This Sept. 14, 2013 photo shows British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor from the film "12 Years A Slave," in New York. Ejiofor portrays Solomon Northup, a free black man who was abducted and sold into slavery in this pre-Civil War drama. (Photo by Carlo Allegri/Invision/AP) by Jake CoyleAP Entertainment Writer TORONTO (AP) — Chiwetel Ejiofor arrived, he thought, prepared for the first day of shooting "12 Years a Slave." To play Solomon Northup, a free man from upstate New York who was kidnapped and sold into slavery and who later chronicled his experience in a book, Ejiofor had studied Northup's memoir, visited plantations and learned how to, as Northup did, play the violin. But all that work could scarcely ready him for the intense reality of performing a slave's labor in a Louisiana summer.
Actor and politician Charles M. Huber takes part in a benefit run for children held by the local fire-brigade youth in Griesheim, Germany. (AP Photo/dpa,: Fredrik von Erichsen,file) by Frank Jordans BERLIN (AP) — A chemist and an actor — both with family roots in Senegal — have become Germany's first Black federal lawmakers, according to official election results released Monday.
A rescue worker helps a child outside the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, after gunmen threw grenades and opened fire during an attack that left multiple dead and dozens wounded. A witness to the attacks on the upscale shopping mall says that gunmen told Muslims to stand up and leave and that non-Muslims would be targeted. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) by Jason Straziuso and Tom OdulaAssociated Press Writer NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenyan security forces launched a "major" assault late Sunday on the upscale Nairobi mall where an unknown number of hostages are being held by al-Qaida-linked militants, in an operation officials said would end the two-day standoff that had already killed 68 people. The assault, which began shortly before sun down, came as two helicopters circled the mall, with one skimming very close to the roof. A loud explosion rang, far larger than any previous grenade blast or gunfire volley.
Lupita Nyong'o arrives at the premiere for "12 Years a Slave" on day 2 of the Toronto International Film Festival at The Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in Toronto. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) by Rob MerrillAssociated Press Writer TORONTO (AP) — The upcoming film "12 Years a Slave" is a harrowing look at slavery, but its stars, including Brad Pitt, say it's a subject that needs to be explored more on the big screen.
This file image made available from Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2012, taken from video posted by Boko Haram sympathizers shows the leader of the radical Islamist sect Imam Abubakar Shekau. Shaking a finger while cradling an assault rifle, the bearded leader of Nigeria’s extremist Islamic sect Abubakar Shekau threaten in a video on Saturday July 13, 2013 to burn down more schools and kill teachers. But he denies his fighters are killing children. (AP Photo, FIle ) by Michelle FaulAssociated Press Writer LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Shaking a finger while cradling an assault rifle, the bearded leader of Nigeria's extremist Islamic sect threatens to burn down more schools and kill teachers. But he denies his fighters are killing children.
In this photo taken on June 28, Mo Abudu, chief executive officer of EbonyLife TV, speaks to Associated Press during an interview in Lagos, Nigeria. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) by Michelle Faul LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — A woman who could be considered Africa's Oprah Winfrey is launching an entertainment network that will be beamed into nearly every country on the continent with programs showcasing its burgeoning middle class.
CHUKA UMUNNA by Robbie Corey-Boulet ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — A rising star in Britain's Labour Party, described by some as the "British Barack Obama," Chuka Umunna urged the United Kingdom to more aggressively forge ties with West Africa's fast-growing economies.
ACCLAIMED NOVELIST DIES--Chinua Achebe, Nigerian-born novelist and poet poses his life at his home on the campus of Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. by Hillel Itale and Jon Gambrell NEW YORK (AP) — The opening sentence was as simple, declarative and revolutionary as a line out of Hemingway:
