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Black America Web
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Pam Grier's Iconic Roles That Changed Hollywood Forever
Source: LMPC / Getty Pam Grier, known as the undisputed queen of 1970s Blaxploitation films, paved the way for Black women in Hollywood by embodying strength, style, and resilience on-screen. Her groundbreaking career spans over five decades, delivering unforgettable performances that have earned her a devoted global fan base. RELATED: Someone Had The Audacity To Say Pam Grier Isn't Black Beauty Personified RELATED: Pam Grier Taps Into Her Inner Gangsta In Tubi's 'Cinnamon' Grier burst into stardom during the 1970s with films that gave audiences fiercely independent heroines rarely seen at the time. She became the face of a genre, bringing charisma and power to every role. Grier's performances didn't just entertain; they broke barriers, showcasing women not as damsels in distress but as characters who could command their own stories. The 1973 classic Coffy is perhaps her most iconic role, where she played a nurse turned vigilante taking down drug pushers. Her unapologetic portrayal of Coffy transformed her into a feminist icon of the era. Soon after, she solidified her status with Foxy Brown, where she became a force of justice once again. These roles made her a symbol of empowerment, especially for underrepresented audiences. Years later, Grier captivated audiences in Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown, proving her immense range as an actress. Playing the titular role, a smart and resourceful flight attendant tangled up in a money-laundering scheme, Grier earned critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination. It was a triumphant return to mainstream cinema, showing her remarkable staying power. Pam Grier's legacy isn't just about the characters she played. It's also about the doors she opened for women of color in Hollywood. Her fearless performances continue to inspire, and her influence is felt across the industry. Grier shines as Coffy, a nurse who turns vigilante to take down drug dealers and crime bosses responsible for destroying her community. Her fierceness and unapologetic determination made Coffy a groundbreaking character and solidified Grier as the first Black female action star. Playing Foxy Brown, a courageous woman on a mission to dismantle a drug syndicate, Grier brings unmatched charisma and strength to the role. This film remains a cultural touchstone for its bold, unapologetic portrayal of empowerment and justice. Grier stars as Jackie Brown, a flight attendant caught smuggling money, in Quentin Tarantino's homage to 1970s Blaxploitation. Her layered, nuanced performance in this crime drama earned her critical acclaim and showcased her ability to master more subdued, complex roles. Grier plays Sheba Shayne, a no-nonsense private investigator who returns to her hometown to fight off corrupt businessmen threatening her father's business. Her intelligence and poise in this role highlighted her versatility as an actress. Grier takes on the horror genre in this sequel to 'Blacula.' Playing Lisa, a voodoo priestess, she radiates strength and courage while facing supernatural forces. Her commanding presence elevated this cult classic beyond a standard horror film. Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Associated Press
12-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Famed Colt Revolver "Black Beauty" Brings $1.6M at Auction
It is the 2nd highest price ever achieved for a Colt Single Action Army BEDFORD, Texas, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 3, most eyes were on the 'running of the roses' for the 151st Kentucky Derby, but in the world of fine and historic arms collecting, they were watching a horse of a different color. A Colt Single Action Army revolver, well-known to collectors as 'Black Beauty' realized $1.6 million during Rock Island Auction Company's (RIAC) May Premier Auction. It marks the second-highest price achieved for the model. Black Beauty served as flagship of the May 2-4 event that realized a total of $28 million. What makes a revolver worth $1.6 million? Black Beauty has a combination of qualities that fine arms collectors find highly desirable. First, it's a Colt Single Action Army, a model internationally recognized for its role in the American Frontier, as well as countless Hollywood movies. The model is a perennial 'blue chip' favorite among elite collectors. Second, is its artistry. The revolver was embellished by Master Engraver Louis D. Nimschke, perhaps the most celebrated 19th century American engraver. Considered the artist's masterpiece, it was created at the peak of his career. His lavish designs and generous gold inlays – a scarcely seen feature - made this revolver a suitable presentation piece in 1888 for Mexican President Manuel González Flores. Last, even after 130 years, the revolver's condition remains excellent. While real estate investors often tout 'location,' in the world of fine arms it's 'Condition, condition, condition,' and Black Beauty has it in abundance. Watch it cross the podium. 