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Black El Paso Voice

All Things Black in El Paso

Ailehs Tony

I am a retired combat Veteran who still strives to serve the Veteran community by not only volunteering in the community, but also providing one on one peer support, coordinating peer support groups, and assisting with community resources.

For self-care, one of things I enjoy doing is going to the movies or watching new TV shows. There is just something about getting lost in the show you are watching, and it’s a nice break from reality.

The Fox and the Cookie World Premiere Opera

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Shared by Cherry Duke, @utepopera
Director of Opera
Professor of Practice

Opera UTEP has commissioned a new opera, based on Aesop’s Fables, which will be premiered March 27 and 28, 2023 in Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. The words and music are by
acclaimed Black female composer Maria Thompson Corley. Dr. Corley will visit UTEP for the premiere and will also participate in several on-campus discussions and events open to the public.

In the 30-minute musical drama (called, THE FOX AND THE COOKIE), Grandma and Grandpa entertain their grandchild withs four fables of the Fox’s trickery. In the end, the family and the animals whom the fox tricked confront the fox about his behavior, and all enjoy Grandma’s cookies, together. The story explores themes of bullying, kindness, forgiveness, and sharing.
The public is invited for the two premiere performances and are encouraged to bring the young people in their lives!

The opening show on Monday, March 27 will have a reception with the composer and the cast after the performance, and after the Tuesday, March 28 performance, there will be “talkback” when the audience can talk with the composer and the creative team.

For those interested in learning more about the creative process, there will be a “Meet the Composer” session on Monday, March 27 at 12:30 p.m. in Fox Fine Arts Center and a “Lunch and Learn” session on Tuesday, March 28 at 12:00 p.m. in the UTEP Student Union.

The Tuesday event will feature a performance of Dr. Corley’s song, “I Am Not an Angry Black Woman,” performed by music major Abeni Merriweather, followed by a panel discussion of Black, female voices and social movement.

Opera UTEP will also give back to the community by presenting this opera for El Paso area children in special performances at UTEP and in elementary schools following the premiere.

This project is supported by interdisciplinary collaborators at UTEP, including the Center for Community Engagement, Women and Gender Studies, African American Studies, the
Department of Theatre and Dance, the Department of Art, the Department of Music, as well as the The Aaron and Sylvia Wechter Family Excellence Fund.

View this month’s UTEP Enrichment Events

Black History Month Events

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Black History Month Message from McCall Center President Gregg D. Davis

Dear El Paso,

February is Black History Month! The rich heritage of Black history represents a collective American history.

“Black History month has never been just a celebration of Black America’s achievements and stories—it’s part of a deliberate political strategy to recognized as equal citizens”—

Dr. Theodore R. Johnson

The McCall Neighborhood Center shares the experience of all African Americans in remembering the past so we can create a better future.  It’s a reminder of where we have been so that we know where we need to go.  We remain focused on a society in which all people live with dignity and purpose, and to fulfill their aspirations.  Therefore, we pause to realize the efforts of our past heroes, ancestors, and beloved “Pioneers” and realize that each day we stand on their broad shoulders as we endeavor to make our own mark in history.

Peace & Blessings!

Gregg D. Davis, President

Board of Directors

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – Movie Review | Reel Talk with @AilehsTony

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Official Website: Sonic the Hedgehob Movie

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Official Soundtrack

Official Trailer: YouTube

Sonic the Hedgehog | IMO 6.5 /10

If you liked the first one you will definitely like the sequel. Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik is simply perfect casting. Not to mention his trusty sidekick who has been waiting for the day for him to come back. The storyline, the action, comedy was great. It did feel like their adventure to find what it was they searching for was extremely quick. Like blink and it was over. I loved the sister in the first one and it was great they brought her back but the whole wedding scene felt misplaced. Like how did it fit into the storyline? But it didn’t alter my enjoyment of the film. The addition of Idris Elba didn’t hurt the film either. He was great as knuckles.


Distributed by Paramount Pictures Studios

Everything Everywhere All At Once Movie Review | Reel Talk with @AilehsTony

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Official Website: EVERYTHINGEVERYWHEREMOVIE.COM

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Official Soundtrack

Official Trailer: YouTube

Everything Everywhere All At Once | IMO 9 /10

Let me just say I was extremely surprised by this film. I went in not expecting too much. If you have ever seen an A24 movie you will know that they are most times hit or miss. Either you are going to love it or hate it. And I loved this movie. The whole multi-universe story-line was just awesome. Michelle Yeoh played the part to perfection. You have to keep an open mind watching this film. It almost lost me with what the world am I watching when it started with the whole bagel story. I was like great and now the movie is going to go downhill but it didn’t. Everything just got that much better from there. The movie doesn’t take itself too seriously which is great for the audience because the way the story went you just can’t help but get sucked in. If you like a good action flick, then I am telling you that you need to check this movie out. Seeing Jaime Lee Curtis playing a character you typically wouldn’t see her play just made the movie that much better.
Distributed by AS4