Latest news with #Moesha
Los Angeles Times
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
‘Girlfriends' celebrates its 25-year anniversary with a free art exhibit in L.A.
Twenty-five years ago on Sept. 11, 2000, UPN debuted a comedy called 'Girlfriends' that followed the lives of four Black women living in Los Angeles. The show's creator, Mara Brock Akil, who'd gotten her start writing on shows like 'South Central,' 'Moesha' and 'The Jamie Foxx Show,' was tired of seeing out-of-touch depictions of Black women on screen. She wanted to raise a mirror to Black women and showcase them in their fullness as fleshed out characters who are ambitious, creative, messy at times and most importantly nuanced. For eight seasons until the show was abruptly canceled in 2008, viewers tuned in to watch the tight-knit friend group that included Joan (Tracee Ellis Ross), Toni (Jill Marie Jones), Lynn (Persia White) and Maya (Golden Brooks) navigate relationships, sexism at work, beauty, classism, sexuality and everything in between. Today, 'Girlfriends,' which was added to Netflix's catalog in 2020, is widely considered one of the most influential TV shows to affect Black culture. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of 'Girlfriends,' DCDG & Co., an L.A.-based fine arts agency, has teamed up with the cast and Loren LaRosa of iHeartRadio's 'The Breakfast Club' to independently curate an art exhibition that pays homage to the groundbreaking series. The showcase, which explores the show's core themes including sisterhood, ambition and self-discovery through photography, sculpture, paintings, an installation and more, will be on display from Friday through Sunday at the Line Hotel in Koreatown. Each artwork featured in the all Black women exhibition was selected by the 'Girlfriends' cast and LaRosa — all of whom are first time art curators. The three-day event will also feature an artist talk led by DCDG & Co. co-founder Delaney George on Saturday, which is open to the public. '[This] show deserves to be celebrated and if we in the culture don't do it, then we're just waiting for the powers that be or networks that are transitioning to a digital space,' says David Colbert Jr., co-founder of DCDG & Co. 'These moments might get passed up on.' 'Girlfriends: A Visual Tribute' is part of DCDG & Co.'s ongoing curatorial series called Iconic Visions, which invites individuals in various creative spaces like TV, film, music, fashion and sports to step into the role of curator. When Colbert brought the idea about doing the exhibit to his friend Brooks — whom he met at Frieze a couple of years ago — her response was an immediate yes. 'I always want to do something special for [these milestones] because it is a bookmark of everything that 'Girlfriends' has done,' says Brooks. 'We are still uplifting communities. We are still entertaining and empowering the daughters of the mothers who watch the show, so we're kind of raising generations of young women.' Brooks, who has been a longtime supporter of the L.A. arts community, says having an art exhibition to celebrate the anniversary was the perfect way to blend both of her passions. 'We are wearable art. We are visual art in the space of a TV show,' she says. 'This also inspired artists to celebrate how they see us as women of color, as women in a space of unity and connection, and what better way to be the springboard and the catalyst to celebrate what sisterhood looks like?' White, who's been drawing and painting since she was a child, had a similar reaction to being a part of the exhibit. 'When they sent me the links to the art, I literally got tears in my eyes,' she says. 'I was just really touched by the women and [their] different experiences.' 'Girlfriends: A Visual Tribute' also features a solo exhibition put together by DCDG & Co. cultural curator Erika Conner, which is a collection of photos of iconic Black women including Rihanna, Lil Kim and Naomi Campbell, taken by renowned photographer Cheryl Fox. While the main exhibition pays tribute to 'Girlfriends,' there's only one artwork — a mixed media piece by Jillian Thompson that uses acrylic, thread and collage — that displays the beloved friends group's actual faces. All of the other artwork draws inspiration from the show's aesthetic, style and themes. Among the artwork, which was made by artists from around the nation, there are multiple L.A.