Bare With Me: I'm Grieving

Wednesday Morning November 9, 2016…

I thought I was dreaming. I thought I had woken up from a really bad nightmare. I was anxious, nervous and restless, that probably had something to do with the fact that I only had 1.5 hours of sleep. I was hoping against hope it was really a bad dream a nightmare. It had to be. Surely, I would wake up in the morning and it would of all been a Dallas TV finale like dream.

Donald Trump would be our 45^th President of The United States.

God help us… what happened here?  The last month had not indicated this. Hillary Clinton was leading and was expected to win the Presidency by a landslide. Then on election night, she first lost Ohio, then Florida, then Pennsylvania. Hillary lost the election.

This was no dream….

I literally could not get out of bed. I was sick to my stomach. I had never experienced this type of disparity before. I have lost loved ones, and that is the only thing I could equate this type of pain to. Losing a loved one. I was grieving. That is what it was. I was grieving. What was I grieving?

I was grieving the loss of basic human rights and progress. For all the gains minorities have made particularly African-American ones. I grieved. I thought back to November 8, 2008. I thought of the moment President Barack Obama was declared President and I remember crying tears of joy and feeling extreme hope and optimism. I cried openly and felt so much accomplishment. Someone thought looked like me could be President of the United States. To see The Obamas on that stage in Chicago. I was empowered. I thought of my Grandmother Christine and Grandfather Rev. C.H Littlejohn and was so glad that they were alive to see this moment to which for them, because they probably never would have thought they would have witnessed this in their lifetime. All have the pain and strife they experienced in relation to Jim Crow and the Civil Rights movement. 

Fast-forward to 8 years later, I was crying but not for the same reason. A man who ran his campaign on divisive, sexist, racist, homophobic, xenophobic garbage, threatened to undermine all of those accomplishments. I grieved for my grandparents and all the leaders of the civil rights movement because I feared all of the accomplishments and the legacy of our current President Barack Obama would be forever tarnished and destroyed by this man.

I grieved for my family, friends, and people I did not know who were now reporting that they were being harassed and bullied for being of ethnic background. Some (not all) of Donald Trump supporters who felt empowered because their champion, their new hero had won the election. They feel they no longer have to hide behind closed doors with their cowardice. They came out in the open and made threats. One woman said she was being harassed at a gas station and was told, “We won’t have to deal with you niggers much longer.” Then a gun was pulled out on her but they retreated since there were witnesses.

I grieved for the 22 million people that may now lose their healthcare coverage because Republicans want to keep their pockets fatter at the risk of so many humans who need a chance.

I grieved for my LGBTQ friends who were worried that their civil rights might also be in danger. Agree or disagree with their lifestyle, this is another group that were also facing harassment and hate filled attacks. As Christians, we are to have compassion at all times for all groups regardless of if we agree or disagree with their lifestyles.

I grieved for women everywhere (even the ones who voted for him) who were sent the message that a man who bragged about grabbing women inappropriately, who faces rape charges and countless lawsuits can do all that and still get elected to the highest office in the land. I also grieved or women everywhere who was also sent the message that you can be more qualified, more experienced, and still loses to a man with little or no experience.

I grieved for so many Americans who now felt discouraged, exhausted, torn down, and oppressed. Their fear and their worry are very valid. I grieved for the people who laughed at this fear and urged people to stop being so dramatic and quit being a sore loser, when it is actually so much more than that.

I grieved for the hypocrisy of this country. I grieved that the very ones who are calling for full support of President-Elect where the very ones who challenged President Obama on everything (questioning his citizenship, calling him a liar at State of the Union address, blocking his policies, refusing to call him President, putting a finger in his face, disrespecting his wife, children, on so many occasion). 

