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The EbonLiner is about Entertainment, Culture, and More. It has the RODRocket show about vehicles, MAAPS is about biblical content on people from the African continent, Owensy is about famous...
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The EbonLiner is about Entertainment, Culture, and More. It has the RODRocket show about vehicles, MAAPS is about biblical content on people from the African continent, Owensy is about famous African Americans with the name Owens, Movies Unmade, and a fiction podcast titled Dorsalee™.
Photo Credit: Gordon Correll/Flickr.com
Usage: Some rights reserved. CC BY-SA 2.0
https://flic.kr/p/pcSm25
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Photo Credit: Gordon Correll/Flickr.com
Usage: Some rights reserved. CC BY-SA 2.0
https://flic.kr/p/pcSm25
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7 SEP 2026 · Story by: Gail Nobles
Podcast cover by: Gail Nobles
Who is the Black Superman? You might think you know the answer. But before Calvin Ellis and Val-Zod, there was a real man who had already stepped into that kind of larger-than-life image. His name was Muhammad Ali.
In 1978, DC Comics brought Superman and Muhammad Ali together in Superman vs. Muhammad Ali. The story placed the world’s greatest superhero in the ring with the world’s most famous boxer. Under the conditions of a red sun, Ali defeated Superman.
That was fiction—but the connection between Ali and Superman went beyond the comic book.
Ali was already a larger-than-life figure whose confidence, athletic ability, personality, and public presence made him seem almost superhuman. He didn’t wear a cape, but he carried himself like a man who believed he could do the impossible.
Then, years later, DC introduced other Black men who would carry the Superman identity.
Calvin Ellis, introduced in 2009, became the Superman of Earth-23—and also its President.
Val-Zod, introduced in 2014, became the Superman of Earth-2, bringing a very different personality and philosophy to the role.
So when we look at the timeline, an interesting question comes up:
Who is that Black Superman?
Is it the man from another Earth?
Is it the man from a comic book?
Or could the idea of the Black Superman have already existed in the real world—in the form of Muhammad Ali?
That’s where I call him The Real Super Guy.
Ali didn’t need to be Superman. He was Muhammad Ali.
And maybe that’s the most interesting part of the story.
Do you ever wonder what could have happened if Ali’s Superman connection had gone beyond a comic book and into a movie?
I’m Gail Nobles, and you’re listening to Movies Unmade on Ebonliner. News, Culture, and Entertainment
Transcribed
5 SEP 2026 · Story by: Gail Nobles
Podcast cover by: Gail Nobles
LL Cool J has longevity. He was built to last.
Over the years, LL Cool J has shown that he is more than a rapper. He has become an entertainer with a presence that can move from music to television and still remain strong.
One of his most recognized television roles was Special Agent Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles. I’ve watched some of the series, and Sam Hanna is a man of might, much like the man LL Cool J is.
Sam Hanna was a strong character against crime. He brought muscle, toughness, and heavy combat experience to the screen. Working in undercover operations, his character was trained to handle dangerous situations and protect the people around him.
LL Cool J did a number of episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles, and he made Sam Hanna a character that stood out. There was strength in the way he carried himself, and that strength became part of the character.
Now LL Cool J is moving from NCIS: Los Angeles toward NCIS: New York, continuing the legacy of Sam Hanna and bringing that same presence into a new chapter.
To me, this is another example of LL Cool J’s longevity. Some entertainers have a moment. Others are built to last. LL Cool J is built to last.
I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Ebonliner. News, Culture, and Entertainment
Transcribed
4 SEP 2026 · MOVIES UNMADE
Story by: Gail Nobles
Podcast Cover by: Gail Nobles
Movies Unmade — Introducing Silas
Big Daddy Kane is remembered as one of hip-hop’s legendary MCs, but he also showed audiences another side of his talent on the big screen. In Mario Van Peebles’ 1993 Western Posse, Kane played Father Time, a gambler who became part of the story’s memorable group of characters.
