So yesterday was a day complete in social justice and community activism from sun up to sun down.
I began the day hosting a community viewing and discussion of the movie Harriet. It was a historical depiction of the wonders, fearlessness and resilience of our Black American Hero, Mrs. Harriet Tubman, formerly known as "Minty", more popularly known as "Moses"!!! And Moses she was!!! Yes we have learned and heard about her before but most have been denied an opportunity to get to know her beyond the cursory account that is taught during the one sacred month of every year when most schools feign interest in Black history. Thus, movies such as this are crucial not only for Black Americans but all others who live, travel or work here in these united states. Mostly, unfavorable propaganda has been spewed about us [Black Americans]. Not much positive. Not much truth about the good, the bad, our strengths, our courage, our resilience, our fearlessness in the face of the most horrific of circumstances which are also conveniently not discussed. Still, we persevere. We are a phenomenal people. Yes we are!
One Hundred local residents showed up to watch and discuss the film. I am impressed that these gatherings are always received well! People welcome and thank me profusely for creating a safe space and an opportunity for us to come together on a positive vibe in celebration of us. Old friends and neighbors are always happy to find one another at these events. ALWAYS, the audience thanks me for keeping this tradition going. As long as they show up, I will.
Yesterday had some personal challenges for me however. This film has been plagued by one controversy or another; from the choice of the non Black American star to portray an icon from our history, to disturbing comments about Black Americans made or endorsed by Ms Erivo, the actress who was cast in the role, to the film company dissin' a project with [Black] GirlTrek at the last minute to now the movie's affiliation with Comcast Cable who if going to the Supreme Court to strip Black Americans of our civil rights instead of settling a legal matter with Byron Allen (Google it. #boycottComcast!).
With all of this in the backdrop, deciding to in any way promote this movie was difficult. My heart was not in it until I saw the community. But for the commitment I have to the uplifting our community through our history and telling our stories and a helluva' lotta' coaxing from my friend Demetrius who helps me plan these event, I might have passed on it. Instead I took the moral high road and hosted what turned out to be a very engaging and inspiring event. There was no mention of any of these controversies. Either everyone rose above it or just did not know about it. It was a fantastic day filled with positive energy!
Two lucky attendees won a book about Harriet Tubman, another won two tickets to see My General, a play starting in January at The Arden Theater in Philadelphia about the life and times of Harriet Tubman and one lucky non-profit serving the interest or persons of the local Black community, will receive a small stipend generated by the proceeds from this event. It was a good day had by all!!!
Icing on the cake was a trip to NJPAC in Newark to hear Nikole Hannah Jones and others speak on the genius of her 1619 Project! Talk about invigorating. Understatement! If presented with the opportunity, do go hear her speak and definitely get a copy of the prized NY Times magazine which has repeatedly sold out as fast as it is printed. LOL!!! Powerful reading. I cannot imagine that the actress who did a very good job at portraying our hero, Harriet Tubman, still has misguided notions or feelings about Blacks in America or is unclear that it is upon OUR shoulders that she stands allowing her to live, work and thrive in America. But just in case, somebody tell her to pick up the magazine or go hear Ms. Jones speak. She will leave with no doubts. Not a one!!! LOL!!! Loved it! Thanks to Ryan Haygood, CEO of NJ Institute for Social Justice for hosting this wonderful, timely and powerful evening. He, and a few others too, also offered powerfully enlightening commentary!
Again, thank You God for a wonderful day filled with good friends united in celebration of Black History; Black People!!! Loving Us proudly, unapologetically and consistently 365!!!
