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(02/12/18 11:49pm)
Throughout the Macon area, there are several things to do to celebrate Black History Month, a month that strives to acknowledge African American contributions to society and honor the culture. Macon’s Douglass Theatre is showcasing African American culture and history of the arts by showing a film that commemorates black history every Friday of the month in February.
Here is a list of the films being presented:
“Detroit”
During the summer of 1967, the city of Detroit is overwhelmed with civil unrest. A couple of days later, gunshots are reported and local police as well as the Michigan Army National Guard search and seize the premises. Officers begin to violently interrogate those involved, which resulted in more racial issues.
Showing: Feb. 2 at 7:00 p.m.
"Marshall”
A young lawyer in 1941 defends a black chauffeur who is charged with sexual assault and attempted murder of his white socialite employer. Marshall narrates the racism and anti-semitism that can be found in the American justice system. The 2017 film illustrates Thurgood Marshall’s life and accomplishments.
Showing: Feb. 9 at 7:00 p.m.
“Mudbound”
Set in the Jim Crow South during World War II, Mudbound is a story that follows two families in opposition because of the social hierarchy of rural Mississippi. Through the unlikely friendship of Jamie McAllan and Ronsel Jackson, the film illustrates the brutal reality of the American South.
Showing: Feb. 16 at 7:00 p.m.
“Roman J. Israel, ESQ”
Denzel Washington stars as an optimistic defense attorney working in the Los Angeles criminal court system. When his life is bombarded with a series of events, the activism that has defined his career is tested.
Showing: Feb. 23 at 7:00 p.m.
“Each year during our Black History Month celebration, we screen films that feature African Americans. Our purpose with this and all Douglass programming is to fulfill our mission. The Historic Douglass Theatre is a multicultural film and performance theatre, It’s mission is to present [the] Middle Georgia community with life-enriching events, educational opportunities, and performances worthy of this African- American architectural treasure,” said Gina Ward, director of the Douglass Theatre, in an email.
The film series is free and will be held at the Douglass Theatre, 355 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Macon, GA 31201.
(01/26/18 11:15pm)
Although the show originally aired on television seven years ago, “Black Mirror” has recently taken the world by storm since being produced by Netflix. The new episodes have brought the television series into the mainstream. What captivates such a large audience is not just how well the show is executed, but how the writers critique the digital age in a creative way.
“Black Mirror”’s title is in reference to the reflective surface of the digital screen and each episode is independent of the others, but addresses technological concerns. Created by Charlie Brooker, the show narrates the tale of our interaction with new technology, how it changes our daily lives and how both are interconnected with nature.
Every television series has moments that are insanely popular while other moments could have been done without. Each episode in the series is standalone so they can be watched in any order the viewer chooses. Here is a list of the five best “Black Mirror” episodes:
“Hang the DJ”
Dating in the modern world is filled with anxieties that were not around in the past. When Frank and Amy sign up for an online dating service that automates everything one does for the duration of a relationship, they are hopeful they’ll find their match. But faced with a series of mismatches, will they ever pair up with each other again?
“Be Right Back”
Imagine a world where a widow could create a faux version of her husband based on aggregated data from all of his social media accounts and upload it into a fake body.
But she quickly realizes that even the closest version of him couldn’t replace her late husband. Tugging on all emotional heart strings, “Be Right Back” reminds us of the value of human connection.
“Arkangel”
Even with her daughter’s best interest at heart, this mother goes overboard, as she enrolls her daughter in an experimental program that live streams her vision to her mother’s iPad. The program also gave her the ability to censor her daughter’s vision from things like violence. The ability to have that much control over her daughter’s life is the center of Brooker’s analysis of technological advancement in this episode. Once the daughter enters her teen years and her rebellious nature begins to influence her, she doesn’t appreciate her mother’s overprotectiveness in the same way.
“San Junipero”
In a beachy California town circa 1987, Yorkie, a shy girl and Kelly, an outgoing party animal, build an unlikely friendship that soon turns into a budding romance. However with any love story there is a catch, but is it too much that their love will not prevail? In an episode that questions immorality and death, “Black Mirror” continues to give a compelling twist that viewers would never guest.
“Shut Up and Dance”
Like most teenagers, Kenny finds himself in a sticky situation. Kenny’s secret is videotaped and ends up in hands of anonymous enemies. He is then blackmailed and forced to complete various tasks for his tormentors. Along the way, he finds comfort in a fellow hostage who completes tasks with him. However, the ending of this episode will shock the audience unlike any other.
