Review: Jamie Foxx, What Had Happened Was...

 

I watched the Jamie Foxx Netflix special. It was special because it demonstrated the power of the energy source Black people provide for one another naturally. We are empowered and unstoppable when we come together. On queue, no rehearsal necessary, the audience responded to song lyrics, movie scripts, they understood the humor, they went to church and became a choir. Throughout, there was a natural and unspoken connection. Non Black folks might not have understood, but surely they felt the energy... 

Jamie knew that his healing was with his people. He knew where to revitalize his strength. At times, you could see that he was overwhelmed by the love of the audience. I would imagine he held this Homecoming' in Atlanta for a reason. One thing that's true about the Black community, we are a loving people. There is no joy like the joy we find in one another. Our moments of togetherness are priceless, they are enviable. It is that part of our culture that cannot be stolen, replicated, or bottled up and sold back to us. It is ours. It is innate. We love it when we see it. We love more being immersed in it. People WANT to be invited to "the barbecue" for more than food and fun. There is a belongingness at the barbecue that cannot be sold. Like our melanin, it is not packageable. Thank You God! I can only imagine the euphoria enjoyed by the live audience, just being in community with one another and in celebration of our Brotha'. Priceless...

The special said to me that no matter how far we stray, that no matter how overwhelmed, defeated, hopeless, or challenged we may feel, we need only be reminded to find our way home to be rejuvenated. In our gathering, be it at a wedding, a repast, a concert, a family reunion, church, HBCU Homecoming, no matter the setting or occasion, we will find healing, strength, and reaffirmation in our togetherness. No one else can do that for us. That's what I saw beyond celebration of Jamie's recovery. I was also reminded of my own family's miracle in a similar recovery of our Sister. Thank You God. 

Jamie hosted that special as much for himself as for the community. He did it brilliantly and takes the audience right along with him. It was a pleasure to watch. 

In times like this, if ever we needed to be reminded of the power and energy of our collectiveness, it is now. We need only find our way home, back to our roots. We must channel the spirit of our Ancestors who paved a way out of no way for us and left us a blueprint, literally and figuratively ingrained in our soul. 

Always, well most times, no matter how far we may have strayed or appear to have forgotten from whence we came, once home, we will be received in love and find whatever answers we seek right back there in the arms, and at the bosom, of Big Mama and dem'. We are loving like that... 

Sidechick, I mean side note, don't get me wrong in all this "finding our way home" talk. Despite his declaration, Jamie will not swear off white women. That's who he likes... 🤷🏾

Check out the special. You'll enjoy it and be inspired to know that we have it within ourselves to overcome all things. Jamie's full recovery is proof of that...

~ Miss Higgi