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42 – The Story of Jackie Robinson: Review

April 15, 2013 Leave a Comment
source: en.wikipedia.org

source: en.wikipedia.org

If you’re going to see a long awaited story be told through film, you have to see it on opening night, you just have to. This past Friday, my little sister and I went to opening night of 42 – The Story of Jackie Robinson. Since I’m an advocate for supporting Black businesses in the community, we went to Chatham 14 Theaters on 87th Street. Upon arriving to the theater, we noticed most of the news channels in Chicago were present. Inside the lobby they were interviewing Black boys from a little league baseball team. At that moment it dawned on me how huge this moment was.

Chadwick Boseman played the role of Jackie Robinson. I’m very critical when it comes to movies and acting (blame it on the one semester spent at Columbia College Chicago), and with that being said, I believe Boseman gave an outstanding performance. I later learned Boseman is a graduate of Howard University, which was the icing on the cake. HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) are known for educating students about the full Black experience, and empowering them to sharing our story, with or without words. Boseman definitely captured the anxiety, hurt, and dignity Robinson displayed as he endured needless racism in the sport of baseball.

source: ethicsbob.com

source: ethicsbob.com

Shout out to whoever was in charge of casting and makeup. They did a superb job. Boseman definitely resembled Jackie Robinson, and Harrison Ford could easily pass for Branch Rickey’s twin.

source: flicksandbits.com

source: flicksandbits.com

I’ve learned to view film biographies as a loose interpretation of what actually happened. However, it’s imperative stories like this are told. I’m sure a few details were left out and parts of the story were twisted, however, films like these create a foundation for us to build on as we continue to educate and celebrate our history.

I’m going to give “42″ four stars out of five. The film gave us insight on the struggles Jackie Robinson endured, but I would have liked for them to go deeper. The filmmakers definitely played it safe, but stories like these should cause the audience to experience an emotional roller coaster ride of anger, confusion, hope, and love.

I’d definitely see “42″ again, and plan to have it in my personal library once it’s released on DVD. I also plan on getting a “42″ Brooklyn Dodgers t-shirt or jersey in the near future. Gotta represent :)

Have you seen “42″? Did you enjoy the film?

-N-

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Melissa Harris-Perry says “This Country is No Place For Young Black Men”

December 4, 2012 1 Comment

http://youtu.be/pR_E9vvC2K0

Yep, the whole Trayvon Martin tragedy has happened again. I don’t know what it is about Florida, but they are proving to have some serious racist issues. Jordan Davis (African American), 16, was shot and killed by Michael Dunn (White American), 45.

Dunn claimed that Davis, along with three other guys, was sitting in a car next to his with highly tinted windows. Dunn says he saw the tip of a shotgun emerge from the window, which caused him to shoot into the car eight times. He immediately fled the scene and  obviously Jordan Davis’ life was taken away from him.

After reviewing the facts, Professor and MSNBC’s host Melissa Harris Perry, says “this country is no place for young Black men”.

Let’s state the obvious first:

  • *Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis died senseless deaths
  • *Both of these tragedies happened in the state of Florida
  • *Racism is alive and well

Is the United States no place for young Black men?

These incidents suggest that the lives of young Black men are disposable and we’ve let stereotypes become our reality. I will be the first to admit, sometimes I am intimidated by Black men (especially if I’m walking alone at night) and they are my people. However, it’s NEVER okay to take someone’s life because of an assumption. The police never found a shotgun in the car, or evidence of any weapons.

What are your thoughts? Twice in one year? Really Florida?

-N-

P.S.

Have you seen the pictures of George Zimmerman that were supposedly taken on the night he killed Trayvon Martin? Is it  just me or doesn’t this picture look staged?

source: washingtonpost.com

source: washingtonpost.com

Filed Under: Race Matters, Society & Culture Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

“I’m Not African-American” – My response

February 27, 2012 1 Comment
source: patrioticdissent.net

A couple of weeks ago I came across an article written by Jesse Washington (The Associated Press) entitled ” Some Blacks Insist: I’m not African-American“. I’ve heard some Blacks say that they’re not African before, but I’ve never heard the term “African-American” denied. Let me tell you why African-American is the perfect term for me.

