#NNPA BlackPress

THEATRE REVIEW: “Hamilton” is highly entertaining and historically provacative

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “…the power of “Hamilton” lies in its a diverse cast and the hip-hop flavored storytelling they solidly deliver. Together, they allow patrons to see a far-too-important-but-too-little-known perspective into the birth of the United States.

Published

6 years ago

September 22, 2019

Oakland Post

“Hamilton” isn’t just entertaining, it’s also energetic and enlightening. Do NOT throw away your . . . SHOT!

By Lee Eric Smith, The New Tri-State Defender

Having seen “Hamilton” now during its opening week here at The Orpheum in Memphis, I get it. The reason Lin-Manuel Miranda chose to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton with a heavily influenced hip-hop soundtrack is because the story of Alexander Hamilton is, at its heart, a classic hip-hop story.

A poor young man, raised by a single mother until her death leaves him orphaned at 12, uses his wits, wisdom and words to claw his way to the top, earning money, power and respect along the way. He even loses his life in a gunfight over a senseless beef.

All of that and more are in “Hamilton.” It lived up to expectations, though not in the way that I imagined. If you’re expecting to be blown off the stage by the sheer power of the performances, well, that may not happen. Some of the performances were solid, but not mind-blowing, though there were several gems in the media show I attended.

That said, the power of “Hamilton” lies in its a diverse cast and the hip-hop flavored storytelling they solidly deliver. Together, they allow patrons to see a far-too-important-but-too-little-known perspective into the birth of the United States.

Gen Xers of a certain age will remember learning the preamble to the U.S. Constitution on Saturday mornings, because Schoolhouse Rock was able to cleverly weave history, animation and music into catchy jingles. All together now: “I’m just a bill. Yes, I’m only a bill. And I started out on Capitol Hill . . .”

Well, in ‘Hamilton,’ Lin-Manuel Miranda has taken those concepts to epic heights. You think that all you’re doing is listening to two characters battle-rap each other, but you’re really learning some of the bare-knuckle politics that shaped America.

Here are a few random thoughts to keep in mind if you’re on the fence about seeing “Hamilton:”

Casting Part 1: Remember that “solid-but-not-mind-blowing” thing I just wrote? I was mostly thinking about Joseph Morales, who played Alexander Hamilton in the Memphis production. Honestly, this may not even be his fault though. For years now, even first-timers like me have grown accustomed to looking for Lin-Manuel Miranda in that role — performing lyrics he wrote, no less. Morales has the unenviable job of being a fair-skinned Latino man stepping into a role made famous by a fair-skinned Latino man. The comparisons between Morales and Miranda simply CANNOT be fair to Morales . . . but they’ll be hard for viewers to overcome.

Casting Part 2: From the “gems,” category, there are a couple of star performances here. Ta’Rea Campell and Erin Clemons shine as the Schulyer (pronounced Skyler) sisters and their complex relationship with Hamilton. Marcus Choi portrays a stately George Washington. And Pierre Jean Gonzales, listed as a backup for Hamilton, captures the frenemy dynamic between the two men. You’ll have chills during these performances in particular. And Jon Patrick Wallace will crack you up as King George.

Casting Part 3: This is one of those things I wasn’t expecting. After about 20 minutes or so, the fact that you’re watching an Asian George Washington and a black Thomas Jefferson become irrelevant. It frees the viewer to see these characters simply as human beings — men and women making difficult decisions in troubling times. I found that refreshing, and it made me look at the founding of America in a different light.

The oppressed becomes the oppressor: As we commemorate 400 years of Africans in America, it becomes easy to forget: Slavery had been around for well over 100 years before the founding of America. And on top of that, the colonies felt they were being oppressed by King George. Government by and for the people had never been tried before, let alone succeeded.

I can’t help thinking about a child who grows up in an abusive home only to become an abuser in adulthood and how that cycle repeats through generations. Does that justify abuse or slavery? Of course not. But “Hamilton” made me appreciate how difficult it was to establish our democracy and how fragile it is.

Rapid rhymes: I’ll be 50 in a few months and the hip-hop I grew up on was Run-DMC, Fat Boys and Whodini. Meaning that while I have no idea what today’s mumble-rappers are saying, it still took a moment for my ears to calibrate what was being said on the stage during “Hamilton.” I could only imagine what it was like for the largely white, AARP-eligible crowd to follow the lyrics. If you’ve ever used the phrase “hibbety hoppety” outside of a reference to “Rapper’s Delight,” you may have a hard time following the story but hang in there.

