Author: Ayanna Nicole

Hi! I’m Ayanna, a writer and artist. Although I graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte with two degrees in art and psychology, I’ve had a passion for writing for as long as I can remember. By following my dreams and utilizing my creativity, I designed Jaro Magazine with the ultimate intention of bringing more positive stories in the black community to the forefront, while also highlighting our versatile and vibrant culture through Jaro’s four modes: film, books, art, and music. I also manage a book hub, which you can find on Instagram @bloomingliterature.

Director Kemp Powers On Major Upcoming Films “Soul” And “Miami,” And How Both Are A Reflection Of Himself

Having no film credits just three years ago, today Kemp Powers is the co-director and writer of two large-scale upcoming films: Soul and One Night in Miami. Speaking with the New York Times’ Jenna Marotta in an exclusive interview, Powers shared the special journey of working on both films, along

Kofi Siriboe On The Inspiration Behind His Media And Lifestyle Brand ‘We’re Not Kids Anymore’

Queen Sugar’s Kofi Siriboe recently launched his new media and lifestyle brand, We’re Not Kids Anymore. It’s an ode to nostalgia, taking visitors back to the early 2000s through an interactive web experience featuring a curated selection of over 1000 events. Siriboe spoke with Shadow and Act to discuss the

Filmmaker Sam Pollard Reflects On His Civil Rights Documentary “MLK/FBI” And The Relevance It Has In Today’s Political Climate

Sam Pollard’s new documentary “MLK/FBI” is an examination of how Martin Luther King Jr. was investigated and harassed by the FBI, based on recently discovered and declassified secret government files. The film is currently part of the Masters section at the documentary festival IDFA, which runs virtually until December 6th.

Listen To Excerpts From President Obama’s New Memoir ‘A Promised Land’

Former President Barack Obama’s latest memoir A Promised Land hits shelves today, November 17th. The transparent memoir details Obama’s political life, and the prime years of his presidency that shaped him. “I want to give an honest reckoning of my time as president,” said Obama. More specifically, the memoir centers

Terry McMillan’s ‘Waiting To Exhale’ To Be Adapted Into A TV Series, Produced By Lee Daniels And Directed By Anthony Hemingway

Terry McMillan, the commendable author behind the 1992 NYT best-selling novel Waiting to Exhale, has confirmed via Twitter that it will receive a television adaptation through 20th Television. Lee Daniels is set to produce and Anthony Hemingway will direct the series. “So, WAITING TO EXHALE is going to be a

Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Novel ‘The Water Dancer’ Is Being Adapted Into A Film By Oprah Winfrey, Kamilah Forbes, And Brad Pitt For MGM Studios

Ta-Nehisi Coates’ best-selling debut novel The Water Dancer will receive a film adaptation from Oprah Winfrey and Brad Pitt for MGM Studios. Released in 2019, The Water Dancer received generous acclaim as a nominee for the NAACP Image Award, while also being referred to as one of the best books

Read An Excerpt From Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s New Short Story ‘Zikora’

Acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has released her first work of fiction since her 2013 novel Americanah. The short story, titled Zikora, is part of Amazon Original Stories, meaning that Prime members and Kindle Unlimited subscribers can download it free of charge.  The story follows Zikora, a Nigerian woman living

‘ColorBlind’ Wins First Place In JARO’s PVIFF Short Film Competition

Shaun M. Mathis’s emotionally gripping film ColorBlind has been named the first place winner in JARO’s PVIFF Short Film Competition! Winners were announced Sunday, November 1st on pviffatl.com. The 20-minute drama centers on Mark, a white police officer who is plagued by guilt and remorse after he mistakenly kills an

Watch And Vote: JARO Announces 3rd Annual Sponsorship Of Shorts Competition At PVIFF

The 15th annual Peachtree Village International Film Festival will be held virtually this year from October 29th to November 1st, and JARO is proud to announce its 3rd sponsorship of the PVIFF Shorts Competition. Movie enthusiasts can now vote for their favorite films from the 28 finalists. Dramas, films that

Viola Davis Honors The Legacy Of Chadwick Boseman At ‘Ma Rainey’ Preview Event

On Monday, the first trailer for Netflix’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” was released, which features Chadwick Boseman’s final performance alongside Viola Davis. The drama film, directed by George C. Wolfe, will premiere December 18th on Netflix and in select theaters. Based on the 1982 play by August Wilson, “Ma Rainey’s

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