SELMA - Movie Review

'Selma' described in one word, epic. 

One could feel that this film was passionately put together by its director Ava DuVernay, who did an amazing job at shocking the nerves of moviegoers from the very beginning with the tragic Birmingham, Alabama, bombing where four little girls were killed while attending church services. The scene was an immediate eye-popper that naturally drew you into what came next.

What came next was countless calls from MLK (played by actor David Oyelowo), to LBJ (played by actor Tom Wilkinson) and vice versa, setting the plot of the story that was based around Blacks being able to register to vote without hesitation, discrimination, and human body violation. 

I watched Dr. King, and his group leaders use pristine strategy in structuring their organization of followers to join the fight for equality and justice for all. It reminded me of our nation's current plight of black victimization by the hands of white law enforcement, and how the masses continue to protest everyday as a means of bringing awareness to this issue that'll hopefully mold into a resolution. 

In the movie there were those that didn't understand why MLK's non-violent strategy could work, and why anyone would put their livelihood on the line to meet death. But MLK had an "if you don't stand for something then you'll fall for anything" kind of approach, to the matter of segregation and rampant racism.

The act of slavery that proliferated within America, wasn't right and was brought on by ignorance and fierce hatred which kept minorities oppressed and in bondage for centuries. 

Just in knowing this fact is enough to understand why MLK, and others fought vociferously against those doing the oppressing, without their efforts many minorities would've been subjugated back to the hellish slavery chains of inequality -- therefore, not enjoying the equal rights that we enjoy today and are currently fighting fiercely to keep.

The film showcased White's that didn't take kindly to King, telling the truth about who the oppressors were while shining light on their racist strategy; they felt he was stirring the pot by pitting one race against the other. 

But MLK didn't start the war between the races as that war had long begun when the Pilgrims happened upon the Americas, where the Indigenous people already had claim. This race war has been a constant battle in our nation's history due to those who believe that one race is superior over another. 

The movie came to a close as Martin Luther King Jr., gave a chilling speech in front of the Alabama Capitol building where Governor "Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever" Warren, ruled at that time.

Dr. King led a crowd of thousands as he spoke his controversial conscious words, to the people and too Governor Warren -- giving light to the vicious cycle that continues to repeat itself throughout history; white privilege. 

MLK educated those listening in front of the Capitol that day, that he firmly comprehended the strategy of how wealthy white men keep poor white men on their side through an appeasement process; the notion that even if one is without riches favorability is guaranteed over other races, due to one's non-existent melanin. 

Today in the 21st century, white privilege continues to pervade the United States of America -- not in all places, but in many high places. 

What do I mean? If you are a person of color that happens to be employed by a company, one day take the time to look around you. Familiarize yourself with the faces of the people that run the company starting with the CEO, and slowly work yourself down the chain of command; did you notice any Black leaders? 

Certain Republicans in Congress, like to use the phrase that minorities simply lack the "skill-set" needed to obtain high paying salaried positions, but this is simply an assumption used to dismiss the lack of diversity within leadership roles. 

If a person wasn't aware of this carefully crafted game they'd constantly think that their immaculate skills and education simply wasn't good enough, not comprehending that their skin color diluted their chances from the very beginning. And all that's left is hope of a crack in the foundation, accidentally overlooked by the oppressor so that one can attempt to slip through uninterrupted and unnoticed; institutionalized racism is slavery in the 21st century.

If you haven't viewed this amazing piece of work that is 'Selma', it'd be worth your while to do so; the comparison of back then verses now is mind-blowing. The past is the present -- take a closer look.

2015 LA

Show Me The Mo'ne!

Mo'ne Davis, a 13 year old baseball playing, 70 mph right-arm throwing -- Philadelphia native, is the first female in Little League World Series history to throw a shutout with only two hits, while striking out eight batters and walking none against Tennessee. 

And although the little leaguer has already made a name for herself and garnered world wide press along the way, she remains humble in knowing who she is but most importantly -- what equality should like look as she stated, "it does mean a lot to be the first American girl, but more girls should start joining boys' teams," Davis told the Philadelphia Daily News. 

"The attention should not just be on one girl; more girls should join boys' teams so it is a tradition and it won't be so special." 

There you have it; beauty, brains, brawn, and a stellar bright star for all little girls who love sports and wish to participate.

Mo'ne's future goals require being the first female in MLB, or playing basketball in the WNBA -- although baseball is her priority.

Her team plays against Las Vegas, 2-0, on Wednesday night.

2014 LA

First Woman NBA Assistant Coach Makes history

Becky Hammon, a point guard for the San Antonio Stars was recently chosen by coach Gregg Popovich, to stand beside him while offering up her basketball expertise as a means of accelerating the advancement of the 2014 basketball champions -- the San Antonio Spurs.