Live or Tracked?: It makes perfect sense that a traveling tour of Hamilton would not bring a full on orchestra or band, simply for logistic and financial reasons. Though I did not see an orchestra/DJ, I cannot say for sure that Hamilton was performed over pre-recorded tracks. But the music did have the distinct feel of pre-recorded tracks, and if you’re used to hearing live musicians in a Broadway show, you’ll probably notice the difference. If you come out feeling the show was missing some energy, that’s probably why.

Buff up on history: I wouldn’t go as far as to say you need to read up on Alexander Hamilton before seeing the show . . . but it could help. While researching my earlier piece for this week’s print edition, I did, and knowing some of the plot points — Hamilton’s orphan past, the illicit affair that led to blackmail — helped me keep up when I couldn’t quite follow the rapid-fire rhymes.

In any case, “Hamilton” is likely to have you googling things like “Schulyer Sisters” and “Aaron Burr” when you come out of the theatre. You might even read up on The Federalist Papers. I think that’s a good thing. A better understanding of how our nation was founded can only help us understand these tempestuous times we’re in now.

“Hamilton” isn’t just entertaining, it’s also energetic and enlightening. Do NOT throw away your . . . SHOT!

Posts by

Up Next

How millennials are expanding the gaming industry

Don't Miss

Why is Suicide a Growing Problem in the Black Community?

Oakland Post

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

Poll Shows Support for Policies That Help Families Afford Child Care

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

Published

1 week ago

March 2, 2026

Oakland Post

By First Five Years Fund

New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

The national survey was conducted by UpOne Insight on behalf of the First Five Years Fund from January 13–18, 2026.

Key findings include:

• Parents need help: 80% of voters say the ability of working parents to find and afford child care is either in a state of crisis or a major problem.

• This is an affordability issue: 82% believe federal child care funding will help lower costs for working families — including 69% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.

• And there continues to be strong support (62%) for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a federal program that makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of families to afford safe, quality care for their children while parents work or go to school, including a majority of Republicans, 63% of Independents and 72% of Democrats.

• Support for funding child care programs remains strong: 75% believe child care funding should be increased or kept at current levels — including 75% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 97% of Democrats.

• 74% say funding for child care is an important and good use of tax dollars, including a majority of Republicans, three-quarters of Independents, and nine in ten Democrats.

FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling said, “Voters across the country are sending a clear message: federal child care and early learning programs work. These investments help parents stay in the workforce, strengthen families, and support healthy child development. They have also long had strong bipartisan support in Congress. At a time when affordability is top of mind for families, continued federal funding is essential to ensure child care remains accessible and within reach.”

First Five Years Fund works to protect, prioritize, and build bipartisan support for quality child care and early learning programs at the federal level. Reliable, affordable, and high-quality early learning and child care can be transformative, not only enhancing a child’s prospects for a brighter future but also bolstering working parents and fostering economic stability nationwide.

We work with Congress and the Administration to identify federal solutions that work for families with young children, as well as states and communities. We work with policymakers to identify ways to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning programs for children. And we collaborate with advocacy groups to help align best practices with the best possible policies. http://www.ffyf.org

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

Trump’s MAGA Allies are Creating Executive Order Plan to Steal the 2026 Midterms

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

Published

1 week ago

February 27, 2026

Oakland Post

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

A group of MAGA pro-Trump activists, who say they are working in coordination with the White House, are circulating a 17-page draft executive order that would claim without evidence that China interfered with the 2020 presidential election. Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential to President Joe Biden by over 7 million votes. Since Trump lost to Biden in 2020, he has repeatedly claimed that the election was “stolen” without evidence. The report of a group of “Trump allies” preparing an executive order to give Trump power over elections was first reported by The Washington Post.

The lies around the right-wing campaign that pushed falsehoods that the 2020 election was stolen was trafficked through right-wing media, particularly Fox News. Fox News was then sued for defamation for the claims by Dominion Voting Systems. Fox lost the case and had to settle for the largest defamation amount on record of $787.5 million in April 2023.

The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

The story in The Washington Post arrives as Trump increasingly signals that he may take actions that would alter the result of the 2026 midterms. The Republicans are widely expected to lose as their approval ratings plummet as a result of a failing economy under Trump. Over 50 members of Congress have announced they will retire this year and not return in 2027.