'If this was a painting, it would be hanging in the National Gallery,' stated RIAC President Kevin Hogan. 'Without question, it is the finest example of the most iconic, American-made firearm. They get no better. We've enjoyed Black Beauty immensely, and it's been an absolute pleasure to bring to auction. It's the kind you never forget.' The revolver is also indicative of the fine arms market at large. The auction was RIAC's third highest grossing sale, and also saw the highest average sale price per lot in the company's 30+ years in business. Other highlights in the three-day auction included a pair of J. Purdey & Sons shotguns engraved by Master Philippe Grifnée which brought $411,250, and a silver plated, factory engraved Henry rifle from the Civil War era that realized the same price. About Rock Island Auction Company: Rock Island Auction Company is the world's no. 1 firearms auction company, and has been since 2003. Founded in 1993 by CEO Patrick Hogan, RIAC's current Bedford, Texas venue has become the world selling headquarters for fine and historic arms, hosting all the company's in-person auctions. Led by President Kevin Hogan, the company lives by its mission statement to 'Elevate firearms collecting. Sell with Passion.' Best known for selling headline-grabbing arms, the company's multiple auction formats cater to collectors of every experience level. For more information, please visit or call 1-800-238-8022. Media contact: Joel Kolander, (309) 797-1500 or [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Rock Island Auction Company
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Famed Colt Revolver "Black Beauty" Brings $1.6M at Auction
It is the 2nd highest price ever achieved for a Colt Single Action Army BEDFORD, Texas, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 3, most eyes were on the "running of the roses" for the 151st Kentucky Derby, but in the world of fine and historic arms collecting, they were watching a horse of a different color. A Colt Single Action Army revolver, well-known to collectors as "Black Beauty" realized $1.6 million during Rock Island Auction Company's (RIAC) May Premier Auction. It marks the second-highest price achieved for the model. Black Beauty served as flagship of the May 2-4 event that realized a total of $28 million. What makes a revolver worth $1.6 million? Black Beauty has a combination of qualities that fine arms collectors find highly desirable. First, it's a Colt Single Action Army, a model internationally recognized for its role in the American Frontier, as well as countless Hollywood movies. The model is a perennial "blue chip" favorite among elite collectors. Second, is its artistry. The revolver was embellished by Master Engraver Louis D. Nimschke, perhaps the most celebrated 19th century American engraver. Considered the artist's masterpiece, it was created at the peak of his career. His lavish designs and generous gold inlays – a scarcely seen feature - made this revolver a suitable presentation piece in 1888 for Mexican President Manuel González Flores. Last, even after 130 years, the revolver's condition remains excellent. While real estate investors often tout "location," in the world of fine arms it's "Condition, condition, condition," and Black Beauty has it in abundance. Watch it cross the podium. "If this was a painting, it would be hanging in the National Gallery," stated RIAC President Kevin Hogan. "Without question, it is the finest example of the most iconic, American-made firearm. They get no better. We've enjoyed Black Beauty immensely, and it's been an absolute pleasure to bring to auction. It's the kind you never forget." The revolver is also indicative of the fine arms market at large. The auction was RIAC's third highest grossing sale, and also saw the highest average sale price per lot in the company's 30+ years in business. Other highlights in the three-day auction included a pair of J. Purdey & Sons shotguns engraved by Master Philippe Grifnée which brought $411,250, and a silver plated, factory engraved Henry rifle from the Civil War era that realized the same price. About Rock Island Auction Company:Rock Island Auction Company is the world's no. 1 firearms auction company, and has been since 2003. Founded in 1993 by CEO Patrick Hogan, RIAC's current Bedford, Texas venue has become the world selling headquarters for fine and historic arms, hosting all the company's in-person auctions. Led by President Kevin Hogan, the company lives by its mission statement to "Elevate firearms collecting. Sell with Passion." Best known for selling headline-grabbing arms, the company's multiple auction formats cater to collectors of every experience level. For more information, please visit or call contact: Joel Kolander, (309) 797-1500 or jkolander@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Rock Island Auction Company Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Building a humane world for animals