-based artists featured in the show including Brittany Byrd, McKayla Chandler, Tiffany 'Just Rock' Brown, Asari Aibangbee and Tumi Adeleye. McKayla Chandler, a multidisciplinary artist based in L.A., created an interactive installation for the exhibit called 'Mama's Hands Only.' The installation mimics a living room and features a couch, rug, an entertainment center with family photos sprinkled on top and an old school TV that displays episodes of 'Girlfriends.' The focal point of the installation, which hangs on a wall above the couch, is a large portrait of Chandler's mother braiding her hair as she's done since she was a little girl. 'To me it feels like connection. Any young, Black woman or Black kid in general can relate to sitting in their mom's lap and getting their hair braided,' says Chandler. '[The show] is really about these friends going through life together, going through different relationships and even bickering with each other, [then] coming back together. It's a very special bond that they have with each other, so [with] me thinking about showing my mom here and having this place for you to sit down, look through someone's old photographs and watch 'Girlfriends,' it lends to the nostalgic feeling of it all.' Although Tiffany 'Just Rock' Brown, a photographer based in L.A., primarily takes photos of men, particularly male rappers, she decided to submit a few images for the 'Girlfriends' exhibit because she grew up watching the show with her family. Her photo, titled 'In This Light,' that was selected for the show depicts two Black women embracing while on the set of Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' music video, which was shot in Nickerson Gardens. 'These girls are the epitome of what you see when you come to these areas, but they're also the inspiration for high fashion, for all those things that don't get acknowleged,' she says. It reminded her of the void that 'Girlfriends' filled when it debuted. 'I think there's beautiful representation of what [Black people] have done and what we've accomplished, and 'Girlfriends' is a true representation of that,' says Brown. 'Women that were dressed flawlessly. They were beautiful. They were successful. They were just living life and trying to find love, just regular stories. It's very much still a space that's missing [in television], but I think it should definitely be celebrated.' Like Brown, Brittany Byrd, a multidisciplinary artist from L.A., was also introduced to 'Girlfriends' at a young age. 'It was just always on in my house,' says Byrd. 'I just remember seeing Tracee Ellis Ross and I was like, 'Damn, she's beautiful!'' For the exhibit, Byrd created a piece titled 'Episode 17,' which is inspired by an episode in Season 4 titled 'Love, Peace and Hair Grease.' 'It's mostly about Lynn and her exploring her hair through her identity as a Black woman, but whether you're mixed or all Black, hair is something that is at the top of our minds,' says Byrd, who was still putting the final touches on her 6-foot painting. 'Whether it's done or if we're polished, we're always just kind of seeking those questions of validity through societal beauty standards when it's like we're as beautiful as we feel. So I want my piece to just evoke emotion.' As she prepares for opening night of the exhibit, Brooks says she's most excited to meet all of the artists and to see how all of the artwork comes together. One of her favorite pieces in the exhibit is a massive, hyperrealism painting by Alé Reviere. Fittingly titled 'See Through You,' it depicts a young woman's face, staring intensely back at the viewer. 'All of her features were just so us,' says Brooks. 'The texture of her hair and the expression on her face. There was a pain. There was a sadness, but there's also sort of this freedom and unapologetic look in her eyes.' She adds, 'Pieces like that just move me.'