I grieved for the loss and change of friendships. Some friends I will never be able to look at the same. Not because of your vote or opinion, but because you heard Trump say those things, you heard Trump disrespect so many, you heard it all, yet you still voted for him, you were willing to overlook that, for what? For your religion? So you can get a better job? Cause of your fear of diversity? Because you are fearful of your toys (guns) being taken away?  I just can’t wrap my head around why for this situation. I supported people who voted for Dole, Bush, McCain, and Romney (the four elections I have been able to vote for) but this one will be hard, I just don’t know if I can look at some the same ever again. I am working on it.

I grieved for Christians. So many Christians voted for Trump despite the very vulgar things that he said about woman, the racist things he has said regarding Muslims, Mexicans, and African-Americans, they still voted for him  A man so opposite of what Christ stood for, was now a representative for some evangelicals. I grieved because those who have not yet come to Christ see this and now feel further separated from Christ.

I grieved for the many children who are fearful that their parents will be ripped away from them because they will be deported. One of my friend’s daughters even asked if Trump winning now means they will now go back to being slaves…

I grieve for those children who on Tuesday were sent the message that you can be a bully and win and not have any consequences.

Lastly, I grieved for myself and other African-American males for the fear of his man wanting to reinstitute Stop and Frisk, a policy that would immediately violate the civil rights of so many. Police mistrust is already an issue for me. The fear that I can be harassed legally and stopped for no reason (even without being in a car) scares me to death.

Some of you reading this may go, “Stop being so dramatic.” “Its not that serious.” “Get over it.” And what have you. I chose to respond as such. Until you know what it’s like to be harassed for the color if your skin (if you are white and say “I have been from black people, then you should be outraged and empathize then), or for what religion your practice, then please stay silent. Please hear what I say, please hear that so many our fearful. And that is real.

Four days letter, I am better. I am not 100% but my mind has been able to focus on other things, my appetite has come back, and I have been able to rest. I am encouraged by all the people banding together to show their displeasure in the results of the election. Understand, they (we) are frustrated and concerned. For the most part, the protest has been peaceful. Let people have this.  I pray that we can listen to each other (both sides) and come up with solutions. I pray the Trump supporters stop harassing ethnic groups. I pray people don’t attack Trump supporters. I am encouraged by all the people stepping up to assure immigrants that they are safe. I am encouraged by those who are showing compassion and love towards those who are dealing with the bullying and racism.

I pray for everyone who is reading this. Pray for this nation. But understand saying “Pray”, “God has it”, “God is control” should not be used as a passive way to let whatever happens happen. No , pray for your role in this. Pray for direction and guidance. Step up and get in your communities knowing that God has your back.

We will be OK. We will get through it. I am not rooting for Trump to fail, because we all fail.

I Am Tired, Scared, and Disappointed...

We all know the story. We have seen it play out before our eyes over the last few years. Police Brutality. Attacks on Black Men. It happens over and over again. Now we add 2 more names to this list. Its ridiculous. It keeps happening and yet it elicits the same tired responses from people (White and Black). As an African-American male, I am tired, scared, and disappointed. Its time for a change. 

I Am Tired of Hearing:

“All lives Matter”:

Yes we know all lives matter but its clear that all lives do not matter at this point. So because All Lives Matter “Black Lives Matter” what is so hard about that? It’s not racist, it’s not discriminatory. Its truth. My life as a black man matters. Yes I am an American but a lot of people in society including some of our law enforcement have missed that memo. We are not a terrorist group. Please see the picture below to get an understanding of what are talking about.

To Sum Up "All Lives Matter" Thanks Matt McGorry

“Black people are racist too…”

They sure are. Yes there are racist black people. But why is this brought up when a situation of neglect or mistreatment of black people occur through our law enforcement? Is this to negate the issue at hand? Is it even Stevens? Why are you bringing in up for this conversation? Racism is awful on ANY side we never said that it was not.