His performance deserves recognition. Kane brought a natural screen presence to the Western, and it is a role that makes you wonder what might have happened if he had been given more opportunities in the genre.
That brings me to a Movies Unmade idea: Silas.
What if Big Daddy Kane returned to the Western—not as Father Time, but as an entirely new character?
Silas is a legend. His enemies and the law believe he is dead, but no one ever found his body. Years have passed, and the legend of Silas has grown. Then, one day, whispers begin spreading across the West: Silas is alive.
This would give Big Daddy Kane the opportunity to step into a completely different Western character while giving audiences another chance to see his acting ability.
Silas is not a movie currently in production. It is a Movies Unmade concept—a story imagining what a return to the Western could look like for Big Daddy Kane.
Sometimes a legend doesn’t stay buried.
Silas rides again!
I’m Gail Nobles & you’re listening to Movies Unmade on Ebonliner. News, Culture, and Entertainment
Transcribed
2 SEP 2026 · Story by: Gail Nobles
Podcast Cover by: Gail Nobles
We have seen superheroes fly through the skies for generations.
They soar above cities, glide between buildings and arrive from the heavens when someone needs help. But there is another kind of hero we don’t often imagine in the air: the police detective, the S.W.A.T. officer, or the LAPD sergeant.
That is what inspired my vision of Shemar Moore’s Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson from S.W.A.T.
Hondo is already a hero on the ground. As an LAPD S.W.A.T. sergeant, he leads a specialized tactical team whose mission is to protect people and save lives. But in my imagination, I wanted to take that heroism somewhere we rarely see it—into the sky.
In this vision, Hondo isn’t flying an airplane or riding in a helicopter. He is gliding through the air in a S.W.A.T.-style glider suit, becoming something almost like a real-world superhero.
The image changes the way we see the badge.
Suddenly, the S.W.A.T. sergeant isn’t only responding to danger from the streets. He’s looking down from above, moving through the open sky, watching over the city from an entirely different perspective.
That’s what makes the idea exciting to me.
Superheroes have always been allowed to fly. Police officers are usually shown driving patrol cars, running through streets, entering buildings, or arriving by helicopter. But what if we imagined the officer himself taking flight?
For me, Shemar Moore’s Hondo is the perfect character for that imaginative leap. He already carries the presence of a hero. Now the sky becomes his new environment.
Hondo in the air.
Not Superman.
Not Batman.
Not Falcon Man.
A S.W.A.T. sergeant imagined as an airborne protector.
The glider suit becomes a symbol of courage, movement and a new way of looking at law enforcement heroes. It takes something familiar and places it into a world of imagination.
Sometimes all it takes to create a new kind of hero is to ask one simple question:
“What if he could fly?”
And in my vision, Hondo doesn’t just look up at the sky.
He’s in it.
S.W.A.T. is a great show. According to Sony Pictures Entertainment, the new spinoff series S.W.A.T. Exiles premieres on STARZ on September 25, 2026, with Shemar Moore returning as Hondo.
I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Ebonliner. News, Culture, and Entertainment
Transcribed
25 AUG 2026 · Story by: Gail Nobles
Podcast Cover by: Gail Nobles
Dolly Parton was pronounced dead today, and it made me very sad. I went back and dug up some old social media memories where I had written to her, even though she never wrote back.
Still, I felt that maybe she saw me. It was so long ago. I seem to remember that she may have liked one of my comments, although I can’t say for certain whether it was Dolly herself or someone else managing the profile. These days, it’s hard to tell. But the posts from her profile felt very real.
I remember one post in particular. Dolly had shared that her uncle, Bill Owens, had passed away a few years ago. I had written to Dolly to let her know that her uncle and my mom had the same last name.
I wasn’t saying that we were related. I simply noticed the name Owens and thought it was something worth telling her.
That’s one of those little social-media memories that stayed with me. And now, after all these years, finding those old messages again has given me another reason to remember Dolly Parton.