This is not only a historical moment in the NBA, but an empowering example for so many females who may have dreamed of one day being able to coach within the NBA. 

I've always had an issue with men being able to coach women in the WNBA, but wouldn't allow the same equality for women to coach in the NBA. To me I saw no difference -- only in gender, but talent speaks for itself. 

Maybe it's the feminist in me but I always felt that women should've been able to coach men in the NBA, and I constantly made my argument during friendly debates.

So now to see it actually happen is simply elating, although I'm still pushing for a woman to become an NBA head coach one day. 

#ICanDream

2014 LA

Michelle Howard Makes 'Four Star' American History

Adm. Michelle Howard, flanked by Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, left, and her husband Wayne Cowles, accepts her new rank during a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales)

Have you ever seen the movie Captain Phillips starring legendary actor, Tom Hanks?

In this particular film a group of Somali Pirates surrounded and invaded a US Cargo ship, while taking the captain (played by Hanks) hostage.

Well, what you probably didn't know is that a woman by the name of Michelle Howard, was behind the rescue of that captain. She not only was the brains behind the entire rescue operation serving as a female naval officer, but has recently been appointed as the US Navy's vice chief -- making her the first woman and first black person to reach the rank of four star admiral ever in the history of the United States! 

How's that for female power?! 

Kudos to Ms. Howard for standing strong in the face of adversity and for furthering the cause and mission, that women most definitely deserve a seat at the table. Thank you Ms. Howard, for your heroic work and sacrifice to our great nation; females everywhere young and old should be inspired and very proud.

2014 LA

PBS Freedom Summer Documentary

After watching the PBS documentary of Freedom Summer 1964, I gained more clarity and much more compassion for the white race. 

Taking into account mine and others' discriminatory experiences it almost always felt like a constant fight between "us" verses "them", but taking in those two hours of historical revelations I realized that it wasn't just black people being oppressed -- it was also white people.

Not just the white people that came down to Mississippi to volunteer for Freedom Summer, but the white people who fought viciously against both the black and white Freedom Fighters. You see, those white people that displayed such hatred in their eyes and such disdain for the black race prevailing, they were following their races' ideology because they thought it was the right thing to do. Even if deep down they felt a twinge of compassion for the black race there was no room for tolerance, as they knew their people well and the violent streak that would ensue should they decide to "change" direction. With regards to the misinformed, the saying of "They know not what they do" makes even more sense.

Although white people in Mississippi had it better than black people livelihood wise, they were still oppressed because their entire way of life was dictated to them; women were to look and behave a certain way, children as well and there was no room for anything different. Everything had to remain the same with white men having all the money and power, because this was the true way of America. The only people that were truly free in this great nation were the white men that ran it, period.

Moreover, it took for white and black people to come together in order to initiate magnetic change, one race couldn't do it without the other race -- hence, the reason President Obama was elected twice. 

We will always need each other and we'll always be stronger for it, but it's imperative to stay united against the fear mongering and hateful rhetoric -- for this is what's used as the great divider amongst the races. Now in the 21st century, it should no longer be a fight between black and white but a fight between good verses evil or truth verses lies. For people aren't bad or evil unless it is taught to them -- therefore, color becomes completely irrelevant and the hostile feelings is what remains at the forefront.

Hostility is what the Freedom Fighters were met with until it brought about miraculous change within The White House, where President Johnson won a second term and was compelled to stand up for what was right by writing into law the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (which key parts of the VRA was struck down just last year by the SCOTUS). 

Lyndon B. Johnson had a tremendous weight on his shoulders, not wanting to stir up a second civil war among the races -- especially since Freedom Summer was deemed to be the most violent acts of domestic terrorism since Reconstruction. But the integrated Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party couldn't be ignored, no more than its electrifying leader, Fannie Lou Hamer.

Freedom Summer brought about sacrifices -- those who were willing to give their lives in order for democracy to prevail, but the deaths and injuries of both black and white people wouldn't be in vain as true change most certainly came the following year with the VRA. 

Change is hard yes, but change is also inevitable in which it most surely promises the progressiveness and betterment of future generations. How fitting that our first black president is literally "two sides of the same coin"; black and white, the two races which have been in constant feud for centuries.
 

One thing is for sure, as long as we stay privy to mainstream politics by engaging the electorate with our voices and votes, hope will never be to far behind.

We shall overcome, we will overcome and we must continue to overcome -- or die. Americans, in this upcoming November election let your conscience be your guide, just like Mississippians did in this past primary.

