In the first trailer for the upcoming Netflix movie Shirley, Regina King stars as the first Black woman to be elected to Congress.

Regina King as Shirley Chisholm

Chisholm’s story will be chronicled, showing her uphill battle and obstacles to win a seat in Congress as the daughter of a Barbados-born maid and a Guyanese laborer, her struggles to navigate Congress alongside her White male colleagues, and her groundbreaking 1972 presidential campaign.

Movie production

Produced by Regina King and her sister Reina King, Shirley also stars the late Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Terrence Howard, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson and more.

King, who spent 15 years producing the film, said the project was an incredible feat.

“It was always a little disheartening for Reina and I to have so many people over the years of our lives not know who Shirley Chisholm was,” King told Harper’s Bazaar.

“What she did was so pioneering. She was a true maverick and, you know, we use this term all the time, but she was a true first.”

King said they decided to release the film during an election year as they thought it would make for a more “impactful” release.

“As a team, we felt that is probably the best way we could possibly honor Shirley: to release her in a space that she created for herself.”

Regina King as Shirley Chisholm trailer

Shirley is will be released on Netflix March 22.

Carl Weathers, the iconic actor best known as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movie series, has died.

He was 76.

Details on Carl Weathers

According to his family, Weathers died peacefully in his sleep Thursday.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” according to the family statement.

“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life.”

“Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations,” his family said.

“He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”

Acting career

Weathers got his big acting break in 1976, when he landed the role of heavyweight boxing champion Apollo Creed in “Rocky,” according to his bio on IMDb.

The New Orleans-born actor played this role in three other “Rocky” movies.

Weathers also starred in 1987’s “Predator,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, in Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore” in 1996 and on the small screen in “The Mandalorian.”

He also was the voice for Combat Carl in “Toy Story 4” and other shorts in the Disney-Pixar franchise.

He dabbed into comedy, playing himself in the sitcom “Arrested Development.” Other TV acting credits include “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Magnum P.I.” and “Chicago P.D.”

Weathers attended San Diego State University where he studied theater and played football.

He then played professionally for the Oakland Raiders until he retired in 1974 to seriously pursue acting, according to his bio.

He was nominated for an Emmy in 2021 for Outstanding Guest Actor for the re-occurring role as Greef Karga in “The Mandalorian.”

Joe Madison, a pioneering radio host and civil rights activist, has died. He was 74.

Details on the passing of Joe Madison

His family released a statement saying he passed away peacefully Wednesday, surrounded by family.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Joe Madison. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Joe dedicated his life to fighting for all those who are undervalued, underestimated, and marginalized.”

Madison had battled prostate cancer over the years, however, the statement didn’t disclose his cause of death.

Radio career

Known as The Black Eagle, Joe Madison brought his passion for justice from the civil rights movement to the airwaves.

He started his radio career in Detroit in 1980 and then moved to Philadelphia.

Madison spent years with the NAACP before launching his own show in Washington D.C.

He became a strong voice for the community, gearing his shows on African American issues.

According to BET, Madison’s morning show, Urban View, has had a daily audience of approximately 26 million listeners since 2007.

Joe Madison as an activist

Madison became a leader in social justice after college, according to the NAACP. He hosted a community-focused radio show and was a civil rights activist for the NAACP. His message spread across the airwaves, reaching thousands of listeners in Philadelphia, Detroit, and Washington, D.C.

He played a pivotal role in getting legislators to pass the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act in 2020, the NAACP said. Most recently, he executed a hunger strike in honor of his mentor and activist, Dick Gregory.

He was dedicated to his craft and social justice.

Madison achieved the Guinness world record for the longest on-air broadcast in 2015, broadcasting for 52 hours straight and raising more than $250,000 for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

His legacy

Madison is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon, their four children, five grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Condolences can be sent to the family on Joemadison.com.