The EbonLiner

Story by: Gail NoblesPhoto: KO MagazineUsage: Wikipedia Public DomainToday I’m going to talk about the illustrious career of a boxing legend—Azumah "The Professor" Nelson! Born in Ghana, this man stepped into the ring in 1979 and didn’t just box; he danced, he dazzled, and above all, he dominated! Now, let’s talk titles! This remarkable fighter wasn’t content with just one belt. He held the WBC featherweight championship from 1984 to 1987, and then he came back for more at super-featherweight, capturing that title not once, but twice! A true maestro in the ring!His journey was not without its bumps—his first major U.S. match didn’t go as planned when he faced the formidable Salvador Sánchez, suffering a knockout at Madison Square Garden. But like any great champion, he rose again, cementing his legacy as one of Africa’s finest.Think about this, everyone! A fighter of his level ended his career in 2008, earning not only local awards but also the respect and affection of fans all over the world. He is respected as the 69th greatest pound-for-pound boxer of all time by BoxRec! That’s not just a number; that’s a tribute!And who could forget his affection for "The Greatest" himself, Muhammad Ali? In heartfelt interviews about Ali’s passing, he expressed the profound impact Ali had on his life and career. Nelson reminisced about their relationship—calling him a father figure and sharing laughs. Imagine Ali playfully asking him to throw a jab, only to chuckle and say, “You’re not fast.”Azumah Nelson, ladies and gentlemen, is not just a fighter; he’s a symbol of resilience, friendship, and an icon of what boxing truly represents—a dance of skill and spirit! What a man, what a story! And that’s the bottom line! I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to E-Sports.News, Culture, and Entertainment

Story by: Gail NoblesCover Illus. by: Gail NoblesToday we are about to shine a spotlight on a remarkable chapter in sports history! Can you imagine it’s October of 1923, and in the heart of Harlem, a groundbreaking team bursts onto the scene—the New York Renaissance. The New York Renaissance basketball team was commonly called the Harlem Rens according to a picture I have seen of a Renaissance program. Initially known as the "New York Renaissance," they were given the shorthand "Rens". They were also referred to as the "Renaissance Big R Five". Formed under the visionary leadership of Robert "Bob" Douglas, this wasn't just any team. This was the first black-owned, all-black, fully-professional basketball squad in history!Now, where did they get their name, you ask? It was inspired by the Renaissance Casino and Ballroom, a vibrant hub that served as their home court. Can you imagine? A venue bustling with energy—ball games followed by lively dances, all right there in Harlem! This was not merely basketball; it was a cultural phenomenon!The Rens played an essential role in transitioning black basketball from amateurism to professionalism. They brought excitement, skill, and of course, a flair that captured audiences. But let’s not stop there. Bob Douglas was a savvy businessman who recognized the potential to expand. Instead of sticking solely to Harlem, he took them on the road! They traveled all over the country, filling bigger places and earning the money they really needed.Through their success, the Rens didn't just entertain; they paved the way for future generations, showcasing the talent, dedication, and spirit of black athletes on a grand stage. So remember, folks, the Rens were not just a basketball team. They were leaders in sports, setting the standard for what it means to be professional in the game. That’s a story to celebrate!Thank you for joining me today and I hope this exploration of E-Sports on Ebonliner has provided you with valuable insight. I’m Gail Nobles, and I appreciate your attention to this exciting and dynamic field.News, Culture, and Entertainment