The Trump Department of Justice, which now has a large image of Trump on the side of it, “sued five new states Thursday [Feb. 26, 2026] demanding access to their unredacted voter rolls — escalating a campaign that has been rejected by multiple federal courts and faces resistance from Republican-led states as well,” according to Democracy Docket, a group that works to protect voting rights.

Trump claimed back in late 2020, the last year of his first term, that he had the authority to issue an executive order related to mail-in voting for the 2020 elections — which he would then lose. But the Constitution states that control of elections lies with the states. As the GOP works to place hurdles in front of voting, Democrats worked to make voting easier.

In March 2021, President Biden signed an executive order calling on federal agencies to expand voting access as part of the Biden Administration’s effort “to promote and defend the right to vote for all Americans who are legally entitled to participate in elections.”

Trump’s focus is clearly on altering the November 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s polling numbers and the elections and special elections that have taken place around the U.S. over the last year clearly indicate that Republicans are about to be hit by a blue wave of Democratic victories.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the founder of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and hosts the show LAUREN LIVE on YouTube @LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

PRESS ROOM: NBA Hall of Fame Nominee Terry Cummings Joins 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to Launch Victory & Values Initiative

NNPA NEWSWIRE — NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th.

Published

1 week ago

February 27, 2026

admin

Cummings becomes an honorary member, joining other role model sports stars

NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings has officially become an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, marking a powerful new chapter for the 100 Black Men and youth development across the region.

Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th. The moment signified more than membership — it marked the launch of the organization’s transformative new platform, the Victory & Values Initiative.

The Victory & Values Initiative is a groundbreaking youth development program designed to empower elementary and middle school students through a dynamic blend of sports, mentorship, and STEM exposure. The initiative focuses on building health, discipline, character, leadership, and access to opportunity — creating pathways for long-term academic and personal success.

“This is about more than sports,” said Cummings during the ceremony. “It’s about using the platform of athletics to teach life lessons, create access, and build the next generation of leaders.”

The induction ceremony also featured notable guests including NASCAR’s newest Star Driver, Lavar Scott and NASCAR Director of Athletic Performance, Phil Horton, who joined Cummings for a powerful Victory & Values Town Hall discussion. The Town Hall was moderated by renowned Sports Emcee John Hollins and focused on leadership, resilience, discipline, and the importance of mentorship in shaping young lives.

A “Day at NASCAR” for 75+ Youth

Cummings wasted no time getting to work. On his first full day as an honorary member, he joined his new brothers of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to host a “Day at NASCAR,” escorting more than 75 youth to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at EchoPark Motor Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway).

The youth participants received behind-the-scenes access including: an exclusive tour of Pit Row, access to the Garage Area and exploration of the interactive Fan Zone.

The experience culminated with a surprise meet-and-greet and Q&A session with NASCAR Superstar Bubba Wallace, who shared insights on perseverance, preparation, and breaking barriers in professional sports.

The day served as a living example of the ‘Victory & Values’ Initiative in action — exposing youth to new industries, expanding their vision for the future, and connecting them directly with high- level mentors and role models.

Building Leaders Through Access and Mentorship

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County – a chapter of the largest, national mentoring organization in the county – continues to expand its footprint with programs focused on academic excellence, economic empowerment, leadership development, and health & wellness.

The launch of ‘Victory & Values’ represents a strategic expansion of the organization’s impact

intentionally integrating athletics and STEM to engage youth at an early age while reinforcing core principles such as integrity, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance.

“Our mission has always been to mentor the next generation,” said Vaughn Irons, President-Elect of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. “With Terry Cummings joining the brotherhood, along with partners in NASCAR and professional sports, we are creating unprecedented access and exposure for our youth. Victory & Values is about turning inspiration into structured opportunity.”

By connecting elementary and middle school students to professional athletes, executives, STEM professionals, and community leaders, the initiative aims to:

Increase youth exposure to careers in sports business, engineering, and performance science
Strengthen mentorship pipelines
Promote physical wellness and mental resilience
Build character-driven leadership at an early age

Open Invitation to Youth and Families

All youth are invited to participate in the Victory & Values Initiative, along with the other countless, impactful programs offered by the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.

Parents and guardians seeking mentorship, leadership development, academic enrichment, and transformative exposure opportunities for their children are encouraged to connect with the organization.

As NBA Legend Terry Cummings’ induction demonstrates, Victory & Values is more than a program — it is a movement designed to build champions in life, not just in sports.

For more information about the Victory & Values Initiative or to enroll a student, contact: 100 Black Men of DeKalb County at Phone at 404.241.1338, info@100bmod.org or Tee Foxx at 404.791.6525,