Soul Man Wesley Jonathan Talks Race and Network Politics

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August 4, 2013

Wesley Jonathan, Cedric the Entertainer and Niecy Nash star in TV Land's 'The Soul Man'. Photo Credit: TV Land — Cedric the Entertainer, Wesley Jonathan and Niecy Nash star in TV Land’s ‘The Soul Man’.
Photo Credit: TV Land

Wesley Jonathan is the charming comedic actor who currently co-stars on TV Land’s first and only original all-black sitcom, The Soul Man.

Jonathan, 34, plays Stamps Ballantine, the freeloading, debonair younger brother of R&B singer-turned-pastor, Royce “The Voice” Ballantine (Cedric the Entertainer), and his wife, Lolli (Niecy Nash). Since its Jun. 2012 debut, The Soul Man is TV Land’s second highest rated series behind Hot In Cleveland.

Jonathan’s wit and clever one-liners are a good match with his co-stars. “It’s extremely professional. We have 18 to 22 minutes to tell a story, and it has to be funny. The first time you see it is the first time we see it. We don’t know all of the time what they’re gonna cut or what they’re gonna keep to keep the story consistent and to make sense,” says Jonathan.

Jonathan, who starred on NBC’s Saturday morning series City Guys (what he calls “Saved By The Bell with color”) and The WB’s What I Like About You, has appeared on countless sitcoms, films and primetime dramas for over two decades.

The veteran performer appreciates the nostalgic network for having an original show on its roster featuring a primarily black cast. Joking consistently between comments, a humble Jonathan points out the writing, casting and network politics that come along with working on The Soul Man.

“There are some jokes that were a lot funnier I thought they should’ve kept. The ad-libs are funnier to me. When [Cedric] does it, it’s hilarious,” says Jonathan.

Currently in its second season, Jonathan further acknowledges The Soul Man’s changes. The Ballantines’ daughter, Lyric (Jazz Raycole), was written off. Royce and Stamps’ father, Barton (John Beasley), went from being a regular cast member to a recurring role. The first season’s church scenes, pre-taped without an audience, are being edited out, Jonathan says, as a cost effective measure. Before the show even debuted, a younger son didn’t even make it on-screen.

Airing immediately following Hot in Cleveland and The Exes, The Soul Man’s cast, Jonathan in particular, questions if its Wednesday 11:00 p.m. time slot can keep viewers tuning in. “The time slot stresses me out. We were given the option to have another night without the lineup. We might as well be alone out there by ourselves,” says Jonathan.

Far from being cynical and just telling it like it is, a humorous and relaxed Jonathan sits on the arm of a sofa sipping a cranberry mimosa. Executives, he says, argue that airing in the summer and a rise in DVRs will sustain The Soul Man’s black viewership.

Jonathan disagrees. “This is what [networks] do. They’ll give us our lines, get all of the numbers, throw us away and then go back to their thing. Technically, [Hot In Cleveland’s] viewers are not the same as ours. The old white ladies and white people that watch are pretty much not gonna stay and watch us. Some maybe but not completely,” he says.

Despite The Soul Man’s place in TV Land’s bureaucracy, Jonathan believes this season is funnier than the previous one. Never receiving formal training, Jonathan refuses to be typecast as an actor. When he’s not on set, he donates his time to numerous causes and charities.

Jonathan also executive produces films and owns a recording studio in Vegas. “Being successful in this business is a shot in the dark. Know what you are and where you stand. I love drama, death, anger, pain and agony. Comedy is the hardest thing to do. If you can do that, you can do anything. It’s not just reading or memorizing lines. You have to really convey reality but still entertain at the same time.” says Jonathan.

*’The Soul Man’ airs on TV Land on Wednesdays at 11 EST. Check your local listings for channel information.

Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.

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Concerns Over Zimbabwe Elections Grow

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July 29, 2013

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Will Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai of the MDC unseat President Robert Mugabe who has been in office for 33 years? (Google Images)

After much conflict and controversy, Zimbabwe will hold elections on Wednesday, July 31, 2013. While some are stating that this may be the election that finally ousts Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe from office after 33 years in office, others believe that more of the same will be in store, where the elections are tainted so that the aging president can remain in office.

BBC News Africa is reporting:

“Southern Africa’s chief observer to Zimbabwe, Bernard Membe, says he is gravely concerned that a voters’ roll has not been released two days before tightly contested elections.

