIL (National Stress Awareness Month)

1: Cece Show, 2: Nikki Perkins, Amber Gray 3: Catherine Lough Haggquist, Sarah Jeffery, Young MA, 4: Lorraine Toussaint, Jill Scott, Khadi Don, Maya Angelou 6: Simona Brown, Lauren Ridloff 7: Billie Holiday, 8: Skai Jackson, Femi Taylor 9: Jazmine Sullivan, Bianca Belair, Kisha Knight Pulliam 10: Dana Heath, Jasika Nicole, April Weeden-Washington 11: Anita-Joy Uwajeh, Summer Walker 12: Imani Lewis, Retta, Suzzanne Douglas 13: Brittany Marie Batchelder, Marci T. House 14: Da Brat 15: Ester Dean, Kron Moore, Samira Wiley 16: Ebony Obsidian, Vallerie Rae Miller

Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) 21: Gugu Mbatha-Raw 24: Reagan Gomez Preston 25: Gina Torres, Leyna Bloom 26: Debra Wilson 27: Lizzo 28: Aleisha LaNaé Allen, Cheslie Kryst, Madge Sinclair 29: Shahadi Wright Joseph

MAY (Women's Healthcare Month)

1: Victoria Monet 2: Golda Rosheuvel 3: Meagan Tandy, Chinenye Ezeudu, Danielle Deadwyler, Genevieve Nnaji 5: Gabrielle Nevaeh Green 6: Gabourey Sidibe, Adrienne Warren, Bresha Webb 7: Devyn Tyler 11: Dominique Thorne 12: Vanessa Estelle Williams, Kim Fields 13: Pearl Thusi 14: Tamara Dobson 15: Anjelika Washington, Bahia Watson, Sommore, 16: Janet Jackson, Aleyse Shannon 17: Francis Callier, Rochelle Aytes, Cynda Williams 19: Grace Jones, Angel Theory

Gemini (May 21-Jun 20) 21: Da’Vine Joy Randolph 22: Naomi Campbell 24: Patti Labelle, 25: Ebonee Noel, Octavia Spencer, Zazie Beetz, Leslie Uggams, Aïssa Maïga 26: Pam Grier, Lauryn Hill, Madeleine Mantock, Marie Pierra Kakoma 27: Left Eye, 28: Megalyn Echikunwoke, Gladys Knight 29: Laverne Cox, Mel B, Ashleigh Morghan, Michole Briana White 30: Javicia Leslie, DeWanda Wise 31: Cupcakke, Normani

JUNE (HAPPY JUNETEENTH AND BLACK MUSIC MONTH!!! HAPPY PRIDE LADIES,GAYDIES & THEYDIES)

1: Shailyn Pierre-Dixon 2: Brandee Evans, Jadah Marie, Laura Kariuki 3: Assa Sylla, Elizabeth Adare, Josephine Baker 4: Bahni Turpin 5: Denisea Wilson 6: Alex Datcher 9: Logan Browning, Gloria Reuben 10: Faith Evans 12: Felecia M. Bell 13: Daniella Perkins 14: Marla Gibbs, Tamara Smart 15: Judy Pace, Ashley Nicole Black 16: Iantha Richardson 17: Venus Williams 18: Fatou Jobe 19: Phylicia Rashad, Alysia Rogers 20: Tika Sumpter

Cancer (June 21-July22) 22: DomiNque Perry 23: Brandi Rhodes, Britne Oldford 24: Solange, Candice Patton, Adele Oni, Dominique Tipper 25: Brenda Sykes 26: Antoinette Robertson 27: Anjela Lauren Smith, Chantel Riley

JULY (HAPPY DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH)

1: Storm Reid 3: Audra McDonald, Alyah Chanelle Scott 4: Edmonia Lewis 5: Ellen Bendu 6: Della Reese, Little Miss Flint, Tia Mowry 7: Cree Summer, Akira Golz 8: Riele Downs, Taja V. Simpson 10: Angel Haze 11: Lil’ Kim, Aida Osman, Annarah Cymone, Aerial Hull, 14: Alisha Wainwright, Angela Lewis, Geretta Geretta, Kelly Jo Minter 15: Shari Headley 17: Diahann Carroll, Amanda Warren, Asjha Cooper

Leo (July 23-Aug 22) 24: Brenda Crichlow, Herizen Guardiola 25: Iman, Jajube Mandiela 26: Grace Byers 27: Gabrielle Graham, Savannah Smith 29: Sweet LD, 30:Vivica A. Fox 31: Wunmi Mosaku, Bukamina Cebekhulu