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Super-fit footy star reveals what happened when he drank 600 cans of Coke in one month - and the pre-game meal he had to keep a secret from his parents
Panthers winger and four-time NRL Premiership winner Brian To'o has revealed that his health didn't suffer despite the fact he polished off nearly 600 cans of Coke Zero in a single month. While most NRL stars take their diets very seriously to stay in top shape, To'o is is known for his love of junk food and soft drink. Before the 2024 decider, the Penrith flyer sat down to eat a large bowl of chips with aioli, two breakfast burgers and a staggering six Coke Zeros. When Coca-Cola heard about this they shipped To'o 24 cases of Coke Zero, each box holding 24 cans. To'o says he finished the lot - 576 cans - in a single month and says he feels fine. 'I think Coke sponsored Penrith so they sent me 24 boxes of 24 packs (after the story),' To'o told News Corp. 'Put it this way, I got them in October and they were finished by November. My teeth still seem pretty good.' The Panthers star is currently in camp for the Blues and says his game-day diet will not change before Game 1. 'My wife (Moesha) is always questioning me, asking: "Are you sure that's your game day ritual?" I'm like: "I have to stick with it, honey",' To'o said. 'It's always the same diet every time – two breakfast burgers, bowl of chips, cafe latte, two sugars and six Coke Zeros. 'The way I see it, it's a bit of fuel for the engine. I had it once when I was young, about 14, and played really well, so I kept doing it. 'I made sure back then I ate outside the house (so my parents didn't see.). My mum and dad would have told me off. 'Mum and Dad found out after my second NRL game. 'I took them out to breakfast and they asked whether I was playing after watching what I was eating. I have been lucky to maintain my shape but it's a normal game day routine.' Nathan Cleary politely described To'o's food intake as 'unique', while Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai said he has the 'worst diet in NRL history' Last year, Panthers forward Liam Martin said he would be 'dying in five minutes' if he had the same meal before a match and his other teammates have previously joked about him having the 'worst diet in the NRL'. 'I don't know how he is a professional athlete,' Martin added. 'If he's ever worried we're on an away trip where there will be no Coke Zeros, he brings his own.' Halfback Nathan Cleary is also dumbfounded by how his mate can still perform at incredibly high level despite what he puts into his body. 'His diet is the most unique I've seen for a rugby league player,' Cleary said.
Vogue
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
In Netflix's ‘Forever,' a Love Letter to Black Girlhood
When I was growing up in the '90s, there were plenty of Black characters on TV, but Brandy's Moesha Mitchell—a writer from Los Angeles who wore braids and carried a whole lot on her mind—was the one who felt like me. I was always imaginative and ambitious but didn't know how to channel those things. I wanted to be a writer but didn't think it was possible. But then I watched Maya Angelou guest star on Moesha, and I read Still, I Rise. Suddenly, I saw myself reflected in a way I hadn't before. It was the first time I felt seen—not just as the Black girl, but as someone with depth, creativity, and something tangible to offer the world. Years later, watching Lovie Simone as Keisha in Netflix's Forever has conjured a similar feeling. When I clicked play on the first episode of the series—producer and screenwriter Mara Brock Akil's adaptation of Judy Blume's 1975 novel of the same name—I didn't expect to be in tears at 2 a.m. But now, it strikes me as one of the best portrayals of Black girlhood I've seen in a long time. (Happily, it's already been renewed for a second season.) There aren't many shows out there right now for young Black girls. Before and certainly after the Grown-ish era ended last year, a noticeable gap emerged in coming-of-age stories centering Black characters. (We've come a long way from the UPN days, when Countess Vaughn, Kyla Pratt, and Essence Atkins all led their own shows.) As networks have doubled down on reality TV or leaned into reboots, investment in fresh stories about Black youth has become rare. Yes, we have Euphoria, an acclaimed and wildly popular show with Zendaya as a Black teenage lead. But Rue's story is rooted in addiction, mental illness, and survival—more reflective of an adult world than the everyday experiences of Black teens. Forever shifts the narrative, making a young Black girl's experiences with love, guilt, hope, and heartbreak feel worthy, even urgent. A teen from Los Angeles living with her single mom, Keisha is a student-athlete with her mind set on Howard University, caught in that uncertain space between who she is and who she hopes to become. She's also trying to piece herself back together after a betrayal that would hurt anyone: an ex leaks their sex tape.
Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Perfect' new Netflix show with 100% Rotten Tomatoes score has viewers 'hooked'
Netflix viewers have been raving about a new show, which has a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes - and people are already begging for it to be renewed for another series Netflix fans have been obsessing over a new show boasting a flawless 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. The series, called Forever, has taken social media platform X by storm, with viewers gushing about its perfection. Adapted from Judy Blume's novel of the same name, the show premiered on Netflix on May 8, 2025, and has already garnered immense praise. Set in 2018 Los Angeles, Forever tells the poignant tale of two young athletes, Keisha Clark (Lovie Simone) and Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr. ), as they navigate their first love. The show has clearly resonated with audiences, who are eagerly calling for another series. One X user exclaimed: "Just finished ep 8 of Forever, and I don't know how to process that final scene. I need Netflix to renew this ASAP so that we can get Keisha and Justin back on our screens again to finish their love story. Black love stories DO matter!" Another fan raved: "The music and the kiss. The most perfect show in all aspects. It's all I could wish for #ForeverNetflix." A third viewer praised the show's creator, Mara Brock Akil, saying: "Moesha, Girlfriends, The Game, Being Mary Jane, #ForeverNetflix ...Mara Brock Akil has literally NEVER done me wrong when it comes to creating shows that become my all time favourites. Still early for Forever, with only one season out, but there's potential!" Fans were ecstatic, as one viewer passionately exclaimed: "LET'S RENEW FOR SEASON TWO! I NEED MORE! LET'S GET PRODUCTION GOING." Despite being out for barely a day (at the time of writing), the show has already nabbed a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Entranced, one viewer penned: "Absolutely loved it. Was hooked from first five minutes. Beautifully executed and worth the watch." Another was all praise for the series, saying: "I LOVED IT. Their chemistry was top notch. The casting was sooooo good! "I like that it just wasn't the love story, but the other family stories within that. And the music on this is stellar - both the music and how it was used. A 10/10 series!" Netflix had in fact already given the green light back in November 2022 for the TV adaptation of the book, Forever, which features a star-studded cast including Karen Pittman, Wood Harris, Xosha Roquemore, Marvin Lawrence Winans III, Barry Shabaka Henley, Ali Gallo, Niles Fitch, Paigion Walker and E'myri Crutchfield. The teasers were out by January, leaving audiences on tenterhooks up until its recent release. Clearly, they find their patience richly rewarded based on their glowing reactions. On Netflix's own site, the show is described as follows: "Reunited as teens, two childhood friends fall deeply in love, experiencing the joy and heartache of a first romance that will change their lives forever." Mara Brock Akil, the powerhouse behind the show's production and direction, opened up to Netflix about her inspiration, saying: "I've always credited Judy Blume as part of the seasoning of my voice as a writer. She was one of the first writers I read that dared to be honest about the human condition in young people and you can see traces of her writing style within my own. I'm honoured to reimagine one of my favourite books, Forever." Remarkably, it's been half a century since Blume's novel hit the shelves, yet Brock Akil's fresh take on it seeks to prove how certain themes defy the passage of time. "I'm thrilled that Mara has chosen to tell this story through her own lens," Blume expressed. "It is gratifying to know that, 50 years after its release, the love story at the core of Forever is still resonating with audiences." The idea to adapt Forever for television sparked in Brock Akil's mind back in 2020 when she noticed other works by Blume were getting screen adaptations. Initially, however, Blume herself wasn't entirely convinced that the narrative would connect with today's youth. "I found out that Judy wasn't sure that it could translate in this modern era, given how exposed young people are to sexuality and the topic of love. I got to talk to Judy, told her my perspective, and we resonated," Brock Akil recounted.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sheryl Lee Ralph honoured with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Sheryl Lee Ralph received the 2,808th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during a ceremony in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Officials from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce presented the actress with the star in recognition of her work on TV shows such as It's a Living, Instant Mom, Moesha, and Abbott Elementary. Addressing the crowd, Ralph thanked everyone for attending and dedicated the star to those who paved the way. "I want generations o see what's possible, that their dreams are valid. That their voice is powerful and their potential limitless," she stated. "I can still feel the determined spirit of that little girl who dared to dream big. Growing up, I felt my big dreams had to be whispered because that kind of ambition could be mistaken for arrogance. I have been counted out, I have been passed over, I have been told I was too Black, too strong, and too much, and yet, here, I stand." In addition, Abbott Elementary creator and co-star Quinta Brunson described how Ralph always gives everyone around her the "show of a lifetime". "To be around her is to be around Hollywood history, grace, and legend," she smiled. "She is a master class in what it means to be an eternal and consistent diva. She commands the room and gives you a show. She is who you came to see, and she is our star." Elsewhere, Loretta Devine recalled how Ralph had a dazzling stage presence when they co-starred in Dreamgirls on Broadway in the early '80s. "I'm amazed at her ability to get things done. That's Sheryl Lee Ralph. She was strong then and she still is strong," she added.