The sprawling Black Beauty Ranch, in East Texas, takes its name from the classic 1877 novel. Narrated by a horse, "Black Beauty" encouraged readers see the world from an animal's point of view. "The story of 'Black Beauty' is about coming home, and feeling free and safe, and so, this is what all these animals get to do," said Kitty Block, the CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, the non-profit which funds Black Beauty as a sanctuary. On its 1,400 acres, there are zebras and macaques, bison and lions. "They've all come from various rescue situations," said Block. "Each one has an incredible story." There's Loki the tiger, rescued from someone's garage in Houston. There's Eve, known as the "bare bear," who was once so hairless and emaciated that rescuers initially didn't know what she was. Block showed us a group of lemurs: "These guys were in a very dark, small place, did not have anything that resembled this kind of life. So, it's amazing to see them, how they've taken to their habitat." The ranch's first residents were wild donkeys, airlifted from the Grand Canyon by Black Beauty's founder, the author, critic and animal rights activist Cleveland Amory. Today the sanctuary is home to 150 donkeys. But if you're wondering where all of the dogs and cats are hiding, the Humane Society of the United States isn't actually affiliated with the thousands of humane societies that operate shelters across the country. "Local Humane Societies do take care of dogs, cats, pets, sometimes other animals, and they are amazing places, and we work really closely with them," said Block. "But that's not us. We are a policy organization. We are a lobbyist shop. We work around the world, and we do rescue. But you can't get your dog or cat from us." For the past 70 years, the Humane Society of the United States, based in Washington, D.C., has worked on issues ranging from investigating the international fur trade, to advocating for disaster relief plans that take animals into account. This past week, the organization announced it's changing its name. To reduce confusion and better reflect its global focus, it will now be known as Humane World for Animals. "Our mission still is about getting at the root causes to prevent tomorrow's cruelties, but also helping animals in crisis today," said Block. "What the new name does is reflect what we do, how we do it, and where we do it." After nearly a decade of intense campaigning, the group recently celebrated a win in South Korea. Last year, that country's National Assembly voted to ban the dog meat industry. So, what is happening today that people in the future will look back and say, I can't believe we did that? Block said, "I think the situation with the factory farming is one that we will all look back on and say, 'Really? Did we do that? Did we confine animals in these terrible, extreme situations just because it was cheaper or easier, or if we just throw them all together and seal the doors people won't know it's happening?'" In 2023, Humane World for Animals successfully defended California's Proposition 12, an animal cruelty law, at the Supreme Court. The law established minimum space requirements for certain species of livestock. Block said, "Confining animals in extremely terrible situations, where animals are stacked in cages on top of cages, it creates conditions where there are illnesses. So, there's swine flu, there's bird flu. You can't keep pretending that it has nothing to do with us." Protecting the six hundred or so residents of this ranch is, in a way, a symbolic act for an organization looking to improve the welfare of animals around the world – symbolic, like the name Black Beauty. As Kitty Block explains, the ability to consider an animal's perspective is part of what makes us human. "It's important not just for the animals, but it's important for us, who we are, how we think about ourselves. How we want to have a world that we pass on to our children and our children's children. Animals belong there. And so, we are committed to making sure that they have that right, they have that ability, to thrive, because it matters to all of us." For more info: Humane World for AnimalsBlack Beauty Ranch, Murchison, Texas Story produced by Anthony Laudato. Editor: Libby Fabricatore. See also: Remarkable friendships from the animal world ("Sunday Moring")Animal conservationist & "Chimp Crazy" director Eric Goode ("Sunday Morning")Giving wild donkeys a new life ("Sunday Morning")A zoo for rescued animals, beneath a Key West jail ("Sunday Morning")De-extinction: Bringing animal species back from the brink ("Sunday Morning")A "dating app" for zoo populations ("Sunday Morning")Flying dogs to their forever homes ("Sunday Morning") Doctor calls Trump's vaccine order "theater" because no schools have COVID vaccine mandates Full interview: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) Crenshaw says Europe should be "uncomfortably aggressive" to counter Russia
