Happy Saturday, folks!
I’m up early preparing for today’s No Basics Brunch, but wanted to pop in and tell you about a great movie I saw yesterday as part of the American Black Film Festival called, “In my Father’s House.”
The documentary centers around Che ‘Rhymefest’ Smith, a rapper from Chicago who sets off to establish a relationship with his absentee Dad.
Not sure if you’ve ever heard of Rhymefest, but he’s an accomplished artist. He co-wrote Jesus Walks with Kanye West, and also co-wrote the Academy Award winning song Glory with Common. He’s currently the creative director of Donda’s House, a non profit organization that supports artistic youths in Chicago.
In my Father’s House opens with Che looking for his father. He and his new wife recently moved into the house his Father grew up in, and Smith had a nagging feeling to establish contact with his Dad. When Che finally reaches him, he finds out that his Dad is a homeless alcoholic who has been living in the streets for the past 20 years. Over the course of the film, Che encourages his Dad to clean up his act, slow down on the drinking, find a job, and ultimately get his own place to live. In the process, Che learns more about his father and himself–and gains clarity on how he can be a better father to his children. Watch the Trailer below:
I was invited by my friend Beverly Camhe (pictured below with yours truly and Che Smith) to see the film, and am glad she did! The film was heart warming, and touched on the larger issue of the effects of black men growing up In fatherless homes.
I chatted with Che about what he hoped people would take away after watching the film. He said, “I want everyone to be able to take away how to share their own truth. Their story may be different from mine. Nobody’s story is quite unique, we all go through the same things at different times. I want people to be ok with opening [up] the book of their life. That’s how we ultimately are gonna heal ourselves and each other. Stop fronting with each other about what it is. We know what it is, so let’s make it right.” He’s working on an album called Pieces, which is about putting the pieces together after everything falls apart. Keep an eye out for In My Father’s House in September and Che’s album soon!
After chatting with Che, I headed across town for a screening of Tai Beauchamp’s new makeover show on TLC called Dare to Wear (did you check it out?).
The show gets two people with totally opposite style aesthetics to switch clothes to get them out of their comfort zones. The show concludes with fabulous makeovers. See a snippet here:
Tai invited a bevy of editors to watch her show over Popcorn and mini bottles of Moet.
I grabbed a pic with Tai and Tasha Smith before calling it a night!
I got raked over the social media coals for my look (LOL), BUT in case you were wondering, I wore an NSF striped top, an Iro studded skirt, and Gianvito Rossi Silver and PVC pumps for my day in the city.
Stay tuned for more outfit pix on TheBombLife.com.
Set your DVR’s to watch Tai’s show Dare to Wear every Friday at 9pmEST on TLC! And stay tuned to this space for updates on In My Father’s House.
What do you think?
Images: Karl Pierre
Claire, you look great. Love your toned legs here. Your look is comfy, cute, but still casual. I hate how the internet gives voices to people whom opinion really shouldn’t matter!!