In 2006 I visited Africa for the first time. I was blessed to spend time in the beautiful country of Zambia. During my stay there Zambians would greet me in their language and quite naturally wait for my response. Once I opened my mouth they would all be shocked to learn that I wasn’t Zambian, but indeed from the U.S. I know it must have been confusing for the Zambians, but it was even more confusing for me.

When I came back to the states I went through a major identity crisis. My whole life I had been told that I was African-American, but had no connection to the continent of Africa. On the other hand, I was a Black woman living in America, a country that at times can make African-Americans feel far from home.

I came to the conclusion that I AM AFRICAN-AMERICAN. I don’t have to speak an African language or know how to make an African dish, but I’m still African. Just look at me. Look at my skin, my features, my eyes. I am African, and although my values may not be rooted in African culture, slave-ships and oceans can not rob me of my heritage. I am also American. My African ancestors built this land, from the share crops to the White House. America may have turned her back on her foster kids by creating Jim Crow Laws, but I continue to stand tall on the shoulders of every person (known & un-known) who marched, prayed, and fought for us to see a better day.

I will NEVER deny my African heritage or my American roots. It is who I am…African-American.

Sincerely,

Nikki

Filed Under: Race Matters, Society & Culture Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

16th National Day of Protest in Chicago

October 27, 2011 Leave a Comment

Hey guys. It seems like the people are taking to protests again to make their voice be heard, I love it. As I was walking downtown on State St. the other day I literally walked right into a protest. It was the “16th National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation”. Alright na.

They have listed some of the following as their argument:

  • In Chicago police have shot 47 people so far this year, mostly youth of color.
  • Police nationwide continue to kill with very little consequence.
  • Racially targeted mass incarceration exacerbates the criminalization and marginalization of Black people, playing the same role as Jim Crow laws.

I was able to capture some of the protest:

How do you guys feel about protests? Are they pointless or powerful?

Love Always,

Nikki

Filed Under: Society & Culture Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

A game about slavery…is this a joke?

September 5, 2011 Leave a Comment

A few days ago my cousin informed me that there was a game coming out about slavery. I didn’t believe him, so he pulled up this video to confirm the foolishness:

Please tell me this is a joke, and even if it is a joke, it’s not funny. My people have suffered enough and slavery is no laughing matter. Who’s behind this racist crap?

Sincerely,

Nikki

Filed Under: Race Matters, Society & Culture Tagged With: , , , , ,

Will racism always exist?

August 30, 2011 1 Comment

Katie & I on the Sankofa trip

Blacks are still getting killed because of the color of their skin. Don’t believe me? Here’s my proof:

On June 26 (my birthday), white teens from Mississippi set out to kill the first Black person they saw in Jackson, Mississippi. The victim was James Craig Anderson. Witnesses say they heard the teenagers chanting “White power” during the attack.

I recently saw the movie “The Help”. It stirred up a lot of emotion in me. I used to live in Jackson, Mississippi for one year. I was interning at the Drs. John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation. During my time there I did a lot of traveling to historic places that included the home & death place of Civil Rights Activist Medgar Evers, and to the place where Emmet Till was murdered (click on the names to see my posts about those experiences). It made me sad to know that so much racism had existed in Mississippi, but I was happy to see how far the state had come along.

Prior to moving to Mississippi, family & friends would tell me to be careful. It didn’t take long before I was able to call them and inform them that things in the South had changed. But have they really?

This hate crime makes me ask the question “Is racism a thing of the past?” When you think about it, segregation wasn’t that long ago. The hate and evil of those people were transferred to their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. This crime solidifies the fact that the racism my grandfather faced in the past, is now alive in my present. This is sickening and beyond ignorant.

What can we do?

Love Always,

Nikki

 

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