Biblioracle: The Chicago Public Library needs to hear from you
When I say 'you' I mean , as in everybody, because even if you are reading this thinking that you don't use the library, I'm here to remind you that public libraries are unique community resources, and even when we aren't accessing them directly, they remain part of the glue that holds society together.
I was reminded of this myself recently in a conversation I had with Chris Brown, the commissioner for the Chicago Public Library, who is asking for the public's help in completing their 2025 community survey, a vital tool in making sure public libraries continue to serve the public.
Brown used two related but also distinct terms for libraries, 'civic-minded place' and 'neighborhood public space.' Libraries are literally spaces where people go and do things. Five million people a year visit a Chicago Public Library, and half a million or so attend CPL programming and events. The branch system of the library means each neighborhood has a unique outlet for the specific needs of that community.
Brown points out that this is particularly important in a city like Chicago, with its array of neighborhoods and the multitude of cultures and languages that mix and meld into the spirit of the city.
One of the chief goals of the community survey is to achieve representative samples from all areas of the city, so library leadership can better understand the specific needs of the people of the city.
The CPL does these surveys every few years as a way of anticipating future needs and making sure the public space serves the public, a mission and legacy that the CPL takes seriously. Proud Chicagoans might recall that Chance the Rapper took advantage of the CPL Maker Lab to record his first mixtape. The survey is a way to anticipate what residents may need or want access to that they can't get for themselves, something particularly important in the current age of artificial intelligence's presence.
The leadership is hoping for around 8,000 responses, but more is better, which is why they're endeavoring to reach out through social media, email and at local branches where librarians are always happy to answer questions.
Consider the small act of taking a 15 minute survey as a voice of support for libraries in this challenging time. I wrote recently about the near zeroing-out of the budget for the Institute for Museum and Library Studies, an organization that Brown told me has been indispensable at exploring the future of libraries. Significant voluntary civic participation of this kind is a vote of confidence for these institutions.
The Chicago Public Library has a particularly proud history of advancing democratic principles, having been the first to draft an Intellectual Freedom Policy in 1936 in order to protect the rights of people to read books on all sides of controversial subjects.
When I asked about current threats to libraries, Brown reflected on the question and told me that the threats can also be seen as examples of democracy in action, that attempts to ban books or events like a drag queen story hour — provided they aren't successful — are expressions of democracy.
Completing this survey at chi.gov/communitysurvey isn't the same thing as voting, but like voting, it's an opportunity to use you voice to be heard on a matter of consequence.
The library people don't mind this because the institution is meant to serve, but why not help them just a bit in turn.
John Warner is the author of books including 'More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI.' You can find him at biblioracle.com.
Book recommendations from the Biblioracle
John Warner tells you what to read based on the last five books you've read.
1. 'Between Two Kingdoms' by Suleika Jaouad
2. 'Reckoning at Eagle Creek: The Secret Legacy of Coal in the Heartland' by Jeff Biggers
3. 'The Frozen River' by Ariel Lawhon
4. 'The River is Waiting' by Wally Lamb
5. 'Leaving' by Roxana RobinsonI think 'Morningside Heights' by Joshua Henkin has the close character connection that Carol is after.
1. 'The Fourth Turning' by William Strauss and Neil Howe
2. 'Martyr!' by Kaveh Akbar
3. 'The Winners' by Fredrik Backman
4. 'Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst' by Robert Sapolsky
5. 'God's Country' by Percival Everett'Transcendent Kingdom' by Yaa Gyasi is a novel about wrestling with what it means to be a human who needs other humans and feels like a good fit with this list.
1. 'The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store' by James McBride
2. 'The Little Liar' by Mitch Albom
3. 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah
4. 'The Anxious Generation' by Jonathan Haidt
5. 'The God of the Woods' by Liz MooreThere seems like a chance that Nancy has read 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead, but if not, she should, and if so, she's going to email me and I'll try again.
Get a reading from the Biblioracle
Send a list of the last five books you've read and your hometown to biblioracle@gmail.com.
