I came across the clip found below and just had to share. Waiting to Exhale is a 1995 film starring Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon. It was adapted from the Terry McMillan novel of the same name. It explores the friendship between four Black women as they navigate their own relationships and lives.

Cast:

Whitney Houston – Savannah Jackson

Angela Bassett – Bernadine “Bernie” Harris

Lela Rochon – Robin Stokes

Loretta Devine – Gloria “Glo” Matthews

Gregory Hines – Marvin King

Dennis Haysbert – Kenneth Dawkins

Mykelti Williamson – Troy

Michael Beach – John Harris Sr.

Giancarlo Esposito – David Matthews

Donald Faison – Tarik Matthews

Leon – Russell

Wendell Pierce – Michael Davenport

Crew:

Director – Forest Whitaker

Writer – Terry McMillan

Writer – Ronald Bass

Waiting to Exhale is available here.

The post Throwback Thursday: ‘Waiting to Exhale’ appeared first on Films of Color.

The Temptations were one of the most successful music groups in history. They were one of Motown’s biggest acts. They could harmonize, dance, and had a distinct style. But more importantly, they had some jams. “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Bed,” and “Get Ready” are just some of their many hits.

The Temptations is a miniseries that aired on NBC. Leon, our favorite TV singer, also starred in this miniseries, this time playing David Ruffin. Like The Jacksons: An American Dream, it might be hard to watch The Temptations in one sitting, but it’s a remarkable watch.

The Temptations won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries or Movie and an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Television Movie or Miniseries. It is available here.

The post Black History Month Day 19 – ‘The Temptations’ appeared first on Films of Color.

When I think of rock and roll, I don’t think of that poser, Elvis. I think of Little Richard. Your fave’s got nothing on him.

Little Richard is an icon. A legend. He helped make rock and roll what it is, before the appropriation. His influence also extended to funk and soul. I dare you to listen to “Tutti Frutti” and not break out into dance.

Little Richard is a TV movie that debuted on NBC in 2000, starring Leon as Little Richard. Leon has probably played your favorite singer at some point, whether real or fictional.

The film tells the story of Little Richard’s childhood and his career as a rock and roll singer, as he struggles with the discrimination that comes with being a Black singer.

Leon was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special and a Black Reel Award for Best Actor: Television Movie. David Sibley was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction.

The post Black History Month Day 17 – ‘Little Richard’ appeared first on Films of Color.