I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Owensy. News, Culture, and Entertainment
30 JUL 2026 · TRANSATLANTIC ECHOES: HOW SOUTH AFRICA’S DRUM and AMERICA’S EBONY DEFINED BLACK MEDIA
Story by: Gail Nobles 7.30.2026
Post cover by: Gail Nobles
When people explore modern digital news ecosystems—such as South Africa's prominent News24 network—they often discover a rich umbrella of dedicated lifestyle and cultural publications housed right alongside general headlines. Among them are historic titles that immediately spark a global connection, most notably Drum magazine.
To media historians and cultural observers, Drum has long held a famous title: Black Africa’s Ebony.
Though separated by oceans, distinct political landscapes, and unique cultural rhythms, Ebony in the United States and Drum in South Africa emerged with a shared, revolutionary mission: to center Black life, style, and identity in a world that routinely marginalized it.
Two Visions, Two Worlds
When John H. Johnson founded Ebony magazine in Chicago in 1945, he did so against the backdrop of Jim Crow America. Ebony became a mirror for a rising Black middle class, showcasing success, elegance, family life, and professional achievement. Its glossy pages and striking photography provided a powerful counter-narrative to the negative stereotypes or total invisibility common in mainstream American media.
Six years later, in 1951, Robert "Bob" Crisp's Drum magazine took root in Johannesburg, quickly becoming a powerhouse across the African continent. Operating under the tightening grip of apartheid, Drum could not look away from political oppression. It captured the vibrant, electric pulse of urban township life—the jazz, the fashion, and the nightlife—while simultaneously deploying fearless investigative journalists to expose systemic labor abuses and human rights violations.
The Tone: Ebony leaned heavily into aspiration, upward mobility, and dignity. Drum carried a sharper, urgent edge, documenting survival, resistance, and the raw realities of political struggle alongside cultural vibrancy.
The Visuals: Both publications relied on bold, iconic cover photography featuring confident, stylish Black subjects. These covers were not just aesthetic choices; they were declarations that Black beauty and modernity mattered.
The Digital Evolution
Today, looking at how legacy publications survive and adapt provides a fascinating study in media transition. Just as American Black-owned media had to navigate the shifts into television, digital archives, and modern web platforms, international publishing networks have brought historic titles into the digital age.
When platforms house diverse digital portfolios—bringing general-interest reporting together with deep-rooted cultural mainstays like Drum or True Love—it highlights an ongoing truth: audiences are hungry for stories that honor heritage.
The Shared Legacy
The transatlantic parallel between Ebony and Drum proves that the desire for authentic cultural storytelling is universal. Whether charting the rise of Black professionals in mid-century Chicago or chronicling the jazz-infused urban resilience of Johannesburg, these publications did more than fill pages. They built an enduring archive of identity, proving that Black stories—whether polished and aspirational or urgent and raw—deserve a permanent place on the global stage.
Transcribed
12 JUL 2026 · Story by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Vocals: Gail Nobles
Podcast cover: Gail Nobles
I have a vivid memory of Obba Babatunde, if I'm not mistaken, playing a producer in a really good show back in the 80s, long before I saw him portray Berry Gordy. Unfortunately, I can't even recall the name of the show. I think it only aired one or two episodes—at least, that's all I saw before it vanished from the screen. That really bummed me out because I was excited to see more stories from it. I remember Obba's character asking someone to build him a studio, but the guy seemed to be doing everything but that.
There was also a jealous singer in the show who reminded me of Cindy Herron from En Vogue. I can't say for sure if she was the one singing back then, but she sure looked like her.
Then, there was a girl who played a lovely song called "Dream Inside Me." And when she played the piano, that jealous girl stepped in to take over the performance. I really liked that song.
One of the standout moments for me was a funny scene where a guy danced around singing "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" with a lady. Honestly, that's about all I clearly remember, and it feels like ages ago. This show was a rare Black musical that the networks seem to have tried to make everyone forget. These days, no one ever mentions it, and that makes me sad. I would love to see that show again.