This is despite the fact that it is the “most important document” for Wednesday’s election, he added.

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said it plans to take court action to obtain the voters’ roll.

The poll ends the coalition between the MDC and the president’s Zanu-PF party.”

What is the issue? “Ghost voters.” The voters roll (list of registered voters) has not been released causing some to question if the election will be fair. The release of the voters roll is long overdue according to some election officials.

Longtime rivals, President Robert Mugabe, the Zanu-PF candidate and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai of the MDC will be squaring off at the ballot box after sharing power since 2009, “a deal brokered by the regional bloc the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), to end conflict that marred elections held the previous year.”

Read more about the elections at BBC News or AllAfrica.com.

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Bananas Hurled at Italy's First Black Minister of Integration

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July 29, 2013

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Cecile Kyenge, Italy's first black minister of integration, has been called an orangutan by a fellow lawmaker and had bananas hurled at her by racists. (Google Images) — Cecile Kyenge, Italy’s first black minister of integration, has been called an orangutan by a fellow lawmaker and had bananas hurled at her by racists. (Google Images)

CNN.com is reporting that bananas were thrown at Cecile Kyenge, Italy’s first black minister of integration. Holly Yan, Lauren Russell and Boriana Milanova of CNN report:

“Racist taunts against Italy’s first black minister, Cecile Kyenge, took another ugly turn over the weekend when someone hurled bananas at her during a rally.

Kyenge’s appointment as Italy’s minister of integration three months ago isn’t sitting well with right-wing radicals whose racial slurs and antics have overshadowed her tenure.

The banana incident is just the latest.

It took place Friday in Cervia, where Kyenge was speaking to supporters. A man popped up out of the crowd and launched two bananas toward the podium, Kyenge spokesman Cosimo Torlo said.

The bananas fell short of the stage, landing between the first and second row of spectators.”

Kyenge shrugged off the attack which is one of many that includes being called an Orangutan by an Italian lawmaker.

As you know, these are the most archaic, racist and vile stereotypes applied to people of African descent worldwide.

Bananas Hurled at Italy’s First Black Minister of Integration

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TheBurtonWire

-

July 29, 2013

0

CNN.com is reporting that bananas were thrown at Cecile Kyenge, Italy’s first black minister of integration. Holly Yan, Lauren Russell and Boriana Milanova of CNN report:

“Racist taunts against Italy’s first black minister, Cecile Kyenge, took another ugly turn over the weekend when someone hurled bananas at her during a rally.

Kyenge’s appointment as Italy’s minister of integration three months ago isn’t sitting well with right-wing radicals whose racial slurs and antics have overshadowed her tenure.

The banana incident is just the latest.

It took place Friday in Cervia, where Kyenge was speaking to supporters. A man popped up out of the crowd and launched two bananas toward the podium, Kyenge spokesman Cosimo Torlo said.

The bananas fell short of the stage, landing between the first and second row of spectators.”

Kyenge shrugged off the attack which is one of many that includes being called an Orangutan by an Italian lawmaker.

As you know, these are the most archaic, racist and vile stereotypes applied to people of African descent worldwide.

What's in Deon Cole's Black Box?

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TheBurtonWire

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July 26, 2013

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Comedian Deon Cole serves up a satirical take on pop culture on TBS' unscripted comedy 'Deon Cole's Black Box.' (Photo Credit: TBS) — Comedian Deon Cole serves up a satirical take on pop culture on TBS’ unscripted comedy ‘Deon Cole’s Black Box.’
(Photo Credit: TBS)

Deon Cole is television’s latest definitive jokester. The veteran stand-up comedian, writer and television producer hosts his weekly half hour original program, Deon Cole’s Black Box, on TBS.

Cole recently wrapped the show’s six-episode first season run. Cole’s show is a mash-up of genres that place a satirical spin on viral videos and provocative pop culture headlines with spoofs and social commentary.

Cole’s unscripted, irreverent series gave him latitude to present his wisecracks and perspectives on George Zimmerman, Paula Deen, CNN’s The ‘N-Word’ special, internet pornography like porn7 and the biracial Cheerios commercial among others.

“I do things on purpose to get people’s reactions, and they don’t know what I’m doing. I know some jokes might suck, but it’s the reaction I wanted. It’s old school. Just fun,” says Cole.