Story by: Gail NoblesCover Illus. by: Gail NoblesGood evening, I'm Gail Nobles. I want to talk about the Harlem Globetrotters, a name synonymous with dazzling basketball tricks and laughter. But did you know there's much more to their story than the showmanship? Here are some lesser-known highlights from their rich history.First off, let's rewind to 1926. Surprisingly, the Globetrotters didn’t start in Harlem but were born in Chicago as the "Savoy Big Five." Initially, they played serious basketball in exhibition matches, laying the groundwork for what would become a legendary team.Now, here's a twist: during a time when the NBA was segregated, the Harlem Globetrotters took on a pivotal role in promoting integration in sports. They showcased the incredible talent of African American athletes at a time when many leagues were still divided by race, helping to change public perceptions in America.And if you thought their games were just fun and games, think again! In the 1950s, they faced off against the Minneapolis Lakers, blending ballet with basketball. This innovative performance not only entertained but also showed that basketball could be both a sport and a form of art.The Globetrotters weren’t just stars on the court—they also served as cultural ambassadors during the Cold War. By touring countries like the Soviet Union, they promoted American values, including teamwork and friendship, all while showcasing their athletic flair.As for their trademark humor, it traces back to vaudeville, with players like Meadowlark Lemon combining athleticism and comedy to carve out the team’s unique identity on and off the court. This mix of skills has made them not just athletes but entertainers.Speaking of skills, the Globetrotters were actually ahead of their time, using creative strategies and advanced plays that many wouldn't see in the NBA until later. Legends like Marques Haynes, known for his mesmerizing ball-handling, inspired respect from even the best NBA players.And let’s not forget their strides for inclusion! In the late '80s, the Globetrotters expanded their family by forming a women’s team, the Harlem Globetrotterettes, showcasing female talent alongside their male counterparts.The Globetrotters have also made a mark in pop culture, appearing in beloved shows like "The Brady Bunch" and "Scooby-Doo," ensuring their legacy goes beyond the basketball court.Lastly, when they’re not performing, the Globetrotters dedicate time to community service, supporting schools,, and youth programs worldwide—an important aspect that often flies under the radar. I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening.News, Culture, and Entertainment

Mike Epps Photo by Kristen WongCover & Lettering by Gail NoblesStory by Gail NoblesWelcome to Movies Unmade, the show where we explore the films that never made it to the big screen! Today, we're putting the spotlight on Mike Epps, a talented stand-up comedian and actor. You may know him as Day-Day Jones from *Next Friday* and *Friday After Next*, but his career doesn’t stop there—his filmography is impressive, to say the least!In exciting news for film fans, there was a rumor that Mike Epps was set to take on the iconic role of comedian Richard Pryor in an upcoming biopic. Imagine that! Epps said it best in an interview: 'If you’re going to see a Richard Pryor movie with me in it, you’re going to see Mike Epps play Richard Pryor.' It’s easy to think that this pairing could have been groundbreaking, possibly even the biggest hit of all time! But it wouldn’t just be a laugh-fest. Some people might have concerns about the language and the themes that go hand-in-hand with Pryor's raw comedy.But those who know both Mike Epps and Richard Pryor understand that Epps has the unique ability to capture Pryor's spirit. Both are celebrated comedians with a knack for storytelling, making Epps a promising candidate for the role.That’s not all we can envision, though! I personally think Mike Epps would shine as Levi Stubbs, the legendary lead singer of The Four Tops. With Epps’ expressive personality and captivating looks, he could bring Levi's magic to life on screen.In my book, Mike Epps stands tall among the best actors, right up there with Jamie Foxx. I truly believe that a biopic, especially one about Richard Pryor, would showcase Epps' talents beautifully. But who knows what other unmade movies are waiting to be explored?Stay tuned as we continue to uncover more about the films that could have been! I’m Gail Nobles. Until next time, keep dreaming about endless possibilities in cinema!"News, Culture, and Entertainment

Intro by: Gail NoblesCover Illus. By Gail NoblesStory by; Gail NoblesYou’re listening to Drum Epic. Today’s topic is ‘ The Power of Drumming’. Welcome, everyone. Today, we're going to explore a touching and important part of history that shows the strength and creativity of enslaved Africans in the United States. When we think about how enslaved people communicated, we might imagine whispers or secret meetings. But one of the most significant ways they communicated was through music, especially with drums.To enslaved individuals, drums were more than just instruments; they were essential for survival, a link to their cultural roots, and a key way to send messages. These "talking drums" could mimic human speech, enabling people to share messages over long distances on plantations. Enslaved Africans used complex rhythms that reflected their native languages to communicate, organize, and sometimes even plan rebellions.Slave owners were very afraid of this power that drums represented. They understood how threatening these instruments could be, so many tried to control or ban them. This fear led to laws like South Carolina's slave code of 1740, which forbade drums and group gatherings among enslaved people. The code aimed to prevent any potential uprisings and maintain control over the enslaved population.Interestingly, while drums were banned, other types of music were still allowed. This situation shows how people found ways to keep their culture alive even while facing oppression. Enslaved Africans adapted and blended other instruments, like fiddles and flutes, with their traditions, creating new music forms that connected to their heritage.Through spirituals, work songs, and chants, the enslaved expressed their struggles, hopes, and desire for freedom, even without drums. Every note and lyric became a form of resistance, affirming their humanity and linking them to their ancestors.Even with the laws against them, the spirit of drumming didn’t disappear. Enslaved Africans continued to incorporate drumming into their rituals and celebrations, often against the rules. This cultural strength paved the way for future generations, influencing genres like jazz, blues, and hip-hop that we enjoy today.As we reflect on this history, let's celebrate the resourcefulness of those who resisted their circumstances, not just for freedom, but to preserve their identity and culture. So, when we listen to music today, let’s remember the drums that once "spoke" and the stories of hope and defiance they carried through time.Thank you for joining me today. You’re listening to Drum Epic. I’m your host, Gail Nobles.News, Culture, and Entertainment

