Dreams Do Come True in New Orleans!

History is made on December 11, 2009, when Disney released their first African-American Princess movie, The Princess and the Frog, in theaters nationwide. This movie is very culturally significant, being it is the first African-American princess. I had to take my mother and sister to see this movie during opening weekend, because I believe that every black mother and their daughter(s) should see this movie with each other.

Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements (Little Mermaid, Aladdin), the movie sets in New Orleans during the Jazz Age (1920's), with a story about Tiana, a young black lower-class woman, working very hard to make her dream of owning an elaborate restaurant come true. But her aspiration is hindered when she meets a funny and awkward little frog who claims to be a prince and wants to be turned back into human again. The frog prince assumes that Tiana is a princess, and desires to kiss her to be turned back into human again. The frog kisses Tiana but turns her into a frog as well. Thus an adventure of finding how to get both of them back to humans commences.

Prior to the films release, many people were skeptical about many aspects of the film. The top two significances are the prince is not black and the setting, New Orleans. Many view the film to be racist because in order for the main protagonist of the film to be a princess, she has to be a frog first (which is not the case). The best advice to deal with these accusations towards the film is for viewers to go see the film first then make their judgements upon the evidence of the film. Conclusions should not be drawn until the complete viewing of the film.

Overall, and pass racial accusation that the film has, Princess and the Frog is a great movie. Wonderful music and fantastic storytelling. The film stars Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls), a Tony Award winning actress and Bruno Campoos (Nip/Tuck) a Brazilian-born actor who voiced for Prince Naveen in the film. Oprah Winfrey, Terrance Howard, John Goodman and Keith David, who plays the evil and demonic Dr. Facilier, are also featured in the film.

Yes, it is mainly a film for kids, but anyone who is a filmmaker or passionate about African-American history have to see this film, because it is certain that Princess and the Frog will be part of African-American History canon.

-Stefon Z. Bristol

www.OnTheAppleBox.com

Please check out the Trailer of the new Disney Princess movie!

HIDE-N-GO GET IT!

I know everyone remembers being in elementary school. Now I have to be honest with you, I had a favorite game during recess...can u guess?? DING DING! you are a WINNER! How did you guess...it was HIDE-N-GO GET IT. Yes! I typed it right, not HIDE-N- GO SEEK, but HIDE-N-GO GET IT. That game was for the true playas. Now LA stands up and OVERDOZ does it again with another banger. Mad love goes out to Poly and L4 for producing one of the BEST WEST COAST mix tape in 2009-- CURLY TOPS and NAUTICA JACKETS. Check out the music video for HIDE-N-GO GET IT and make sure you download the SONG.

A Trip to the Mountains

Sometimes you just need a break. A break from school, a break from people, and a break from the city. That is when you have to take time for yourself and reflect. This isn't your ordinary 31 day trip to the mountains. Take a look!

Transformation??

One thing I love and appreciate is a well made, well directed, well shot, and well thought

out Music Video. After a very interesting past year Mr. Chris Brown is making his way back on

to the scene in a major way. When creative minds of different realms come together as a

collective, there is almost always a genius product. This particular song in itself is very well

produced as it includes a collaboration of some of the top mainstream artists of this time, and

has received great responses since it hit the sound waves. That, however, is not to mention the

bangin' video that was created to complement it.

"I can transform Ya" is a creative piece that stood out to me amongst the many new

videos that have been pushed during this season. There is an exciting display of artistry, as well

as the advancements of technology at this time. Check it out!!!!

Domestic Violence

While we focus on awareness On The Applebox, I wanted to take this time to share with you a piece that was created in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October 2009. During the homecoming season we shared with you all the winners of the Miss Black and Gold Pageant here in the AUC at Morehouse College for the Alpha Rho Chapter. Ms. Lynsey Mitchell (Miss Black and Gold 2009/2010) and I had the pleasure of putting our heads together to create a project that would bring light to a very serious matter that is often ignored. Ms. Mitchell, her court, and myself all were blessed with the opportunity to work with other very talented young women and gain knowledge from insightful individuals. Though this particular project was a very quick make, we know that the content has, can, and will continue to make a difference.

I thank Miss Black and Gold and her Court, the Distinguished men of the Alpha Rho Chapter, as well as Mr. Ali Banks for his editing, and all of the individuals that took part in creating this piece that we each hold dear to our hearts.

Don't forget On the Applebox to BE Informed!!!

WORLD AIDS DAY 2009

Its Hidden...

On that Cup....

On her brush.....

On his fork....

In that toothbrush....

The worst part is.....

Its in THEIR blood.

The question is...

Is it in yours?

Today is world AIDS day. I feel as though I would be remiss if I did not take but a few moments to recognize the existence of this disease on today. Like all disease, illness, disaster, tragedy, epidemic, we as a human race should recognize these things EACH day.... not just today. However, since today we have your attention... STOP, THINK, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION, LEARN, TAKE INTEREST and FIND OUT if your helping save ... or if your adding to the problem.

If you didn't know.

I LOVE YOU

BE Informed:

It takes a VILLAGE to raise a child....

The Bible tells us to train up a child in the way that they should go, so when they get old they would not depart.

Majidah Muhammad is most def taking heed to that verse and training up her Pre-K students. How do I know? Because I spent a whole day with her in DC to make sure of that. Not only did I sit in her class from 8am- 3pm, but you already know I had my camera on me... YUP!!! I filmed the whole time while I was there. Being there with the students brought nothing but memories back. Oh! how I reminisced all the way on the plane ride back to Atlanta about how I wish I was a kid again. Majidah opened my eyes to a lot things I was taking for granted. Like the BEAUTIFUL generation thats coming up behind me, and how I will need them to be my doctors & lawyers when I get old. I wouldn't trade that day for anything in the world and I would do anything just to get that day back. It's now days later from when I last saw them and their voices are still in my head. WOW!!! The FUTURE looks good. Check out the video!