The Emmy Award-nominated humorist made history in the summer of 2010 as the first African American writer for The Tonight Show. Following Cole’s impressive five minute set, host/comedian Conan O’Brien asked him to join his team of writers.

Cole says that writing comedy is about knowing the audience. “There are certain people you do have to write jokes for. They may be lazy and don’t want to sit in on the process. When it comes to late night television, it’s knowing demographics. You’ve got to know how to write for ages 18-35, 25-50 or ages 12-26,” he shares.

Even with the success of Deon Cole’s Black Box, Cole continues to write for O’Brien’s late night show, CONAN. Cole has been loyal to the red-haired “whitest guy on television” host since The Tonight Show appearance.

O’Brien’s production imprint, Conaco Productions, produces Black Box. “With anybody you’re writing for, you gotta know that person. No you don’t really always have to write a joke for them, but bring up different premises, and they can make it their own,” says Cole.

When Cole is on-stage, the raspy voiced quipster delivers an infectious brand of self-deprecating hilarity across all ethnicities and genders. He makes it a point to bring along a notepad and a pen to match his nonchalant storytelling. Whether he delivers the punchline or awaits the audience’s response, he licks the tip of the pen, puts a smirk on his face and checks off his jokes.

The curly-haired funnyman, following his set during Stand Up for Family in Atlanta, admits that his routine came from a history of “smoking very well” and forgetting his jokes. The audience, Cole says, notices and questions when he doesn’t have it with him. “It’s just originality. People used to crack up laughing at it. They became very fond of it, so I just kept on doing it,” says Cole.

Cole is in a good place in his career. He’s managed to bring the house down on shows like Def Comedy Jam, Comic View , Laffapalooza and Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand Up. He believes his evolution into comedic television not only enhances his brand but earns him another revenue stream.

“If you want to be a part of the process and really get your voice out there, just know a person’s voice so that you can write for them. If they’re paying for it, fine. I’ll write it,” says a laughing Cole.

Deon Cole’s Black Box airs Mondays at 10:30 p.m. on TBS.

Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.

Like The Burton Wire on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @TheBurtonWire.

What’s in Deon Cole’s Black Box?

By

TheBurtonWire

-

July 26, 2013

0

Deon Cole is television’s latest definitive jokester. The veteran stand-up comedian, writer and television producer hosts his weekly half hour original program, Deon Cole’s Black Box, on TBS.

Cole recently wrapped the show’s six-episode first season run. Cole’s show is a mash-up of genres that place a satirical spin on viral videos and provocative pop culture headlines with spoofs and social commentary.

Cole’s unscripted, irreverent series gave him latitude to present his wisecracks and perspectives on George Zimmerman, Paula Deen, CNN’s The ‘N-Word’ special, internet pornography like the kind you see on sex-hd.xxx and the biracial Cheerios commercial among others.

“I do things on purpose to get people’s reactions, and they don’t know what I’m doing. I know some jokes might suck, but it’s the reaction I wanted. It’s old school. Just fun,” says Cole.

The Emmy Award-nominated humorist made history in the summer of 2010 as the first African American writer for The Tonight Show. Following Cole’s impressive five minute set, host/comedian Conan O’Brien asked him to join his team of writers.

Cole says that writing comedy is about knowing the audience. “There are certain people you do have to write jokes for. They may be lazy and don’t want to sit in on the process. When it comes to late night television, it’s knowing demographics. You’ve got to know how to write for ages 18-35, 25-50 or ages 12-26,” he shares.

Even with the success of Deon Cole’s Black Box, Cole continues to write for O’Brien’s late night show, CONAN. Cole has been loyal to the red-haired “whitest guy on television” host since The Tonight Show appearance.

O’Brien’s production imprint, Conaco Productions, produces Black Box. “With anybody you’re writing for, you gotta know that person. No you don’t really always have to write a joke for them, but bring up different premises, and they can make it their own,” says Cole.

When Cole is on-stage, the raspy voiced quipster delivers an infectious brand of self-deprecating hilarity across all ethnicities and genders. He makes it a point to bring along a notepad and a pen to match his nonchalant storytelling. Whether he delivers the punchline or awaits the audience’s response, he licks the tip of the pen, puts a smirk on his face and checks off his jokes.

