Impact Of OUR Films

Here we are again, guys. And here I go being on negro time again, but to defend myself a little, I did write it up yesterday. I just never typed it up. Now before we start, I want to take a moment to acknowledge those of you that watched the Super Bowl (this nigga definitely did not). Don't forget that a football player took a knee last year as a protest of the police brutality of black men that's still at large in this country. Don't forget that he's still yet to be signed by a football team. You might have enjoyed Justin Timberlake's halftime show, but don't forget he was part of an incident that scandalized Janet Jackson and derailed her career. Don't forget that Justin Timberlake has gotten a pass and flourished in his industry while Janet Jackson was ousted...

Now that I have those thoughts out of the way, I want to take this blog to celebrate some of the black films that's had the greatest impact on me. I'll start with the black film where for the first time, I saw myself and my family reflected. It was Soul Food, a movie about a black family coming together, despite their odds and trials. I saw my childhood-self reflected in Ahmad. I was that mature kid who genuinely loved his family and knew everybody’s business, lol. I was around my family more than friends. I always wanted to keep the peace, wanted no drama. Most of all, when we came together, there was always some soul food involved. As some of you can attest to, that brings black families together, for better or worse, lol.

The next film up is Malcolm X, which was directed by Spike Lee and starred our "Brando", Denzel Washington. I think I first saw it three or four years ago. At the time, I knew all about Dr. Martin Luther King's resolve, but I didn't really understand Malcolm X's resolve. I didn't know that much about him, then this movie revealed it all to me. I realized how Malcolm X's strong, unapologetic voice was just as needed. It was like he was a walking embodiment of the culture's anger and poise. Vengeance in one hand, aggressive justice "by any means necessary" in the other hand. More importantly, he reminded us that we are very capable of taking action, that we no longer have to lay down at the white man's mercy. That's how your mind gets institutionalized. It saddened me that it was his own people that murdered him. A young black man that came into his own as a leader was chopped down by an older black man who didn't want his impact diminished. That still is very much a real issue in our culture. Like, we can win together. There'll be enough credit for everyone, but we just don't live in a world like that. Can't even shake a nigga hand without the understanding of it benefiting you.

The next film is Hidden Figures. I had no idea we had such intelligent, bold, brave, and sassy black women... Black engineers working at NASA. And who would have thought they'd have to endure all of that. I mean it's not shocking given the time, but still. Black women are the strength of this country, I know for sure I would have folded, plus I'm not good at math. But, my girlfriend is and who also happens to be a black engineer (I'm so proud of you, Jamester, love you). I'm so happy I was able to see that movie with her. I know it was a very inspiring moment for her.

Moving on to the film that inspired me, Moonlight. Such a raw portrayal, so authentic, such an innocent love story, and a remarkably well-crafted film. Seeing a film that portrays the young black man and how it impacted people (there was so many black people at the movie theater opening day) in such a way really validated my voice as a young black man, as a young black writer. I was never confident in myself or my material because of my skin color. Moonlight changed all of that for good. I'm just so thankful I was alive in a time where a film like this exists. I owe the film and its creators (Tarell Alvin Mcraney and Barry Jenkins) for helping spawn my best writing to date. All from simply embracing my voice. Not to brag, but Tarell is following me on twitter and I'm so honored.

And finally, I Am Not Your Negro, based off the words of our great writer, James Baldwin. This documentary was the moment I not only learned exactly who James Baldwin was, but also the power of the black writer. As the film reflected scenes of our struggles in the past, James Baldwin's worlds alone bridged it with our current struggles. It was timelessly interchangeable again and again throughout the movie. And this is just one black man's word. And his word could not be denied by any white man. I can only hope my words will touch in a such a way.

That's all I have for you guys this time, hope you enjoyed it. Those of you that haven't seen these films, I highly recommend you watch them. Those of you that have other black films that greatly impacted you, don't be shy to share them. I hope everyone is doing well and I'll catch you all next Sunday. I won't promise that because I'll be with my girlfriend so... Just stay tuned.