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Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Biblioracle: The Chicago Public Library needs to hear from you
The Chicago Public Library needs your help so it can continue to help you. When I say 'you' I mean , as in everybody, because even if you are reading this thinking that you don't use the library, I'm here to remind you that public libraries are unique community resources, and even when we aren't accessing them directly, they remain part of the glue that holds society together. I was reminded of this myself recently in a conversation I had with Chris Brown, the commissioner for the Chicago Public Library, who is asking for the public's help in completing their 2025 community survey, a vital tool in making sure public libraries continue to serve the public. Brown used two related but also distinct terms for libraries, 'civic-minded place' and 'neighborhood public space.' Libraries are literally spaces where people go and do things. Five million people a year visit a Chicago Public Library, and half a million or so attend CPL programming and events. The branch system of the library means each neighborhood has a unique outlet for the specific needs of that community. Brown points out that this is particularly important in a city like Chicago, with its array of neighborhoods and the multitude of cultures and languages that mix and meld into the spirit of the city. One of the chief goals of the community survey is to achieve representative samples from all areas of the city, so library leadership can better understand the specific needs of the people of the city. The CPL does these surveys every few years as a way of anticipating future needs and making sure the public space serves the public, a mission and legacy that the CPL takes seriously. Proud Chicagoans might recall that Chance the Rapper took advantage of the CPL Maker Lab to record his first mixtape. The survey is a way to anticipate what residents may need or want access to that they can't get for themselves, something particularly important in the current age of artificial intelligence's presence. The leadership is hoping for around 8,000 responses, but more is better, which is why they're endeavoring to reach out through social media, email and at local branches where librarians are always happy to answer questions. Consider the small act of taking a 15 minute survey as a voice of support for libraries in this challenging time. I wrote recently about the near zeroing-out of the budget for the Institute for Museum and Library Studies, an organization that Brown told me has been indispensable at exploring the future of libraries. Significant voluntary civic participation of this kind is a vote of confidence for these institutions. The Chicago Public Library has a particularly proud history of advancing democratic principles, having been the first to draft an Intellectual Freedom Policy in 1936 in order to protect the rights of people to read books on all sides of controversial subjects. When I asked about current threats to libraries, Brown reflected on the question and told me that the threats can also be seen as examples of democracy in action, that attempts to ban books or events like a drag queen story hour — provided they aren't successful — are expressions of democracy. Completing this survey at isn't the same thing as voting, but like voting, it's an opportunity to use you voice to be heard on a matter of consequence. The library people don't mind this because the institution is meant to serve, but why not help them just a bit in turn. John Warner is the author of books including 'More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI.' You can find him at Book recommendations from the Biblioracle John Warner tells you what to read based on the last five books you've read. 1. 'Between Two Kingdoms' by Suleika Jaouad 2. 'Reckoning at Eagle Creek: The Secret Legacy of Coal in the Heartland' by Jeff Biggers 3. 'The Frozen River' by Ariel Lawhon 4. 'The River is Waiting' by Wally Lamb 5. 'Leaving' by Roxana RobinsonI think 'Morningside Heights' by Joshua Henkin has the close character connection that Carol is after. 1. 'The Fourth Turning' by William Strauss and Neil Howe 2. 'Martyr!' by Kaveh Akbar 3. 'The Winners' by Fredrik Backman 4. 'Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst' by Robert Sapolsky 5. 'God's Country' by Percival Everett'Transcendent Kingdom' by Yaa Gyasi is a novel about wrestling with what it means to be a human who needs other humans and feels like a good fit with this list. 1. 'The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store' by James McBride 2. 'The Little Liar' by Mitch Albom 3. 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah 4. 'The Anxious Generation' by Jonathan Haidt 5. 'The God of the Woods' by Liz MooreThere seems like a chance that Nancy has read 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead, but if not, she should, and if so, she's going to email me and I'll try again. Get a reading from the Biblioracle Send a list of the last five books you've read and your hometown to biblioracle@
New York Post
3 days ago
- New York Post
What do the cheapest last-minute Chris Brown ‘Breezy Bowl' tickets cost?
Vivid Seats is the New York Post's official ticketing partner. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Featured pricing is subject to change. Summer is now officially 'Bowl season.' Starting July 30, divisive R&B superstar Chris Brown will blast off on the North American leg of his 'Breezy Bowl XX World Tour.' While on the 36-concert jaunt, he's slated to hit stadiums all over North America along with big name special guests Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller on select dates. That includes back-to-back nights at East Rutherford, NJ's MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 12 and Wednesday, Aug. 13 for the 'Run It' hitmaker. 'So excited to be able to share this moment with the world and my amazing fans,' Brown posted on Instagram. 'I can't wait to see all y'all's [sic] beautiful faces. Ima take y'all [sic] through [sic] these eras but most importantly give y'all [sic] my heart and soul.' If you want to be there, tickets are available for all upcoming shows from July through October. At the time of publication, the lowest price we could find on tickets for any one show was $52 including fees on Vivid Seats. Other shows of his have tickets going for anywhere from $73 to $280 including fees. Prior to these shows in the U.S. and Canada, Brown headlined 12 overseas concerts in Germany, Great Britain and France. According to Set List FM, he performed a whopping 53 (!) songs over four acts — titled 'The Rise,' 'The Fall,' 'Fantasy' and 'Legacy' — at Paris' La Défense Arena on July 5. Notable tracks that made the cut include 'Gimme That,' 'Yo (Excuse Me Miss),' 'Look At Me Now,' 'Poppin'' and 'Forever' among others. For more information, our team has everything you need to know and more about Chris Brown's 2025 'Breezy Bowl XX Tour' below. All prices listed above are subject to fluctuation. Chris Brown ticket prices 2025 A complete calendar including all North American tour dates, venues and links to the cheapest tickets available can be found below. Chris Brown tour dates Ticket prices start at July 30 at loanDepot Park in Miami, FL $164 (including fees) Aug. 2 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL $124 (including fees) Aug. 5 at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, PA $98 (including fees) Aug. 7 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI $80 (including fees) Aug. 8 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI $143 (including fees) Aug. 10 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA $225 (including fees) Aug. 12 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ $140 (including fees) Aug. 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ $137 (including fees) Aug. 19 at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, ON, CA $73 (including fees) Aug. 20 at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, ON, CA $52 (including fees) Aug. 23 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, CT $126 (including fees) Aug. 25 at Fenway Park in Boston, MA $240 (including fees) Aug. 28 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL $280 (including fees) Aug. 30 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA $262 (including fees) Aug. 31 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA $184 (including fees) Sept. 2 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX $119 (including fees) Sept. 3 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX $135 (including fees) Sept. 5 at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, MO $116 (including fees) Sept. 8 at Daikin Park in Houston, TX $262 (including fees) Sept. 11 at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ $94 (including fees) Sept. 13 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA $172 (fees included) Sept. 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA $130 (fees included) Sept. 17 at PETCO Park in San Diego, CA $99 (fees included) Sept. 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV $142 (including fees) Sept. 20 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV $187 (including fees) Sept. 24 at Coors Field in Denver, CO $107 (fees included) Sept. 27 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX $114 (including fees) Sept. 30 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL $84 (including fees) Oct. 3 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, GA $162 (including fees) Oct. 5 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. $255 (including fees) Oct. 8 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. $87 (including fees) Oct. 9 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. $117 (including fees) Oct. 11 at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL $102 (including fees) Oct. 14 at the Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC $128 (including fees) Oct. 16 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA $104 (including fees) Oct. 18 at the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, TN $114 (including fees) (Note: The New York Post confirmed all above prices at the publication time. All prices are in US dollars, subject to fluctuation and, if it isn't noted, will include additional fees at checkout.) Vivid Seats is a verified secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand. They offer a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and your tickets will be delivered prior to the event. Still curious about Vivid Seats? You can find an article from their team about why the company is legit here. Chris Brown set list Brown wrapped the European leg of his 'Breezy Bowl XX Tour' at Paris' La Défense Arena on July 5, 2025. He went all out, too. Based on our findings at Set List FM, he pulled out all the stops and performed a whopping 53 songs (including a few choice covers) over four acts. For a closer look, you can find all tracks here: THE RISE 01.) 'Run It!' 02.) 'Gimme That' 03.) 'Party' 04.) 'Ayo' 05.) 'Go Girlfriend' 06.) 'Heat' 07.) 'New Flame' 08.) 'Yo (Excuse Me Miss)' 09.) 'Yeah 3x' 10.) 'Five More Hours' (Deorro cover) 11.) 'Iffy' 12.) 'I Can Transform Ya' THE FALL 13.) 'Ten Toes' 14.) 'Grass Ain't Greener' 15.) 'Liquor' 16.) 'Deuces' 17.) 'I Wanna Be' 18.) 'Ain't No Way (You Won't Love Me)' 19.) 'She Ain't You' 20.) 'Say Goodbye' 21.) 'Residuals' 22.) 'Don't Judge Me' 23.) 'Till The Wheels Fall Off' 24.) 'X' FANTASY 25.) 'Wall to Wall' 26.) 'Take You Down' 27.) 'Back to Sleep' 28.) 'With You' 29.) 'Indigo' 30.) 'Kiss Kiss' 31.) 'Look at Me Now' 32.) 'Beautiful People' 33.) 'Privacy' 34.) 'No BS' 35.) 'Burgundy' 36.) 'Feel Something' 37.) 'Hope You Do' 38.) 'Strip' 39.) 'Under the Influence' 40.) 'C.A.B. (Catch a Body)' 41.) 'Freaky Friday' (Lil Dicky cover) 42.) 'Show Me' (Kid Ink cover) LEGACY 43.) 'Loyal' 44.) 'Poppin'' 45.) 'Fine China' 46.) 'Turn Up the Music' 47.) 'Call Me Every Day' 48.) 'Sensational' 49.) 'Go Crazy' (Chris Brown & Young Thug song) 50.) 'No Guidance' 51.) 'Crawl' 52.) 'No Air' (Jordin Sparks cover) 53.) 'Forever' Chris Brown new music On Nov. 10, 2023, Brown dropped his 11th studio album, the appropriately titled '11:11.' The 22-track record, which hit No. 1 on Billboard's R&B charts and won the Grammy for Best R&B album, spans 67 minutes and showcases Brown's famous four-octave tenor vocal range. After a few listens, we were most struck by the tropical 'Sensational,' bouncy 'Press Me' and laid-back 'Best Ever.' Still, the standout might be the pulsing 'No One Else' featuring Fridayy; its breakneck beat coupled with impassioned vocals make for a surefire dance floor favorite. Make sure you don't sleep on the Grammy-nominated 'Summer Too Hot,' either. Want to spin Brown's latest for yourself? You can find '11:11' in its entirety here. Chris Brown special guests At all shows, Brown will bring along either Summer Walker or Bryson Tiller, and, on some occasions, they'll both share the stage with the Virginia-born hitmaker. In the off-chance you're not familiar with these ultra-popular artists, you can cover your bases and check out their most-streamed songs on Spotify below. Summer Walker: 'Girls Need Love' Bryson Tiller: 'Don't' Chris Brown controversy In 2009, Brown had a domestic dispute with his then-girlfriend Rihanna that became violent. Soon after, she was sent to the hospital to treat severe facial injuries. That morning, Brown turned himself into the Los Angeles Police Department. One month later, he pleaded guilty to felony assault. After agreeing to a plea deal that included community labor, five years probation, and domestic violence counseling, the judge ruled a 50-yard, five-year restraining order was necessary for Rihanna. Brown is also known for his 2013 spat with singer Frank Ocean, a hit and run, breaking internal rules at a rehab center, assaulting his manager and a five-year restraining order from his ex-girlfriend, Karrueche Tran, among other transgressions. Most recently, he was charged this past May with smashing a tequila bottle over a music producer's head at a London nightclub in 2023. He was granted bail and plead not guilty. R&B stars on tour in 2025 Many of the world's most gifted vocalists will be out and about strutting their stuff all year long. Here are just five of our favorites you won't want to miss live. • The Weeknd • John Legend • Brandy with Monica • Boyz II Men • Earth Wind and Fire Need even more music in your life? Check out this list of all the biggest R&B artists on tour to find the show for you. This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Newsweek
For Sterling K. Brown, Hulu's 'Washington Black' Seeks Black Joy, Not Pain
Hulu Original Series 'Washington Black' stars Ernest Kingsley Junior and Sterling K. Brown. Hulu Original Series 'Washington Black' stars Ernest Kingsley Junior and Sterling K. Brown. James Pardon/Disney "Your legacy isn't just the work that you do, it's the opportunities that you create for other people." —Sterling K. Brown. For Sterling K. Brown, part of the appeal of producing and starring in Hulu's Washington Black (July 23) was mentoring Ernest Kingsley Jr., the young actor playing the title character. "If I'm in a position where I can help somebody get an opportunity to do it, that means a lot to me, because your legacy isn't just the work that you do, it's the opportunities that you create for other people," Brown said. Based on the bestselling novel, Kingsley plays George Washington "Wash" Black, a young boy who escapes slavery and, through his scientific mind, sets off an unexpected adventure. Brown plays Medwin, whose life intersects with Wash. "It seems most Black stories that are for mainstream consumption have to do with Black pain, have to do with Black trauma," Brown said. "So I thought, how awesome would it be to take this historical context but to still illuminate, [and] highlight, joy, hope, faith, love, etc." And for Kingsley, the story has broad appeal—"that universal story of us going through that harrowing narrative and pain in our past and triumphing over it." SUBSCRIBE TO THE PARTING SHOT WITH H. ALAN SCOTT ON APPLE PODCASTS OR SPOTIFY AND WATCH ON YOUTUBE Editor's Note: This conversation has been edited and condensed for publication. Sterling, you can always take top billing, but for this project you're supporting and producing. What about this inspired you to want to make it? Sterling K. Brown: It was the central character. It was a young boy who finds himself in the midst of slavery, but through the power of his imagination, of his hope, of his faith, is able to transcend his circumstances. And it's also the community that protected his dreams, right? Recognizing the power and importance of dreamers and how dreaming is contagious. I think that's why, oftentimes dreamers are sort of snuffed out and taken out, and why people need to protect them, because they recognize that, like so many of us, [they] are just trying to survive, or just trying to make it from day to day to day, until you come into the presence of a dreamer, and they say life is bigger than what you can currently imagine. And if you follow me, I can show you something bigger. That's who Washington is, and I've never seen that in the historical context of slavery, not allowing slavery to define who he is as a person, but allowing his creativity to be fully manifested and ultimately be like this brilliant creator, the seeker of love and beauty everywhere that he goes, and bringing that contagion with him. Pursued by Willard, Wash faces a life-altering choice. Meanwhile, tensions are on the rise between Tanna and McGee and Young Wash and Titch's Arctic journey, forces Young Wash to forge his own path forward. From... Pursued by Willard, Wash faces a life-altering choice. Meanwhile, tensions are on the rise between Tanna and McGee and Young Wash and Titch's Arctic journey, forces Young Wash to forge his own path forward. From Hulu's Washington Black. More Disney/Chris Reardon That's one of the things that I think I was so pleasantly moved by the story is that so often, when it comes to depictions of slavery in film and television, joy and hope are often not necessarily part of the story. And those stories are very important to tell. But I loved the aspect of hope that this story has. Brown: It was very important to me. Interesting enough, this project came to me before American Fiction. But American Fiction actually talks a lot about how it seems most of Black stories that are for mainstream consumption have to do with Black pain, have to do with Black trauma, right? So I thought, how awesome would it be to take this historical context but to still illuminate [and] highlight, joy, hope, faith, love, etc. And Ernest, taking on this role, the title role, that's a lot this early in your career. Did you feel the pressure of the title role? And how did you go about finding your version of Washington? Ernest Kingsley Jr.: Of course. Look, I did feel some pressure. It was quickly dissipated by the cast around me, the community around me, and someone like Sterling as well, who's been such a mentor and a friend and a brother. He definitely was showing me the ropes all along. I was really being supported by the talent and the love and care by our cast and crew. And in terms of research, I guess to start off with, definitely reading the book. The show kind of branches off from it. Reading the book was a great foundation for me, just to kind of initially get into the world of Washington Black and the epicness and the journey and the story, and then obviously, going deeper into other things and the time period. But it was definitely the book that launched me into it. WASHINGTON BLACK – 'St. George and the Dragon' – Young Wash and Titch evade capture, finding allies, threats, and shocking truths about Titch's family. In Halifax, Tanna's attempt to derail her engagement complicates her ties... WASHINGTON BLACK – 'St. George and the Dragon' – Young Wash and Titch evade capture, finding allies, threats, and shocking truths about Titch's family. In Halifax, Tanna's attempt to derail her engagement complicates her ties to Wash and Goff. As Wash's aquarium impresses Goff, danger looms, testing loyalty amid shifting ambitions. More Disney/Chris Reardon Even though this is a work of fiction, it does really illuminate part of Black history that not a lot of people know much about. Black pirates, for example. Was there any part of this history that you learned something from? Brown: I love the Dahomey, which also is echoed in [The] Woman King. I loved the sort of throughline of the Afro Nova Scotian community that we've discovered in Halifax, right? And I've worked in Charleston, South Carolina, on a TV show called Army Wives, for a long time and the Gullah accent [also called Geechee] I found very peculiarly in Halifax, Nova Scotia. And I was like, "You guys sound like you're from South Carolina." "No, we don't sound like we're from South Carolina. We're from up here." And I'm like, "Whoa, what are you talking about, man?" And it's sort of like the accent that Medwin uses, because I thought that 50 percent of all Africans that entered into the United States came through a port in South Carolina called Sullivan's Island, right? And so for me to hear that accent when I went to Halifax was this incredible moment, like, "Oh, wow. We really did make it." This underground railroad is not something that I just heard about. I see the evidence of it here in Nova Scotia while we're shooting on location. It was a magical moment for me. And Ernest, what about you? Did you learn anything about this history? Kingsley: I think Sterling kind of touched on it, the Afro Nova Scotia community. Obviously, we see how Medwin has really upheld and built that community at the time, but also just going there and filming and realizing that they'd been there for nearly seven generations. And just seeing the community they've built and how close-knit and tight they are, against all odds, against when they first arrived there, all those generations ago, they were given kind of terrible land, the unfertile land, and what they built from that, what they did, and they're still there in abundance. Just getting introduced to that kind of culture and community was really cool. There are also aspects of the characters in this that we so often don't see, particularly Black characters in science, space, flying, all of those things. Was it important to you for these characters to be doing things that, historically in entertainment, we've often only seen white characters do. Brown: Man, you're making my heart just crack open in the most beautiful way possible, because there is an active erasure of our history going on in the United States right now. To make it sound as if we just didn't exist. And there is no American history without Black history. And there's also a de-emphasis of our history of creativity, of innovation, of invention, right? And so, in order to put that on the screen, hopefully people will reverse engineer and be like, "You know what? I know it's a work of historical fiction, but what is the history of Black entrepreneurship, invention, creativity?" Because there's so much that we've done, but that's not highlighted for such a long time, especially as a young person growing up in the States, the idea of being smart and being cool was sort of seen as an anathema. They didn't cross over with each other, especially in the Black community, actively putting something on screen that shows a very, very cool, passionate, loving man who's so smart, who's so imaginative, who's so creative. I had a professor tell me once that Black history is American history, you can't really separate the two. But Ernest, for you, as someone who isn't American yet you're telling this uniquely American story, what was it like for you processing how this story is told? Kingsley: To be really honest, it's quite like universal in terms of the Black, British and American [experiences]. I feel like that universal story of us going through that harrowing narrative and pain in our past and triumphing over it. And also, just the thing of us not getting the credit for our inventions and beautiful things we've done spans across, unfortunately, history across the world. And so it was touching the core of the experience that is universal for us. And I think the thing about seeing this Black boy and him getting the visibility—obviously his credit is stolen, but like the visibility—just the narrative and seeing him build this invention, build this thing with his creativity. There's