“I am so tired of hearing about racism”

I know and I am sorry hearing about how black people such as Alton Sterling a father, a husband, a, son, a friend will never see his kids graduate, dance with daughter at her wedding, and see his grandchildren because he was selling a CD. I am sorry that hearing or reading about mistreatment is an inconvenience to your day. If you are tired of hearing about racism and brutality, can you imagine having to live it? I mean sorry its taking away from your day and perfect existence and white privilege. Imagine being pulled over by the police and asked what you are doing in an affluent suburb (which you live in by the way) and then having to show proof that you live there, like modern day freedom papers. Imagine that. Imagine walking in the mall and having a white man clutch his wife and go “move away from him” as if you were about to attach his wife. Yes that has happened to me. Imagine having to live life like that? Maybe then you would understand, maybe then you would not be “tired”. We are tired too! Tired of living it!

“We have to educate our young black men and raise them up right.”

What does this mean exactly in regards to the situation of Alton Sterling, Tamir Rice, and countless others? So we are saying that if we get pulled over by the police it will matter that we were raised right, have a college degree, and have respect for ourselves that will matter. “Don’t shoot, I’m educated.” That will help? Are we also saying that someone with a 5^th grade education life is not as valuable as one with a Master’s Degree. Education is a passion of mine, I agree we need to educate our communities but what does this have to do with anything? I mean really.

“Black on Black Crime has To Stop”.

Agreed 100% but for this particular situation it holds no relevance. There is white on white crime, Asian on Asian Crime too. The big difference is Alton Sterling, Eric Garner, men paid to protect them killed Tamir Rice. Its not the same thing. That is a different conversation.

“Cop/Blue Lives Matter”

Yes they do. I agree 100%. The senseless killing of 5 police officers in Dallas outrages me. That was ridiculous, shameful, and unnecessary. Inevitably, there is always postings and pictures of cops who are holding the hands of a black child, or some other picture that is meant to shine cops in a good light and says “There are good cops out there..” I agree with this but my question is where are all these good cops when the bad runs cause all this mess? Why aren’t they speaking out? I was a teacher, and when teachers do something bad, teachers speak out. When a teacher commits an inappropriate act with a minor we outraged and speak out. Its embarrassing and gives us a bad look. I am grateful for police officers that risk their lives for us on a daily basis and risk never coming home to see their families. They are doing a job that I could not do, but that does not justify the abuse of authority, power, and the right shoot first and then ask questions later.

I am disappointed:

I am disappointed in the number of my white friends who have either been very silent and unwilling to speak or say anything in this matter. I understand that it is uncomfortable but we need your help. I am also disappointed in the number of my white friends or acquaintance  that have actually said racist or hurtful things. One actually posted this meme (please see below): 

 In regards to the mistreatment of African-American people and the fear of being attacked or killed based off the color of my skin... the response from this person is "put away your race card and grow up.." and "get over yourself"  Needless to say this person is no longer even an acquaintance.

This is 2016...right?

Of some of my white friends and acquaintances : 

 

One called me a racist bigot…

One called me closed minded

One said he was tired of “seeing all this crap” and would rather see funny stuff. Yet then posted the next day his anger and outrage over the police officers being killed. Still nothing on Alton Sterling or Philando Castile. Nothing..

One was outraged over the senseless killings of cops, but was somehow silent over the loss of 2 African-American males with families, with children, with friends and loved ones. The outrage over those losses was loudly silent. Hmm….

Others were just silent… 

Your silence is heard... 

I can’t help but wonder if it were me and I was gunned down by a police officer knowing the man I am, the character they say I stand for, the love they profess to show me,  would some of my friends be outraged and angry or would they look for ways to vilify me, say I deserved it, or just turn a deaf ear, and a blind eye.

Would I be the exception?

I am disappointed:

In our clergy that have also been silent. Not all have been but there have been a majority that has. Your congregations are hurting, your congregations are crying out, your congregations have lost sons and daughters, people are confused. Yet nothing…

Your silence is heard as well..

I am disappointed:

In myself for not taking action previously....I can do better for my people. I can get involved, I will get involved. 

I Am Scared...

I am scared that they police shootings in Dallas will set off a race war or a war between African-Americans and police officers. This will cause police officers to be further on edge and on guard against people who look like me. 

