In the 21st century, slavery continues to be the scourge it has been for the past 4,000 years, modern abolitionists say. An estimated 27.6 million are currently victims of trafficking worldwide, and, sadly, many of them are often hidden right in front of us, according to the Office of the US Secretary of State. The…
Harlem Bespoke: Stop and smell the roses in Harlem! Did you know that uptown is the city’s Heritage Rose District? We saw that Roosevelt Park on 125th and Morningside Avenue was in full bloom this week and most of the flowering plants all over Harlem should be at their peak for the season. We covered the story back in 2009 when the all the roses were being planted and there is an official map of where to see all the beautiful blooms: LINK
Serena Williams has announced the start of production on her new ESPN series, In the Arena: Serena Williams.
Williams ruled tennis for over 20 years, winning 23 Grand Slams (singles). Like the Emmy-winning Man in the Arena: Tom Brady, the Serena Williams installment of the franchise reportedly will be a multi-part series that features first-person perspective from Serena and key figures throughout her life to “provide the most complete, intimate, and compelling account of her legendary career.”
The series examines Williams’s most memorable Grand Slam tournaments and formative life moments.
It contrasts Williams’s triumphant professional career and cultural significance with her private struggles, including her battle to keep her tennis career on top while adjusting to the life-altering event of having a baby.
The Walt Disney Company said a new generation of competitors, eager to emulate Williams’ success and ultimately defeat her, marks a full circle in her career.
The series revisits the superstar’s defining matches, formative moments, heartbreak, and glory to trace her personal and generational journey from phenom to icon across her whole career and into her legacy.
ESPN, Religion of Sports, 199 Productions (under the direction of Tom Brady), and Nine Two Six Productions (under the direction of Williams and Caroline Currier) will all produce the series, which Gotham Chopra will direct.
The Walt Disney Company said it would provide more information later.
Harlem Bespoke: It has been a decade of covering everything old and new in greater Harlem! Join our growing community of over 14,655 followers on the Harlem Bespoke Facebook site and receive daily to your account by liking our page: LINK
Happy springtime from your friend and selector, Marlon!
Here’s a freewheeling playlist, and a seemingly random collection of tunes. Though what they all have in common is famous folks, sometimes uncredited, singing backup.
In some cases it is an established artist leading a hand, like Stevie Wonder contributing to Jermaine Jackson’s “Let’s Get Serious,” or a then-unknown protege like Lou Rawls singing behind his childhood pal Sam Cooke on “Bring It On Home To Me.”
In some tracks, you won’t be able to pick them out. Though in others you will never be able to hear the same again without recognizing them. Here is a breakdown of each song and who’s helping out in the background. Enjoy!