something about being seen and seeing that on a screen, as opposed to—like you were saying—you see a very common narrative of certain people do certain things, we don't see Black people in sci-fi, but you see that in the story. And it's like, that's evidence, and that's permission. So, yeah, it was really cool. To that, what is really powerful about Washington's experience is every time he looks to the sky and hopes or dreams. The power of the sky and stars in Black history, in spirituals, in the work of Harriet Tubman, it's really powerful. Brown: It does make sense, right? Because if you look just in your immediate circumstances, you may just see fields and places where you've labored throughout the day. And so the escape is the sky, right? Like sky is the limit, sky is the possibility, because it doesn't represent anything that's immediately around you. It's like, at least there's some expanse, there's space, there's distance, possibility exists up here. Reality is here [on land], possibility is there, right? Even with regards to Wash and the water, he's never gone into the ocean and didn't know how to swim, and then ultimately, my man had to throw you into the water, because the water also represents possibility. It's the unexplored, right? We've explored this part. Where can I go to be free, where can I go to be fully realized, right? And then you have a young boy who goes into the water and learns how to fly. Sterling, it seems like you've had one big project after another these past few years, picking up an Oscar nomination along the way. Do you not like taking breaks? And what is it that makes you want to keep producing projects like this? Brown: Thank you. That's very kind. There is a part of you that feels like you want to strike while the iron is hot. There is a part of you that feels like, "Oh, you know what? If you don't do something, then maybe they'll forget about you." Easy come, easy go sort of thing. I do take breaks. Like, I still assistant coach my son's NFL flag football team. I see my other son play soccer all the time. I take little breaks for myself, but I try to structure it in such a way [that] the TV show that I get a chance to do in the states keeps me at home for about half the year, and then I have the other half a year to play around with. And it's been a good formula for me, because my family knows where I am most of the time, and then I still have space to sort of scratch the creative itch inside of me, to just do something different. Variety is the spice of life, and I'm so fortunate H. Alan, in an industry that is undergoing a massive contraction; to be busy and people want to work with me that I feel like I should take advantage of this, because not a lot of people are having these opportunities. It's a blessing. WASHINGTON BLACK – 'If You See My Mama, Whisper Her This…' – In Morocco, Wash reunites with Titch and uncovers his father's true legacy. With Tanna, he journeys to his homeland on the Wind Sailer.... WASHINGTON BLACK – 'If You See My Mama, Whisper Her This…' – In Morocco, Wash reunites with Titch and uncovers his father's true legacy. With Tanna, he journeys to his homeland on the Wind Sailer. A dreamscape reunion provides answers to the past, as Wash's family embarks on a new horizon. More Disney/James Van Evers What does it mean for you to mentor someone like Ernest? Considering that you could have easily produced a project for yourself in the title role. Brown: Sometimes you see people try to make that part their part. I was like, "No, it's not my part." But if I'm in a position where I can help somebody, where it is their part, get an opportunity to do it, that means a lot to me, because your legacy isn't just the work that you do, it's the opportunities that you create for other people, and hopefully just make it a little bit easier. That's all you're trying to do. The people that come behind you, you want it to be just a little bit easier, right? I stand on the shoulders of Denzel [Washington], who stands on James Earl [Jones], who stands on Paul Robeson, like there is a legacy here of performance, and each one of those dudes made it a little bit easier for me. And hopefully I get a chance to do the same. And for you, Ernest, it's so rare for someone your age to have this kind of mentorship. What is it like for you to have this support? Kingsley: I don't think there's enough words that I could use to describe the level of gratitude. The level of support and love and care that Sterling has poured into me from when I was 21—I'm 24 now—has been second to none. The last three years, he's been nothing but support, like a pillar. We've seen how this industry can be, especially with the strikes and stuff, and it's not lost on me how rare it is to have that kind of support system with a star that Sterling is a gift, it's an absolute blessing. I'm really grateful.