Therefore...

I am scared to have a cop get behind me for fear that he will pull me over and upon trying to get my license, registration, and insurance I will be come a hashtag 

I am scared that more people fit with anger and range will act out of vengeance and try to kill other police officers. 

I am scared that race relationships between blacks and whites even with some that I love so much could be strained...

I am scared that I will continue to be mistrustful of some that call me friend... 

 

We have to do better..

We can do better...

#BlackLivesMatter #AltonSterling #IPhilandoCastile

#ICouldBeAltonSterling 

#StayFiredUp 

 

Slaying the Elephant: The Oscars, Chris Rock, and The Def Awards.

There is a GIANT elephant in the room called Hollywood and on Sunday, February 28^th, Chris Rock tackled that giant and slayed it.

For the most part, nobody should be surprised that this year’s Academy Awards show AKA The Oscars host was going to shake things up as he is known to do but this year was even more culturally significant because of the lack of diversity among the nominees mainly in the acting categories. Of all twenty acting nominations, none were African-American, Latino, Asian or Native American. We all know the backstory by now, Jada and Will Smith boycotting, Tyrese boycotting and demanding that Chris Rock step down form hosting and Al Sharpton leading a protest at the Award Show. That is story.

First of all, let me stress that I agree that Hollywood has a ways to go in representing diversity. There is a lot that needs to be done and needs to be changed. We have so many stories to be told, so many actors that deserve a shot, its unfortunate, and sad and really a loss for Hollywood to not take advantage of such diverse talented actors that represent not just Hollywood but the world. We have a long to way to go. As I said in a previous article I was disappointed that Straight Outta Compton did not receive a Best Picture nomination. It belonged up there. It was an injustice.I understand why Jada and Will and others did not choose to attend the show. I support their decision, but I also support those that chose to attend. 

Chris Rock acknowledges that repeatedly in his monologue. I was impressed with Rock as I always am. He speaks to the awkwardness and speaks on things that sometimes we are too often afraid to say out loud. Listening to his stand up we go, “Damn I was thinking that, but did not have the guts to say it.” That is what Chris Rock does, that is who he is. Expecting him to be less than that, would be asking him not to be true to his art and who he is. Having said that, I did disagree with the Stacey Dash part. It was awkward and she seemed to miss the memo that she was the butt of the joke, but then again that is what makes Chris Rock so brilliant. 

I was disappointed that some people called Chris Rock a sell out for making light of the issue at hand, which is totally wrong. The same way people slam Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, and Taraji P. Henson for playing strong yet very flawed African-American characters saying it creates a wrong image. There will inevitably be actors and activists angry that African-American actors did choose to attend the awards. Everyone from Morgan Freeman to rapper/actor/activist Common was there. I was happy to see that. WHY? Washington said it best to paraphrase. “If I want to elicit change, then I need to have a seat at the table.” Spot on! Why not attend? After all, isn’t this is supposed to be a room of your peers? Is Leonardo Dicarprio not your peer or is it jus Samuel Jackson? The African-American actors attending to me were not saying “I disagree with the other actors not attending” or “I don’t care about it.” It was more about saying… ‘Look I deserve to be here with the likes of Meryl Streep, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchet. I deserve to have a seat at this table right next to them. Somehow, people are missing the point.

Some will argue that Chris was wrong for the shade he threw at Will & Jada. Why was he wrong? Will and Jada are public figures who are subject to being the butt of comedian’s jokes just like everyone else. Were people upset when Seth McFarlane shades Tom Hanks? It is what comedians do and he had a good point.

“Jada Pinkett boycotting the Oscars is like me boycotting Rhianna’s panties. I was not invited anyway.”

Some would argue that it was wrong but hey there was a level of truth to it.  As I have said before, I think Jada is great actress and talent. I have been a fan of hers since A Different World. But what has Jada done in the last 10 years? So Jada not attending, what impact would that have? Its not meant to disrespect her, but that is real. By Tyrese not attending, what will that do? I went to bed that night thinking, “Wow, Chris Rock nailed it! He did what he was supposed to do.”