Charlie Brooker’s technological dystopia allows us to explore a world that could be our reality. Along with providing viewers with a new sense of paranoia on the digital world, the series’s standalone episodes and captivating performances by the cast really come together to create an alluring television series.
(09/27/17 1:51pm)
The 69th Emmy Awards embraced diversity through a series of wins for people of color. The Emmy Awards honored the best in U.S. prime time television programming from June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017 and aired on Sept. 17, 2017.
Donald Glover received two awards for his FX series, Atlanta. The actor, musician and director won Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series, becoming the first black person to do so. He also won the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, which has not been done by a person of color since 1985.
Although Glover is breaking down barriers, he was not the only black man recognized that night.
Sterling K. Brown won Lead Actor in a Drama, making him the first black actor to win this award since Andre Braugher.
“Nineteen years ago. Detective Frank Pembleton held this joint as impeccably played by Andre Braugher, I just want to say Mr. Braugher whether it is at Stanford University or on this Emmy stage it is my supreme honor to follow in your footsteps,” Brown said.
These momentous wins continued through the award show as if it were a theme. Lena Waithe became the first African American woman to win Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series.
“Last but certainly not least my LGBTQIA family, I see each and every one of you. The things that make us different those are our superpowers everyday, when you walk out the door, put on your imaginary cape and go out there and conquer the world because the world would not be as beautiful as it is if we weren’t in it,” she said. “Thank you for embracing a little Indian boy from South Carolina and a little queer black girl from the southside of Chicago. We appreciate it more than you could ever know.”
The Emmys did not stop there though. Riz Ahmed won Outstanding Lead Actor in Limited Series or Movie becoming the first Muslim and South Asian winner to win an acting Emmy.
“It is always strange reaping the rewards of a story that is based on real world suffering,” Ahmed said. “But if this show has shown a light on some of the prejudice in our societies, and phobias, some of the injustice in our justice system, then maybe that is something.”
This past Oscar’s Award Show began conversation in the entertainment world around the topic of diversity, and the Emmy’s picked up where they left off.
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(09/22/17 10:00am)
Mercer Bears are known for more than their academic and athletic accomplishments. They are innovators, public servants and even fashion enthusiasts.
There are a few bears on campus who stand out fashionably. Get to know who they are.
Jadon Murad, International Business Major and $20 budget aficionado
Jadon Murad is a freshman International Business major on the pre-law track. He is a part of the entrepreneurial club, Enactus and is currently a freshman senator.
Although Murad has only been here for a month, he has made a statement in self-expression through his fashion.
“Dressing better certainly makes me feel better,” he said. “Picking out an outfit at night … heightens my expectations for the next day.”
He encourages those interested in fashion to go to stores like Goodwill because of the variety one can find there.
“It’s not about brand for me, it’s about creating a certain look,” he said. “If I have an image in my head I’m not going to spend more than $20 at Goodwill.”
Murad also loves shoes and what they bring to an outfit.
“I plan on looking good a lot or at least presentable most of the time because I have no idea who’s looking,” Murad said. “You never know who could see you. I like that a lot about Mercer. Keeps me on my toes.”
Charleston Eatmon Jr, Mentor and Sneaker Guru
Charleston Eatmon Jr. is a sophomore Global Health major on the pre-physical therapy track. On campus, he is a YoungLife leader and a mentor with the Band of Brothers at Alexander II.
When he is not mentoring others, Eatmon enjoys sporting brands that help in his own self-expression.
“My parents and siblings have always been fashion savvy and we rub off on each other,” Eatmon said. “I’ve always been interested in shoe style but my sister introduced me to popular clothing brands in middle school.”
Since his younger years, Eatmon has moved away from specific brands and has started looking for clothes that better express who he is.
“My style hasn’t really changed since coming to Mercer, but I’m inspired by Russell Westbrook, Michael Jackson, A$AP Rocky and Prince,” Eatmon said.
Eatmon wants others to know that “If you like it, wear it,” because fashion is all about self-expression.
Megan Steele, Marketing Major and Thrift Store Queen
Megan Steele is a sophomore Marketing and Spanish double major. On campus, she is involved with the Special Events Team and is a Peer Advisor. She also serves as Mercer’s Quality Enhancement Plan Office’s Marketing Intern.
Steele has some advice for thrifters who are new to the scene:
Go at least once for the experience, and keep an open mind! Sometimes something that looks 'okay' on the hanger could look KILLER on you!
Don't be afraid to look in the kid's section or men's section if you are a woman, or visa versa. I have found some pretty cool pieces in random sections of the store.
