Author: Roderick Thomas

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Unveiling the Power of Representation: The QVNYC Film Festival Opening Party, by Roderick Thomas

The QVNYC Film Festival’s Opening Party set the stage for a remarkable showcase of diverse stories to come, shedding light on the lives and struggles of marginalized communities. One film, Vice’s series Transnational, brought attention to the devastating murder of Kelly Stough, a Black trans woman in Detroit by pastor Albert Weathers. Through the eyes of journalist Eva Rayne, who […]

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Skip Marley: Caribbean Music at Coney Island’s Amphitheater

I eagerly waited in line at the Coney Island Amphitheater to see the music royal, Skip Marley. Built in 2016, Coney Island’s Amphitheater is an awesome beach-side venue, built for live music. Hosted by Shani Kuture, the Summer Stage concert also included the likes of accomplished Caribbean musicians and DJs like King Cruff, Patrice Roberts, Sarkodie, Bobby Konders, and DJ […]

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The T.J. Martell Foundation Gala: Giving Back Through Music

TJ Martell Foundation: The Fight Against Cancer Cancer remains one of the most prevalent and devastating diseases worldwide, affecting countless lives. Cancer research plays a pivotal role in unraveling the complexities of this formidable illness. In the month of July, the T.J. Martell Foundation, a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to funding innovative cancer research, orchestrated its awe-inspiring fundraising event, the […]

Picture of the stage and lighting at the Summer Stage concert series
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SummerStage Concerts are Everything

SummerStage Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage is yet again bringing forth an unforgettable free musical experience. I attended my first SummerStage concert and was blown away. I sat in my seat and I looked around at the impressive stage set up and lighting. From the bleachers to the grass, concert goers decorated the venue with picnic mats and colorful […]

Image from Black Masc. A man touch his own hair.
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Black Masc – A New Look at Black Masculinity

On the heels of releasing my first documentary feature Black Masc, I knew I had to talk to someone who understood Black Masculinity from experience but knew what it meant to be an entrepreneur. I had the pleasure of speaking with Jordan Green, owner of Exit18 Creative Agency. My interview with with Jordan Green below   Jordan Green: Hey Roderick […]

Award winning Trumpeter, Nabaté Isles holding a trumpet.
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Nabaté Isles Returns With Black Girl Magic

Grammy award-winning trumpeter Nabaté Isles is back with a new album, En Motion. His career boasts performances at the White House and collaborations with legends like Mos Def (Yasiin Bey), Jimmy Owens, and Jill Scott. And yes, Nabaté is still hungry to create and inspire us all to move.   My interview with the incredibly talented Nabaté Isles below. Roderick Thomas: […]

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Daytona Starsky: A hell of a concert in Purgatory, by Roderick Thomas

I walked into the colorful and dramatically lit club, Purgatory in Brooklyn. Everything about the space screamed Bushwick— offbeat aesthetic, yet not lacking any cool whatsoever. Daytona Starsky was performing tonight for an arriving crowd. I had the pleasure of speaking with both him and his management. More on his album, Reality Station, and live performance below. Reality Station begins […]