Then morning came…

Enter Tyrese slamming Chris Rock going on a dramatic tirade about how could Rock poke fun at Jada Pinkett, a woman “who is trying to elicit change for her children, your children…(dramatic). What makes Jada Pinkett off limits to Chris Rock’s jabs? I mean Nicole Kidman was not off limits to Seth McFarlane. These are celebrities, its open game. At the end of the day, Jada probably laughed it off anyway.

People calling Chris a “sell out” as well as others who choose to attend. People were throwing shade at those who chose to attend. I think it is completely ridiculous.

Then came the Def Movie Awards…

Fusion TV of which I never heard of until yesterday, decided to come up with a movie awards that celebrates the movie accomplishments of African-Americans. A few of the categories were as follows:

Best Movie Quote of All Time

Person most likely to steal your woman

Best white helper.

Best black survivor scene.

You have got to be kidding me.

This is the answer to the Academy Awards?? “White helper?” My first thought that this was done completely out of spite. Not a good look. How do we expect to be taken seriously? Why not put our energies and focus on the NAACP Image Awards where we celebrate those more? The show was an hour long and perpetuating stereotypes. And probably some were mad because people like Kerry Washington and Morgan Freeman chose not to attend. It looked thrown together. Furthermore to have Tony Rock host when his brother was hosting the Academy Awards? Why do that? Put brother against brother? So it was no longer about making a statement it was about creating controversy, buzz, and garnering ratings.

What is wrong with this picture? What is going on? There has got to be a better way.

I applaud Chris Rock and the actors choosing to attend the Oscars. People ask me why I was not upset about Chris Rock or his speech.

I choose to answer like this.

·       There is the situation in Flint where people don’t have safe drinking water and who purposely given potentially lethal water.
·       Donald Trump who thinks we should “build a wall” to keep Mexicans out, wants to ban all Muslims from coming to the U.S and is being supported by the Ku Klux Klan is the front runner for the highest office in the land.
·       African-Americans males and females are continuing to be prey to a few rogue cops and they continue to get a way with it.
·       The homeless rate continues to increase particularly among our veterans who fought and served for our country.

We got bigger stuff to worry about then who or who does not gets an award.

Ponder that…

Random Observations: So Much Foolery

Me think's Sarah is auditioning for the VP Position.

1. The media needs to check themselves. Its very obvious you are trying to be messy asking Donald Trump about what he thinks about the lack of diversity at The Academy Awards. First off, Donald Trump has NOTHING to do with the Academy. Is not an actor, producer, director, or an Academy Voter. He is running for President. His focus should be on the Welfare of the nation, not a movie. This is like me instigating an incident in high school to elicit some type of fight or reaction. Do better media. 

2. Jimmy Kimmel, I am disappointed in your Oscar satire you did on your show. It did nothing but perpetuate stereotypes. While I am sure you were just going for funny and it was not meant to offend, it was in bad taste. That skit is not helping the situation at hand. 

3. Sarah Palin, please sit down somewhere. Blaming President Obama for your son's ratchetness and behavior is a new low, even for you. Clearly you saw this and your incoherent endorsement for Donald Trump as an opportunity to try to be relevant again since nobody was talking about you in this year's presidential race. 

4. People who say "I am tired of the race issues." "Why make it a race issue?" or "Here we go again." Believe you me, we are TIRED of the race issues too. We would love to stop talking about race issues too, once people stop being racist and still acting like its 1955. Sorry the conversation is an inconvenience to your perfect day, but you might want to talk to the people who continue to spread hate, discriminate, and are closed minded. Once you can reach them, problem solved. 

5. Stacey Dash, Stacey Dash. So much to say, so little time. I won't go in on you as

#NeverForget Stacey Dash

obviously BET has done that enough for all of us. But I just am wondering how much is Fox News paying you? I hope its at last six figures. Still not enough to sell your soul to the devil but I hope its at least six figures as you will probably never work in Hollywood again. 

