eMetro Times March2018 V318 | Page 9

March 2018 Page 9

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

2ND GRADER FROM CONYERS LEAKS THE SEQUAL TO BLACK PANTHER

Over the last few weeks , the media has been overwhelmed with critiques and reviews of the newest Marvel movie , Black Panther . Black Panther has shattered the glass ceiling , and this superhero is reviving the story of Africa as the symbol of prominence and wholeness for African- Americans . IMDb states that after Black Panther ’ s father dies in the Captain America movie , T ’ Challa returns to the African nation of Wakanda to be their king . He soon finds

that he is challenged for the throne and he fights to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war ( IMDb ). After all the events of the movie take place , at the very end , after the first credits , you will see a powerful and fast little girl as she runs out of a hut in the village of Wakanda . She says , “ The White Wolf ” in the language of Xhosa .

This little girl ’ s name is Zani Mogodi and she lives right here in Conyers , GA .

I recently talked with Zani and her mother about their experience of being a part of Black Panther . Zani ’ s mother , Maloase , works for the South African Chamber of Commerce in America with Andrew Young . She travels back and forth with people from Atlanta to South Africa . There were casting scouts who had seen Zani on these trips were looking for a young girl who spoke Xhosa . They knew Maloase ’ s daughter would fit the role they needed to fill . They called the office of Andrew Young and asked if Zani would play the part . Without any auditions , she was perfect for the part . They wanted to celebrate the culture of South Africa , and this little one would do just that . Zani is a 7-year-old , in the 2nd grade and loves school . She currently attends Barksdale Elementary when asked what she enjoys doing , she said , “ I love to run .” How fitting is it that she is running in the postcredits ? Zani said , “ I was the one in front because I am the fastest . I asked Zani about her experience on the set because I wanted to know how a 7 year old sees the business of entertainment and being on set . She said that she loved the makeup , the clothes , and the modeling . She loved every part about being on the set . Modeling is a dream that Zani has had for a while now .

Maloase states that South Africans feel they have a connection with Zani because she is from their homeland . Her role in this movie will make South Africans proud to have one of their own on the big screen . Maloase said , “ When we go home , she is going to have a lot of interviews .” This movie will open a many doors for her with modeling and acting . Zani and her family will go back to South Africa in the summertime to visit .

So , what will Zani be doing while she ’ s in Conyers ? She is currently a member of Eboni Stephens Model and Video Agency , right in Olde Town Conyers . ESMV Creative Arts Agency is “ The Home of Fashion & Entertainment ”. ESMV was established in 2004 in Junction City , Kansas by a US military service woman who was a child actress and model . It started off as a modeling agency that only offered services to models who wanted to help brand the company itself . ESMV then produced several fashion shows and became known for having the most beautiful models in the area hosting car shows , club events and private events ( http :// www . esmvcreative . com ). They grew from there and moved to several different cities and then ended up in Atlanta . ESMV is ready to take it to the next level and is now a one-stop shop for all . They not only develop and brand talent but if a company , organization or celebrity is looking for talent , event coordination , make-up artists , designers , seat fillers , etc ., ESMV is where you should go . They are in the business of making dreams become reality . I did have the opportunity of meeting the team members at ESMV , and they are lovely people who all share a passion for what they do . Zani will be taking different modeling and acting classes that they offer . Maloase said that they did a lot of shooting but only a small part of the shooting was used for this movie . They have hopes that maybe more will be used in the sequel but until then the director asked that she take acting classes to develop her talents as an actress . We are hoping to see more of this sweet but strong little girl in the sequel of Black Panther .

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PAT CAVANAUGH CHIEF ADVISOR

THOUGHTS OF A BABY BOOMER

I have always been proud of my Irish Heritage . Throughout the years I have seen and participated in some of the best St . Patrick ’ s Day traditions in the country . One of our family traditions is the Leprechaun ’ s visit . He leaves a present for the children , always sprinkling gold dust as a sign that he was there . It ’ s interesting to note that St . Patrick ’ s Day celebrations such as , drinking too much beer and eating Corned Beef and Cabbage are solely American traditions . In Ireland , the observance of St . Patrick ’ s Day was a Church celebration , until recently .

Over the years , I have had the privilege of celebrating this grand holiday in places such as Denver , which boasts the largest parade . One year , the Grand Marshall was a real leprechaun . Later that night while we were eating , I spotted him in the corner of the bar drinking some Harp Lager . I asked him if he would stop by our table and tell my daughter that even though we were staying in a hotel that night , he would still be visiting her as usual . He did just that , and she believed until I finally had to tell her that the Leprechaun only comes to visit

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young children . At 25 , she was no longer part of that group .

My then 8 year old granddaughter who also looked forward to the visit , told her classmates about the leprechaun that visited her the night before leaving a present . One of her classmates said to her that there was no such thing as leprechauns . She just smiled and told him that was why he didn ’ t receive a present . My granddaughter is much smarter than the leprechaun , myself and her classmate !

In San Diego , I was a member of the Sons of St . Patrick . In addition to a grand parade that took place every year , the whole group would meet , and we would hold a wake . Members that lost someone over the past year would get up on the stage and talk about their dearly beloved . All would toast in their honor , shed tears of joy , not only for the toasts but knowing that the dear one was

The greatest compliment you can give is a referral .

up in heaven toasting right along with us .

Here are a couple of interesting facts about St . Patricks Day . The celebration started in this country in 1762 in Boston , not by Catholics , but by Protestants . Horror of horror ’ s , it ’ s a dark secret that old St . Patrick was not born of the old sod . He was British probably from Wales . The actual color of St . Patrick was not green but in fact was blue . My former brethren changed the great day ’ s color to green because that color reminded them of the beautiful Emerald Isle they left behind .

Of all my traditions , the best ones have happened here in our community of Conyers . We have the finest and shortest parade in the world that is open to all to participate . Those who do , as well as the bystanders , anticipate its end with a visit to the Celtic Tavern or The Point to enjoy a cold green brew shared in neighborly fellowship .

If you seek more excitement than the parade , the Rotary proudly sponsors the world shortest run . The race is always followed by a big old hearse driven by a smiling Scot Ward . He is always ready to pick up any stragglers . Only in a community such as ours can you find such a grand celebration of St . Patricks Day .

In closing , I offer a noteworthy toast to the late Charles Walker , our friend , and former Mayor . Along with a few of his friends , he had the vision to make our St . Patricks day celebration come to life .

To all the days here and after , may they be filled with fond memories , happiness , and laughter .