The curly-haired funnyman, following his set during Stand Up for Family in Atlanta, admits that his routine came from a history of “smoking very well” and forgetting his jokes. The audience, Cole says, notices and questions when he doesn’t have it with him. “It’s just originality. People used to crack up laughing at it. They became very fond of it, so I just kept on doing it,” says Cole.

Cole is in a good place in his career. He’s managed to bring the house down on shows like Def Comedy Jam, Comic View , Laffapalooza and Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand Up. He believes his evolution into comedic television not only enhances his brand but earns him another revenue stream.

“If you want to be a part of the process and really get your voice out there, just know a person’s voice so that you can write for them. If they’re paying for it, fine. I’ll write it,” says a laughing Cole.

Deon Cole’s Black Box airs Mondays at 10:30 p.m. on TBS.

Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.

Like The Burton Wire on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @TheBurtonWire.

Pope Francis Visits Brazil for World Youth Day

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TheBurtonWire

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July 25, 2013

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Pope Francis and Brazil's president Dilma Rouseff embrace during the opening ceremony of World Youth Day. (Google Images) — Pope Francis and Brazil’s president Dilma Rousseff embrace during the opening ceremony of World Youth Day. (Google Images)

Ben Tavener of The Rio Times is reporting that Pope Francis traveled to Brazil for the 2013 World Youth Day (WYD). Tavener writes:

“…[Pope Francis] was greeted by tens of thousands of pilgrims in the center of Rio on Monday, July 22nd. Argentinian-born Pope Francis, who is the first Latin Pope, said God had wanted him to visit his ‘beloved’ Latin America first and that he knew he had to “knock gently” at the doorway to Brazilians’ ‘immense hearts.'”

Brazil is the first overseas destination of the Pope’s papacy. At the opening ceremony, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and Pope Francis spoke about the importance of treating young people with respect.

Tavener reports:

“Rousseff said she saw Pope Francis as a ‘religious leader sensitive to anxieties for social justice,’ while Pope Francis drove home his belief that the young had to be encouraged, not isolated, and urged they be given ‘safety,’ ‘education’ and ‘last values.'”

This is an interesting comment because many young people have been protesting fare hikes in Brazil over the last several months. Will the Pope’s message to the youth be heard?

Akosua Report: Francis L. Cardozo

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TheBurtonWire

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July 22, 2013

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Francis L. Cardozo was the first African-American elected to state office. (Google Images)

“[W]e have been cheated out of our rights for two centuries, and . . . I want to fix them in the Constitution in such a way that no lawyer, however cunning or astute, can possibly misinterpret the meaning. If we do not do so, we deserve to be, and will be, cheated again. Nearly all the white inhabitants of the State are ready at any moment to deprive us of our rights, and not a loop-hole should be left that would permit them to do it constitutionally.” — Francis L. Cardozo, clergyman, politician, educator and the first African American to hold a statewide office in the United States

Francis Lewis Cardoza

Francis Lewis Cardozo was born February 1, 1836 in Charleston, South Carolina. Francis Cardozo was the son of a free black woman, Lydia Weston, and a Portuguese-Jewish man, Isaac Cardozo, who worked at the custom house (building housing government offices).

Cardozo attended schools for free blacks and worked as a carpenter and a shipbuilder. In 1858, he graduated from the University of Glasgow in Scotland and in 1864 was ordained a Presbyterian minister. In 1865, Cardozo became superintendent of an American Missionary Association school which he turned into Avery Normal Institute in Charleston, SC. Cardozo was a delegate to the 1868 South Carolina constitutional convention and as chair of the education committee advocated for integrated public schools. Also that year, he was elected South Carolina Secretary of State, making him the first African American to hold a statewide office in the U.S. In that position, he reformed the South Carolina Land Commission which distributed land to formerly enslaved residents. In 1872, he was elected state treasurer, a position he held until 1877.

Cardozo’s tenure was not any easy one as he had to contend with some legislators who unsuccessfully tried to impeach him in 1874 because of his unwillingness to go along with political corruption. He was reelected in 1874 and 1876. In the turbulent period following the election, Democrats regained the state government. After Governor Wade Hampton III demanded his resignation, Cardozo left office on May 1, 1877.

He was tried for conspiracy in November, 1877. Despite questionable evidence, he was found guilty and served over six months in jail. After federal election fraud charges were dropped against some Democrats, he was pardoned by Governor William Dunlap Simpson in 1879. Subsequently he moved to Washington, DC, accepting a position in the Treasury Department.