6. Julie Delpley, your comments about women in Hollywood are as is bad of timing as Nancy Lee Gran's were. Why is it that people have to downplay our issue with bringing up another one. You could have put them together. Smh..

7. Ice Cube said "We don't make movies for the industry, we do it for the people.!" There you go! Janet Hubert said, "If you are doing this just so you can get a gold statue then you are doing it for the wrong reasons." BOOM 

8. The "Be Like Bill" memes are funny, but let's not overdo it. 

9. Just an FYI, BET and the BET Awards and NAACP Image Awards is not just for African-Americans. For those saying that I encourage you to go to at least Wikipedia and look up past winners, see featured videos, and review and Google. Know what you speak of before you open your mouths. Plus if you knew the history of why these networks and shows were created, you would not be saying this. Think before you speak...

10. The Red Velvet Oreo cookies are simply the best thing I have had in a while. I encourage you to get a few them as they are only seasonal. 

11.  Taraji P. Henson is hosting The Celebration of Gospel on BET and people are throwing shade because she plays Cookie. Remember folks, that is called ACTING. That is not real life. And I assume those throwing the judgmental shade are living sin free? 

"This impresses me so much..", said no one ever.

12. If you are over age 25 posting pictures of naked people, bragging about how much sex you had, getting drunk, smoking weed, how much money you made, and flipping people off you must be self-employed because you must have forgotten people can view your posts including your children. 

13. I bet the Grammy tributes to Natalie Cole, David Bowie, and Glen Frey are going to be phenomenal. Cannot wait to see them. 

14. The Kansas Chiefs had a a great season. Was hoping we could go for another KC team to win a championship this year, but it was not meant to be. Good season Chiefs! 

15. The word "single" is not a dirty word. If you never enjoy your own company or are  not OK with being by yourself. That is a problem. You will always be searching for others to validate and complete you. A relationship is not going to fix your problem. Relationships are great, but when you are not in one,  it should be great too. Don't rush to be in a relationship just because your friends are in one. A relationship is not a new flatscreen television.  Enjoy life, love you then those things will come in time. 

On that note... I am out!! Enjoy your Saturday! Be blessed!

CG2..The Rath of Gil..

Nothing New: Lack of Diversity at Academy Awards

So there has been a lot of controversy over the last few weeks regarding this year’s Academy Award Show and its lack of diversity in the nominees.

Nothing new….

So this year’s Academy Award Show will sadly have no actors or actresses of color nominated in any of the acting, directing, or even picture categories.

Nothing new…

There has been an outcry by some actors and actresses to boycott this year’s award ceremony.

Nothing new…

I am thinking back to 1985 when The Color Purple was nominated for a slew of awards and did not wing a single one that night. Whoopi Goldberg, Margaret Avery, and Oprah Winfrey all delivered exceptional performances and did not win a single award that evening.

Flash to 1993 and Angela Bassett nominated for her spot on performance as rock legend Tina Turner in What’s Love Got To Do With It? Bassett was considered the front-runner especially since she had won The Golden Globe. Bassett Lost to Holly Hunter in what one could argue was not a significant or as powerful for her role in The Piano. 

Rewind to a year earlier when Denzel Washington lost to Al Pacino in Scent of A Woman instead of recognizing his performance in Malcolm X.

Nothing new…

I am extremely disappointed that the movie Straight Outta Compton was overlooked for Best Picture this year. It definitely deserved a nomination. Having had the privilege to attend the world premiere of the movie, I thought it was the best movie I had seen all year and actually the last few years. The cultural and historical impact this movie had on 2015 was huge and cannot be ignored. The movie grossed over 200 million dollars at the box office. It was a global success. The movie did for hip-hop what The Social Network and the Steve Jobs movie did for technology and social media. It showed the cultural and historical impact. So Straight Outta Compton definitely deserved a nomination.

I am frustrated America, we are being overlooked.

