BET Founder Bob Johnson Talks Diversity, Mo’Nique’s ‘Blackbird’ and Going Digital With UMC
*With the success of BET among his various accomplishments, Bob Johnson knows a bit of something about having a vision that falls beyond the confines of the present. Nowadays, the businessman has broader intentions as he looks into the future with Urban Movie Channel (UMC), a digital, subscription-based service he launched last year with his […]
‘Blackbird’ Flies High Starring Mo’Nique and Isaiah Washington
*”Blackbird” is a moving commentary about a young African-American man that is coming to grips with his alternate sexual identity. Plagued with dreams that cause him much distress, Randy Rousseau, the main character played magnificently by newcomer Julian Walker, eventually confesses to not wanting the “sinful urges,” but does nothing to resist the negative influences […]
Mo’Nique Joins ‘NOH8’ Campaign; Wants Public Chat with Lee Daniels
*Going to bat for equal rights and her upcoming film “Blackbird,” Mo’Nique has joined the “NOH8” campaign. The Oscar winner and her husband-manager Sidney Hicks are among the latest celebrities to tape their mouths shut to pose for pictures promoting campaign, which is rooted in marriage, gender and human equality. The couple released a joint […]
Mo’Nique’s Take on Black Actors’ Refusal of Gay-Themed ‘Blackbird’: Fear
*Although Mo’Nique has a lot of love for the gay community, the same can’t be said for other entertainers in Hollywood. Chatting with The Wrap’s Anita Bennett, the Oscar winner gave her reason why many of Tinseltown’s black actors took a pass on playing the lead role in her upcoming film “Blackbird.” The Patrik-Ian Polk-helmed […]
UMC Acquires ‘Blackbird’ Starring Mo’Nique and Isaiah Washington
*Los Angeles, CA. Urban Movie Channel, (UMC) and RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand, created by Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) and Chairman of RLJ Entertainment today announced the April 24, 2015, U.S. theatrical release of the urban coming-of-age film “Blackbird.” “Blackbird” is based on the novel by the same name by Larry […]