To celebrate Black History Month this year, you might want to check out two current blockbuster films: AMERICAN FICTION and RUSTIN, both of which will garner Oscars in just a few weeks. AMERICAN FICTION is a brilliantly written and acted satirical look at African American literature, featuring 80-year-old Leslie Uggams, among other stars like riveting Jeffrey Wright. RUSTIN is a biopic about Bayard Rustin, the man who (I am ashamed I was unfamiliar with) organized the 1963 March on Washington. Titular actor Colman Domingo will, at worst, give 4 other amazing actors a run for their money in the Oscar Best Actor category. Spectacular film. Scary good actor.
And on the sports front, there is a superstar on the rise. I personally have never heard of a sports reporter prodigy, but this kid is definitely just that. If you have not caught this viral sensation, check out 11-year-old Jeremiah Fennell interviewing some NFL luminaries before the Superbowl – click to watch the video on YouTube (opens in a new tab or window).
Another great sports figure is featured in the new documentary GIANNIS: THE MARVELOUS JOURNEY, an inspiring, uplifting piece about the “Greek Freak” basketball phenom Giannis Antetokounmpo, the back-to-back MVP of the Milwaukee Bucks. While his athletic talent speaks for itself, the film is a moving statement about the important contribution and verve of immigrants, the Great American Dream, and this endearing, humble man of integrity and solid values.
Thank you to all our African American brothers and sisters who have worked so diligently to give us masterpieces of cinema, literature, music, sports, and more. I can’t imagine what America would be like without black voices.
“Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.”
– Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.