In 1884, Cardozo returned to education as a principal of the Colored Preparatory High School. He introduced a business curriculum and made it a leading school for African Americans. He served as principal until 1896. Cardozo Senior High School in northwest Washington, DC, is named in his honor.

A distant relative of former United States Supreme Court Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo, Francis Lewis Cardozo died on July 22, 1903.

The Akosua Report: Facts on The African Diaspora, is written by Akosua Lowery. Follow her on Twitter @AkosuaLowery.

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Ryan Coogler: 'Fruitvale Station' Director Talks Filmmaking and Oscar Grant

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July 22, 2013

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Ryan Coogler, director of the critically-acclaimed film Fruitvale Station.

Ryan Coogler is the writer/filmmaker responsible for the tear-jerking independent feature, Fruitvale Station. The 27-year-old Oakland native with a serious Bay Area accent earned the coveted Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Coogler’s directorial debut also garnered Prize of the Future at Cannes Film Festival.

Fruitvale Station, produced by Academy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker and Academy Award winning supporting actress Octavia Spencer, dramatizes the final 24 hours of the life of Oakland native Oscar Grant (played by Michael B. Jordan). On New Year’s Day 2009, Grant was shot and killed while handcuffed and face down on the Bay Area Rapid Train (BART) platform by BART police officer Johannes Mehserle . Fruitvale Station also co-stars Melanie Diaz and Octavia Spencer who brilliantly play Grant’s girlfriend and mother.

Grant’s untimely death was recorded by a myriad of train passengers’ cell phone cameras. Grant, 22, was also the father of a five-year old daughter Tatiana Grant (played by Ariana Neal).

Coogler, then working security at a nightclub, was home on Christmas break when Grant was gunned down. Coogler, who still holds a day job as a youth counselor at San Francisco Juvenile Hall, says “It gives you an incredible perspective seeing the things human beings deal with. Those kids are some of the strongest people I know,” says Coogler.

Sitting at the head of a conference table, the USC School of Cinematic Arts alumnus consistently holds his head down but still makes eye contact. Despite what appears to be an awkward shyness, Coogler’s words demonstrate that he is one of this generation’s leading filmmakers.

“Artists work from places that are close to their heart. Filmmakers make stuff they’re passionate about. I hope to stay true to that. I don’t think I’m sparking anything honestly. It’s therapeutic dealing with things that I have questions about, things I don’t understand or things I feel hopeless about,” says Coogler.

The former St. Mary’s College and Sacramento State student found filmmaking after one of his professors read one of his essays. Also a wide receiver on full scholarships, football and filmmaking couldn’t have been more similar to Coogler. “Filmmaking is the most team-oriented sport I know. You’re engaging with so many people, you have an idea exactly what teamwork is,” says Coogler.

With three award-winning short films – Locks (2009) , Fig (2011) and The Sculptor (2011) – to his credit, Coogler spent several months reviewing court documents and spending time with Grant’s family and loved ones. “It’s hard — especially independent films. You never have enough of the things you need the most: time and money. We had to get in and get out. Anytime we shot at institutional locations, each place and community was real gracious to open up to us,” he says. Coogler admits to shooting some of Fruitvale Station’s scenes in his grandmother’s home. He wrote the script at Sundance Screenwriters Lab already with Michael B. Jordan, who plays Grant, in mind.

He was also convinced that Spencer wouldn’t join the cast. The actress, however, helped Coogler raise more funds to cast other roles. “Casting a film is one of the most important decisions a director can make. Actors are the vehicles that move the stories through. If you can lose yourself in a great movie or align yourself to the characters, it feels like humanity” says Coogler.

Grant’s family also fully embraced Coogler’s vision. “I wanted to humanize and tell the story from the perspective of the people who knew him best. [Oscar] was a different person with different people. I hope people see a little of themselves in the characters,” says Coogler.

Even as Fruitvale Station’s massive success continues on, a humbled Coogler believes that his only objective from the start was to create dialogue about humanity. “It was about getting the story told and getting it out there. I didn’t want to make it for comparisons, accolades or to further my career. I’m honored anytime it happens. I don’t concern myself with that,” says Coogler.

Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.

Like The Burton Wire on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @TheBurtonWire.

Ryan Coogler: ‘Fruitvale Station’ Director Talks Filmmaking and Oscar Grant