You're listening to Ebonliner. I'm your host, Gail Nobles. News, Culture, and Entertainment
Transcribed
25 JUN 2026 · Story by: Gail Nobles
Intro by: Gail Nobles
Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Jeffvespa&action=edit&redlink=1 - Own work
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Casting Perspective: Alfre Woodard
In the world of serious film and biographical storytelling, casting is often about more than just a physical resemblance. It is about finding an actor who can channel the gravity of a life well-lived. As audiences reflect on the indelible mark left by the late gospel and soul icon Cissy Houston, who passed away in October 2024, some people are pointing to Alfre Woodard as the ideal talent to carry that mantle on screen.
The Authority
Cissy Houston was defined by her "straight-talk" approach, an uncompromising work ethic, and a protective spirit that shaped not only her own seven-decade career but the trajectory of her daughter, Whitney Houston. To capture her essence, a performer needs more than the ability to sing; they need to project an unshakable moral authority. Alfre Woodard famously led a spontaneous, stirring rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" in June 2018, demonstrating that same capacity to command a space with spiritual depth and resolve.
More Than a Look
While some fans have noted a subtle physical similarity between the two women, the true argument for Woodard lies in her acting DNA. Cissy Houston navigated the high-pressure music industry with a blend of faith and grit that often felt like a performance of pure strength. Woodard’s craft is similarly grounded in "no-nonsense" authenticity. She has a rare, magnetic screen presence that audiences find deeply compelling—a trait necessary for a figure who was, in every sense of the word, an architect of modern soul music.
If a biographical project were to be developed, it would require a lead who understands the weight of a musical legacy. Alfre Woodard’s track record of playing complex, powerful women suggests she would not merely mimic Cissy Houston, but inhabit the deep spirit that made Houston a legend of the industry.
The conversation around such a casting choice serves as a reminder of how deeply Cissy Houston’s influence is still felt. It is a testament to the fact that, while her voice may be silent, the strength of the woman behind it continues to set a standard for excellence.
I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Ebonliner. News, Culture, and Entertainment
Transcribed
12 MAY 2026 · Story by Gail Nobles
Podcast Cover by Gail Nobles
Jingle "Owensy" by Gail Nobles © 2026
Nathan Owens, an actor and model, is making waves in the television world. He is best known for his roles in popular shows like "Days of Our Lives," "Devious Maids," and "9-1-1: Lone Star." In January 2025, he took on a new character, Holden Novak, in the long-running series "The Young and the Restless."
Owens started his career in the fashion industry as a model in 2007. He worked with famous brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Gap, showcasing his talent in various campaigns. His modeling success helped him transition into acting, where he gained recognition for his performances.
Throughout his television career, he portrayed notable characters such as Cameron Davis on "Days of Our Lives" from 2012 to 2013, Jesse Morgan on "Devious Maids," and Ocean on "Batwoman." Each role has contributed to his growing popularity and experience in the entertainment industry.
Born on March 9, 1984, in Daly City, California, Nathan grew up in Sacramento. His journey from modeling to acting reflects his versatility and dedication to his craft. Fans are excited about Nathan. As Holden he is actually the biological son of Malcolm Winters (Shemar Moore) and Stephanie Simmons (Vivica A. Fox).
I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Owensy. News, Culture, and Entertainment