2014 LA

Freedom Summer 1964 Remembered

This past weekend marked the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer 1964, when three young men by the names of Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Adam Goodman were kidnapped, shot dead and burnt up, by the hands of a Mississippi Deputy Sheriff and the Ku Klux Klan, who the sheriff alerted to action after he pulled the men over for false speeding.

It took the wife of Michael Schwerner, the families of the men, many protesters and activists, who eventually found the bodies of the missing men 40 days later buried in an earthen dam side by side.

These men were killed because they were trying to register African Americans to vote, so that they too could have a voice in the political process within America.

For more information about Freedom Summer 1964, click here.

2014 LA

Maya Angelou Remembered At Memorial Service

Maya Angelou was a  legendary artist, activist, and mother/sister/friend, to all that knew her well and to all that connected to her spirit through her words and on May 28, 2014, her work in the physical realm was complete in which she has now moved on to a much higher purpose; becoming God's supernatural angel.

My condolences to the Angelou family for the loss of such an extraordinary human being, whose mark will remain forever and always on those who are lucky enough to encounter her great works.

Rest in peace Ms. Angelou, and thank you for all that you've done and all that you will continue to do for us in heaven.

2014 LA

 

Is the New Testament in the Holy Bible a Reincarnation of Nietzsche's "Thus Spoke Zarathustra"?

The character Zarathustra, is described as a religious innovator who lived in Persia (Modern Iran) between 1750 and 600 BCE. His ideas of God/good and Devil/evil, had far reaching effects with regards to Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

As I continued to read more and more of this fascinating literary piece of work, it dawned on me that there were way to many characteristic similarities between the two notable books. Also, the fact that the author called this particular writing the "fifth Gospel", pretty much eluded to the fact that there might be more biblical terms in store for curious readers.

Thus Spoke Zarathustra gives way to Psalm readings,

repast, the supper (as in The Last Supper?) where wine was being served although the "bread" was missing, poisonous serpents that were regarded as "knowledgeable" and "Wise", ie, the "tree of knowledge" in the Bible, eagles are regaled as excellent beast of prey that can see all -- and is commonly used in many countries flags (I thought it interesting that Mexico's flag displays an eagle biting off the head of a serpent; seen above).

Nietzsche's literature goes on to represent man as superior over woman and in the Holy Bible the word "man", was used commonly to describe both male and female characters making it even more obvious who the "dominate" sex should be. Also per the Bible, man was put on earth before woman, which I find rather interesting since historically speaking everything has always grown from "mother earth", ie, woman.

In Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra, women were regarded as "playthings" and "pure and fine like the precious stone," in which a woman's most important job was birthing the next rulers and/or heirs. The latter description in itself screams misogyny; would this explain why certain men are very misogynistic? 

Is this why for centuries women had no rights, and were expected to be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen? And is it coincidence that the quote was used most commonly under German Empire?

The character Zarathustra recited that "when all have denied him, only then will he return." The familiar wording is also representative of the New Testament in the Holy Bible, but in this case it is supposedly Jesus that bespeaks about people denying him -- as well as his second coming. And doesn't this make you wonder even more about a particular event that our 43rd president attended and spoke at, in which he called for the converting of all Jews to bring about the second coming of Christ?

Friedrich Nietzsche even made the statement, "To have glued this New Testament, a kind of rococo of taste in every respect, to the Old Testament to make one book, as the "Bible", as "the book par excellence" - that is perhaps the greatest audacity and "sin against the spirit" that literary Europe has on its conscience." ~Beyond Good and Evil~

I mean, you can't get anymore clearer than this as he openly admits that his people, the Germans, are responsible for taking his work and twisting his meaning to interpret what they wanted it too mean to others. 

And because Nietzsche's sister married an anti-semitic German Nazi, in which she took her brother's book and tried manipulating his words before handing it over to Hitler who acknowledged it as the Third Reich; slowly the fog starts to dissipate and the dots begin to connect as one intuitively realizes, that man had way more control over the book par excellence then we could have ever known.

During slavery in America's South, the Holy Bible was

constantly used by slave masters as a way of restoring order and obedience among the enslaved. Did the slave masters know something that the slaves didn't or were the slave masters themselves tricked into believing, that cruelty to other races must occur in order for their race -- the "white race" to prevail?

Honestly, I can go on and on and on with the extremely close similarities between Nietzsche's work and parts of the Holy Bible, but it would take up this entire page and then some -- just to break it all down. Moreover, I wanted to put it out there in case someone else wanted to dig a bit deeper; it would make for an extraordinary thesis.

Does this book explain why the divisiveness between specific countries, gave way to horrible wars in the past and currently in the present?

2014 LA