If you love it, just buy it because chances are, you won't find another (*insert dope article of clothing or accessory here*) again.
It is easy on your wallet! And we all know how little of an expendable income college students actually have.
When she’s not busy with everything she’s doing, she loves playing dress up and creating art.
“I can’t say that either of those things have actually changed much,” Steele said. “Although my dress up games have now sort of evolved into the way I currently dress myself.”
Steele uses fashion as an artistic outlet and as a way to boost her own confidence.
“In high school it was seen as a slight sense of rebellion to dress against the trend but I always enjoyed embracing the fact that everyone is different in their own way,” Steele said.
Since coming to Mercer, Steele’s style hasn’t changed much.
“I have found that I am now able to wear the outfits of my choice without my parents’ stamp of approval. I have also found that sometimes a fun outfit can be a great conversation starter,” Steele said.
Steele loves purchasing her clothes from thrift stores.
“Every shopping experience is new, and no two stores will have the same two items in them,” Steele said.
Clairissa Cole, Biology Major and Lover of 70’s Fashion
Clairissa Cole is a junior Biology Major with minors in Chemistry and Public Health. On campus, she is a bear force leader for the University Center and an executive board member of All God’s Anointed People Evangelizing. She is also a member of National Society of Leadership and Success, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, the Student National Medical Association-Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, American Medical Women’s Association and the Organization of Black Student.
Cole has maintained a progressive interest in fashion for a while now.
“My interest in fashion began early in high school when I got my first summer job and was able to experiment with purchasing different clothes and accessories to mix in with the back-to-school clothes my parents would get me,” Cole said.
From there, her love for clothes only grew, and she eventually began shopping for herself independently.
Cole finds inspiration from watching old performances of 1970s divas like Diana Ross, shows on the E! Network and celebrities like Rihanna or Kimora Lee Simmons.
“I try to stay fashionable despite my hectic schedule of classes, work and extracurriculars by pairing simple and comfortable pieces together to make a bomb outfit...because I believe that despite how stressful a day may be, the confidence I feel from my clothing makes the day slightly better,” Cole said.
Some of her favorite stores include Boohoo, H&M, ASOS and Lola Shoetique.
“If I had to share any advice on fashion, it would be to wear whatever gives you the most confidence,” she said. “Forget about what anyone else may say or think.”
Tomi Jefferson, Accounting Major and Fashion Connoisseur
Tomi Jefferson is an accounting major. On campus, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Organization of Black Students, Vice President of The National Pan-Hellenic Council, student liaison for The National Association of Black Accountants, Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society.
Growing up in a household full of women, Jefferson was influenced by her older siblings who were always well dressed.
“My mom had a rule that we were not allowed to leave the house without looking presentable, and she loved dressing us alike. My sisters always dressed similar, but I wanted to be different. So, once I was able to dress and shop for myself, I started to look at magazines and Pinterest for outfit ideas,” Jefferson said.
She hopes to continue to foster her passion during her time here at Mercer and in Macon.
“Mercer has changed my style through allowing me to meet and get to know a wide range of students. We're all from different states and countries. We all have different styles. So, through meeting so many new people, I began to explore different styles. I don't want to be stuck in one style type. I've been introduced to different stores around Macon and websites,” Jefferson said.
She shops at stores such as Papaya, Francesca’s, H&M and Pacsun.
“Have your own style, don't let society tell you what's fashionable or not,” she said. “Wear what you like and feel comfortable wearing. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg to be fashionable.”
(08/23/17 10:00am)
This year has been an incredible year for comedian Kevin Hart.
With the release of his memoir “I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons” that debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list, his work as title character in “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie” and his upcoming “Jumanji” reboot, Hart seems unbeatable.
Hart is bringing his comedic talent back to Macon and the city is roaring with excitement, so much that there was a second performance added to the tour. Hart will be performing in Macon Sept. 9 and Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.
Both shows will be held at the Macon City Auditorium and will be 90 minutes to 2 hours long. There is no age requirement and tickets can be purchased on the Macon Centreplex website. Prices range from $48 to $78.
“We are pleased for the opportunity for Macon to have a legendary comedian and to provide them with two entertaining experiences,” said Rod Freeman, box office supervisor.
Mercer students were among the Macon residents rushing to purchase show tickets.
Sophomore Michaela Jones said she is excited Hart is bringing his humor to Macon.
“Macon is already a great and growing city, and Kevin Hart’s appearance will definitely give it the spotlight to keep that going. It’ll be an entertaining experience for his fans in the area too,” Jones said.