ReviewsFebruary 1, 2025February 6, 2025

Snubbed and Overlooked: Unpacking the African American Absences in This Year’s Oscar Race: Part 1

by Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic

Part One: The Visionaries and Leading Ladies Left Out

Best Director: Ramell Ross, whose innovative storytelling redefines cinematic norms for Nickel Boys
Best Movie: Sing Sing, a moving exploration of resilience and humanity.
Best Actress: Marion Jean Batiste, whose emotionally rich performance deserved recognition for Hard Truths

Written By

Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic

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N’DIGO Studio Podcast

N’DIGO STUDIO

N’DIGO STUDIO is a Chicago centric program and podcast covering topics such as pop culture, politics, authors and trending topics of the day. If you want to hear engaging, sometimes controversial and always authentic discussion around the hot topics of the day tune into the N’DIGO STUDIO Podcast! Join your host Hermene Hartman as she interviews inspiring people and chats about interesting topics from an honest and entertaining perspective.

Discover how North Lawndale, a historic Chicago neighborhood, is transforming after decades of disinvestment. This episode dives into the grassroots initiatives redefining the area — from preserving Black culture and building affordable housing to launching a global chocolate cooperative and more.

Learn how:

A forgotten community turned into a model for urban renewal
Locals led sustainable change with global reach
Black culture and history were reclaimed and preserved

Guests include:

Michael McMurray Board Member Lawndale Christian Development Corporation
Whitney L. Smith, Deputy Director & Counsel Lawndale Christian Development Corporation
Rev. Marvin Hunter, Developer of Grace Manor Apartments

Their stories offer powerful insight into what’s possible when community leaders unite to drive change. Tune in for inspiration, unexpected twists, and a hopeful look at how North Lawndale became a blueprint for neighborhoods across the country.

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