AUGUST

1: Tempestt Bledsoe 2: Alvina August 3: Chandler Kinney, Jo Marie Payton 4: Eris Baker 5: Chip Fields, 6: Merrin Dungey, 7: Kheris Rogers, 8: Meagan Good, Kimberly Brooks 9: Whitney Houston, Angely Gaviria 11: Viola Davis, Sophie Okonedo 12: Imani Hakim, Yvette Nicole Brown 13: Dawnn Lewis, Deborah Ayorinde 14: Jackée Harry, Halle Berry, Marsai Martin, Aliyah Moulden 15: Christine Adams, Andrea Lewis 16: Angela Bassett 19: Sara Martins, Tracie Thoms 20: Ashley Nicole Williams 21: Loretta Devine, Kelis

Virgo (Aug 23-Sept 22) 23: Angelique Noire, Clarissa Thibeaux 24: Ava Duvernay, Harriett D Foy 25: Ashley Winfrey, China Ann McClain 26: Keke Palmer 27: Chandra Wilson, Demetria McKinney 29: Kelly McCreary 30: Angel Coulby

SEPTEMBER

1: Zendaya Coleman, Skye Townsend, Bianca Brewton 3: Iza 4: Beyoncé Giselle Knowles Carter, Sammie Ware 5: Clark Backo, Coco Rebecca Edogamhe, Kat Graham, Jade Payton 6: Anika Noni Rose, Daniele Gaither, Naomie Harris, Trina McGee 7: Afton Williamson 9: Camilla Beeput

10: Treshelle Edmond 11: Taraji P. Henson 12: Jennifer Hudson 13: Aisha Dee 14: Ololade "Lolly" Adefope 16: Olatokunbo Susan Olasobunmi Abeke "Toks" Olagundoye 17: Danielle Brooks 18: Aisha Tyler, Jada Pinkett Smith 19: Sanaa Lathan 20: Debbi Morgan, Enuka Okuma, Victoria Dillard 21: Jerrika Hinton

Libra (Sept 23-Oct 22) 22: Teyonah Parrish 23: Cush Jumbo, Janelle James, LisaRaye McCoy 24: Yetide Badaki 26: Serena Williams, Fola Evans-Akingbola 27 Beverly Osu 28: Vernee Watson-Johnson

OCTOBER

1: Hamamat Montia, Michaela Coel, Jurnee Smollett Bell, Priah Ferguson 2: Akira Akbar 3: Ayo Edebiri, Tessa Thompson 4: Dana Davis, Ella Balinska, Ambrosia Kelley 5: Heather Headley 7: Toni Braxton, Adriyan Rae, Amber Stevens West, Aweng Chuol, Grace Saif 10: Damaris Lewis, Enam Asiama 13: Tisha Campbell, Ashanti, Aude Legastelois 15: Bethany Brown 17: Sharon Leal, Angel Parker 18: Joy Bryant 19: Ciara Renée Harper 21: Nakia Burrise 22: Carmen Ejogo 23: Amandla Stenberg, Duckie Thot

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) 24: Monica Brown 25: Ciara 26: Florence Kasumba, Folake Olowofoyeku 29: Gabrielle Union 30: Charnele Brown, Eva Marcille, Nia Long 31: Letitia Wright

NOVEMBER

1: Zoë Soul 3: Antonia Thomas 4: Brittany Adebumola, Demene Hall 5: Dominique Thorne 6: Thandiwe Newton, Lisa Berry, Alix Lapri 7: Dara Renee 8: Alfre Woodard, Esther Rolle 9: Dorothy Dandridge 10: Eve Jeffers 11: Camille Hyde, Susan Kelechi Watson 13: Aisha Hinds, Monique Coleman, Whoopi 15: Rachel True, Yaya Dacosta, Gloria Foster 16: Lisa Bonet 19: Erika Alexander, Gabrielle Elyse, Susan Heyward

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) 22: Crystal Scales, Patra 24: Ifeoma Nwobu 25: Wakeema Hollis, 26: Tina Turner, Garcelle Beauvais, Camille McDonald 27: Robin Givens, 28: Angelica Ross S. Epatha Merkerson 29: Lovie Simone, Franchesca Ramsey 30: Kayden Grace Swan

DECEMBER

1: Janelle Monae, Zoe Kravitz 2: Lesley Ann Brandt, Celeste O’Connor 4: Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins, Nefessa Williams 5: Lauren London 6: Ashley Madekwe 7: Idara Victor 8: Nikki Minaj 10: Kiki Layne, Raven Symone 11: Chloe Coleman, Condola Rashad, Xosha Roquemore 12: Regina Hall, 16: Kiara Muhummad, Gretchen Palmer 18: Adelayo Adedayo 19: Cicely Tyson 21: Quinta Brunson, Michelle Hurd

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) 22: Alexis Floyd, BernNadette Stanis 23: Brooke & Bria Singleton, Ruby Barker 25: Bethany Antonia, CCH Pounder 27: AmandaMaryanna, Faithe Herman 28: Nichelle Nichols, 30: Sheryl Lee Ralph, Aesha Ash 31: Susan Wokoma, Donna Summer, Rosalind Cash, Denee Benton

Obviously this isn’t a comprehensive list and will be updated as more are remembered or learned. So, list will be updated as needed. Currently/Continually working on it.

JANUARY: WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR!

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) 1: Josette Simon 2: Erica Hubbard, Renée Elise Goldsberry 3: Angelique Perrin, Nicole Beharie 4: Vanity, Jill Marie Jones, Miss Tina Lawson, Lenora Crichlow, Alexandra Grey, Coco Jones, Sindi Dlathu 5: Ms. Juicy Baby 6: Betty Gabriel, Jacqueline Moore, Tiffany Pollard, Armelia McQueen, Tanyell Waivers 7: Blue Ivy Carter, Ruth Negga, Sofia Wylie, Zora Neale Hurston, Zaraah Abrahams 8: Butterfly McQueen, Ryan Destiny, Cynthia Erivo 9: Amber Ruffin, Flo Milli, Anais Lee/Mirabel Lee,

10: Kathleen Bradley, Sisi Stringer, Teresa Graves 11: Adepero Oduye, Aja Naomi King, Amiyah Scott, Kim Coles, Mary J. Blige 12: Cynthia Addai Robinson, Erinn Westbrook, Issa Rae, Naya Rivera, Zabryna Guevara 13: Janet Hubert, Andy Allo, Shonda Rhimes 14: Adjoa Andoh, Vonetta McGee, Emayatzy Corinealdi 15: Regina King 16: Debbie Allen, Aaliyah, FKA Twigs, Sade 17: Eartha Kitt, Indya Moore, Michelle Obama, Ann Wolfe, Quen Blackwell 18: Ashleigh Murray, Estelle 19: Simone Missick

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) 20: Rukiya Bernard 21: Anastarzi Anaquway 22: Blesnya Minher, Dwan Smith 23: Lanei Chapman 24: Kenya Moore, Tatyana Ali 25: Ariana DeBose, Jenifer Lewis, Tati Gabrielle, Etta James, Willow Nightingale 26: Angela Davis, Anita Baker, Bessie Coleman, Ciera Payton, Desiree Burch, Sasha Banks, Zara Cully 27: Betty Adewole 28: Tyra Ferrell 31: Kerry Washington

FEBRUARY: HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH, SIS!!!

3: Ellen Thomas 6: Mame Anna Diop, Heir of Glee (Phillicia Deanell) 7: Essence Atkins, Kirby Howell Baptiste 8: Quintessa, 9: Alice Walker, Camille Winbush 10: Yara Shahidi, Uzo Aduba 11: Kelly Rowland, Brandy 12: Latrice Royale 14: Danai Gurira, Aniela Gumbs 15: Amber Riley, Lynn Whitfield, Meg Thee Stallion, Zuri Reed 16: Hailey Kilgore 18: Emelia Burns, Genelle Williams, Toni Morrison

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) 19: Caroline Chikezie, Angela Meryl, Ariel Alexandria Davis 20: Rihanna 21: Aunjanue Ellis, Ann Ogbomo 22: Genneya Walton 23: Niecy Nash 24: Kasi Lemmons, Tawny Newsome, Dede Lovelace 25: Geffri Maya 28: Rae Dawn Chong, Tasha & Sidra Smith 29: Augusta Savage

#Black Actresses and Female Entertainers Masterlist #BFCD Birthdays Masterlist #Happy Birthday #BFCD Calendar #Birthdays #Calendars #celebrity birthdays #BFCD Masterlist #Pink Aesthetic #January - December #January 1 #December 31 #Black Women in Entertainment #holidays and observances #Nesha Photosets

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