Once again…nothing new…

Having said that, let’s focus on Jada Pinkett-Smith who made a video voicing her frustration over the lack of nominations and that she would not be attending the award show. I have respect for Jada, I have been a fan of hers since A Different World. I am not sure however her not attending is going to make many waves with The Academy at this point. 

Flash to a few days later when actress Janet Hubert, the original Aunt Viv on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air made a video that has gone viral in which she basically calls Will and Jada out. She basically says Jada is only boycotting because her husband Will Smith did not receive a nomination for the movie Concussion. Hubert also throws some shade at Smith’s performance saying he did not even deserve the Golden Globe nomination because of “that accent”.  I have to say maybe she should have kept that to herself, that makes her sound bitter. 

While many have said that Ms. Hubert comes off bitter and still reeking of animosity towards Will Smith due to the bad blood that they have for the Fresh Prince drama (Hubert was fired from the show and she blames Smith). I definitely feel like there was some bitterness from Hubert, but I also agree with a lot of what she was saying. Hubert made some very valid points.

1.    Asking fellow actors and actresses to boycott is unfair and a career jeopardizing move.  To be clear however, Jada never called upon other actors and actresses to boycott the show. However, actor/singer Tyrese and rapper 50 Cent did. My problem with that is that 50, Tyrese, and The Smith’s have made millions of dollars and have a production company of their own. They are on the Hollywood A-List and are among the “Hollywood Elite” so them not attending the award show will not really hurt them because they have established themselves already. However, asking up and coming ethnic actors and performers to not attend is career suicide and while actor and singer Tyrese says that people should not be afraid of jeopardizing their careers again its easier to say when you are an established A-List actor.

2.    There are bigger issues to worry about. With all that is going on in Flint, Michigan, the economy, African-Americans being victims of police brutality, the mass shootings, and poverty, how important is a privileged actor not receiving a nomination in the grand scheme of all that is going on in the world. Is this a big deal? Yes, absolutely. Should we address it? Yes, absolutely, but in the grand scheme of things how important is this compared to the other issues?

Whoopi Goldberg said on The View the other day, that she is tired of this conversation. It needs to happen more than just once a year. Instead of boycotting The Academy Awards, boycott the production companies that are not featuring us, not making roles for us. Again, the best way to affect someone through a boycott is to affect him or her financially. We need to be having this conversation all year around. The question should be not “Why are we not getting the nominations, but why are we not getting into the movies that could earn us the nominations? It seems like we get made at Oscar time, the show airs then its over and we move on, only to be angry again the following year.

“You can’t win for roles that are simply not there.” – Viola Davis, actress

Nothing new…

Inevitably, there will be people that disagree with what I am saying and they will agree with Jada that is fine. I will be watching this year’s awards. Tyrese and 50 Cent has asked Chris Rock to step down from hosting this year’s show in solidarity of the lack of nominations. I disagree with this because this is unprofessional. You are asking Chris Rock to jeopardize his career and the future of other African-American hosts? Chris Rock SHOULD host. The Academy is giving him plenty of ammunition. He is going to address the elephant in the room, he is going to go in and go in hard. We need that, let’s let him shake things up.

I do however disagree with comments made by actors Michael Caine and Charlotte Rampling who called out the boycott. Rampling said that the boycott was “Racist against whites” and Caine told African-Americans to be patient. What?? Now Charlotte I need you to get your life with that and speaking on something you know nothing about. Michael Caine asking us to be patient is also disrespectful. It is easy to say when you have received several nominations. Those comments are not helping either. 

I agree that the conversation needs to happen, I agree that changes need to be made, and however how that change occurs is where we start. There has been some progress in the last few days. The Academy Awards president has said that there will be changes and there will be a more diverse voting academy but I caution to say, then what? You have to have movies to vote on? What good will that do if there are not that many African-American movies made? You have to get the movies out there. 

What are the other solutions? What are the other answers?

You can agree, you can disagree, let’s just have the conversation so we can stop saying…

Nothing new…