Story by: Gail NoblesIntro by: Gail NoblesCover Illus. By Gail NoblesWelcome to Mapps! In today’s episode, we delve into an intriguing figure from the New Testament—“Candace,” the queen mentioned in Acts 8:27 of the Bible. There's much more beneath the surface of just a name, and we’re going to unpack its significance, historical context, and implications.Firstly, let’s clarify that "Candace" is not a personal name but rather a royal title for the queen of Kush, an ancient kingdom located in what we today recognize as Sudan and southern Egypt. The Meroitic term for queen or queen mother is “Kandake.” This distinction is crucial as it reveals the culture and political structure of the Kingdom of Kush. It highlights that the title signified more than just rank; it carried with it a legacy of power and authority that spanned centuries.In the context of Acts 8:27, we encounter a eunuch who serves under "Candace, queen of the Ethiopians." This provides insight into the socio-political landscape during that era. The mention of the kingdom as Ethiopian is a nod to the historical and geographical connotations of the time. This region, rich in culture and trade, was pivotal in connecting different civilizations, including the Romans and the Egyptians.Candace represents not only a title but also the idea of strong female leadership in the ancient world. Unlike many other contemporary societies, the Kingdom of Kush afforded significant power to its queens. They were often involved in royal succession and had the authority to govern in various capacities. This points to a complexity in gender roles during the time and may challenge our modern perceptions of ancient monarchies.It’s fascinating to see how the traditions of translation can mix things up. Ancient Greek and Roman historians frequently interpreted names through their own cultural lenses, leading to a misunderstanding that “Candace” was a personal name. This confusion muddled the line between historical accuracy and narrative simplicity, impacting how we view figures from the past, including Candace.Lastly, we arrive at the heart of the narrative—the eunuch’s encounter with Philip the Apostle. This official not only oversaw the queen’s treasury but was also returning from Jerusalem, indicating his openness to spiritual exploration.In summary, Candace represents the connection of royal power, cultural blending, and key events in Christian history. Her title evokes questions about identity and power, challenging us to rethink our understanding of historical narrative.Thank you for joining us for this discussion on Mapps, where we explore the rich connections between faith, history, and culture. I’m Gail Nobles. Tune in again soon.News, Culture, and Entertainment

Photo: Wikipedia Public DomainLettering by: Gail NoblesIntro by: Gail Nobles"You're listening to Owensy, - a sister podcast to Ebonliner. I'm your host, Gail Nobles.Today, let’s talk about Clarence Burgess Owens, a remarkable figure who has made quite an impact in both sports and politics. Born on August 2, 1951, Owens is not just your average politician; he was also a former professional football player. For ten seasons, he played safety in the NFL, mainly for the New York Jets and the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders. A highlight of his football career? Winning Super Bowl XV with the Raiders in 1980—a major achievement in the world of sports.After hanging up his football cleats, Clarence didn’t just sit back and watch the world go by. He stepped into the business world and even founded a nonprofit called Second Chance 4 Youth in 2019. This organization is really close to his heart as it focuses on helping troubled and incarcerated young people, giving them a chance at a better life.In 2020, Owens took on a new challenge: politics. Running as a Republican, he won a competitive race to represent Utah's 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, narrowly defeating the Democratic incumbent. He’s one of only four Black Republicans in Congress, which adds a unique voice to the discussions happening there.What’s truly inspiring about Clarence Burgess Owens is how he combines his past experiences—both on the field and in his community—to shape his work in Congress. Whether it's through sports or his nonprofit, he’s dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others. So, from the football field to the halls of Congress, Clarence Burgess Owens is an example of the power of hard work and giving back.I’m Gail Nobles, and you’re listening to Owensy: Celebrating the Heart and Soul of the Owens Community.News, Culture, and Entertainment