23 APR 2026 · "In essence, the Aaliyah News Stand serves as a tribute to a young woman who dreamed big…."
EBONLINER
Table of Contents
Vol. 2 April 2026
FEATURE
The Aaliyah News Stand; A Journey Through Time & Magazines
By Gail Nobles ……
1. Introduction
- Aaliyah's Influence in the 1990s and Early 2000s
2. Cover Star Extraordinaire
- Aaliyah’s Rise to Stardom
- Notable Magazine Covers
- *i-D Magazine* (2001)
- *Jet Magazine* (July 23, 2001)
- People Weekly* Tribute Issue
- Features in *Word Up!* and *Right On!*
- Iconic Covers in *W Magazine* and *Vibe Magazine*
- Posthumous Tributes
- *Honey Magazine*
- *Black Beat Magazine*
3. Global Recognition
- Aaliyah’s Influence Beyond America
- Features in Japanese Magazines
- *STAR CLIP* with Ranran Suzuki
- Showcase of Aaliyah’s Unique Style
- *Woofin’* and *Black Music Review*
- Love for Nike Gear
4. A Legacy in Print
- Aaliyah in Other Publications
- *Seventeen Magazine*
- *Rolling Stone's "Rock & Roll Yearbook"*
- Aaliyah's Impact on Music and Fashion
5. Conclusion
- A Tribute to Aaliyah’s Legacy
- Lasting Influence and Continued Inspiration
_____________________________________________________
When we think of Aaliyah, the talented singer and actress who took the world by storm in the 1990s and early 2000s, it’s hard not to remember her striking presence on magazine covers. Throughout her career, Aaliyah graced countless pages, becoming not just a music icon, but a fashion trendsetter and cultural figure.
Cover Star Extraordinaire
Aaliyah’s magazine appearances tell a story of her rising stardom. From her early days in the industry to her unforgettable legacy, each cover showcases her evolution. In 2001, she captured hearts again by appearing on the cover of *i-D Magazine*, asserting her influence just as she was reaching new heights.
Just a few months later, she was featured on the cover of *Jet Magazine* on July 23, 2001, and *People Weekly* even dedicated a tribute issue to her following her tragic passing. Other notable mentions during her lifetime include regular features in *Word Up!* and *Right On!* magazines in the 1990s, as well as her iconic covers in *W Magazine* and *Vibe Magazine*. Aaliyah wasn't just a singer; she was a part of the cultural conversation.
Even after her untimely departure from this world, Aaliyah continued to shine through magazine covers. *Honey Magazine* and *Black Beat Magazine*, both released posthumous issues, remind us of her lasting impact. These tributes celebrate her artistry and the way she touched the lives of so many.
Global Recognition
Not limited to American publications, Aaliyah’s reach extended overseas, especially during her 1996 trip to Japan. She was featured in several Japanese magazines, showing how her influence crossed borders. In particular, her cover in *STAR CLIP* alongside Japanese actress Ranran Suzuki illustrated the blend of cultures that characterized Aaliyah’s appeal.
Magazines like *Woofin’* and *Black Music Review* showcased Aaliyah’s unique style and talent, solidifying her status as an international star. Her fashion sense was highlighted through features that showcased her love for Nike gear, an emblem of both beauty and athleticism.
A Legacy in Print
Aaliyah's magnetic presence in the media has made her a beloved icon whose legacy continues to inspire. With mentions in publications like *Seventeen Magazine* and *Rolling Stone's "Rock & Roll Yearbook,"* Aaliyah resonates even with today's audiences.
Her passion for music and performance, combined with her distinguished fashion sense, ensured that Aaliyah would not only be remembered for her voice but also for her influence on style and culture. As we flip through the pages of these magazines, we connect with her vibrant spirit, reminding us that she will always have a place in the hearts of fans and the history of music.
"In essence, the Aaliyah News Stand serves as a tribute to a young woman who dreamed big, illuminated the world with her talent, and continues to inspire generations to come."
The EbonLiner is about Entertainment, Culture, and More. It has the RODRocket show about vehicles, MAAPS is about biblical content on people from the African continent, Owensy is about famous...
show more
The EbonLiner is about Entertainment, Culture, and More. It has the RODRocket show about vehicles, MAAPS is about biblical content on people from the African continent, Owensy is about famous African Americans with the name Owens, Movies Unmade, and a fiction podcast titled Dorsalee™.
Photo Credit: Gordon Correll/Flickr.com
Usage: Some rights reserved. CC BY-SA 2.0
https://flic.kr/p/pcSm25
show less
Photo Credit: Gordon Correll/Flickr.com
Usage: Some rights reserved. CC BY-SA 2.0
https://flic.kr/p/pcSm25
Information
| Author | Gail Nobles |
| Organization | Gail Nobles |
| Categories | Leisure |
| Website | - |
| leshontg@suddenlink.net |
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