Of Harriet, Black Women, and Sexism

(By Kellie Carter-Jackson) – So I feel compelled to say a few things about these “Harriet” naysayers...many of whom have not seen the film. First, there was the controversy about Cynthia Erivo. She's black y'all! They didn't ask Scarlet Johansen to play her! Second, her comments about black Americans...c’mon. Don't act y'all don't hear the same ish from black Americans… ever have a meaningful conversation with a black conservative? Same thing. Third, this whole thing about a black slave catcher being the villain... Yes, historically, there were black slave catchers. They were used to win fugitives trust and then betray them for coin. There will ALWAYS be hired hands and mercenaries. Period. Fourth, clearly the greatest villain is slavery. Harriet was combating SLAVERY!!! Perhaps, the film assumes you know this. 

          If you're first impulse in a film about Harriet is to complain about how black men are portrayed, that's a problem. It’s like black women can’t shine without making sure that first no harm was caused to a black man. Folks, complained the black bounty hunter was too violent…really?? MORE VIOLENT than slavery????

Black Panther and Message from Black Women

(Sesali Bowen) - Black Panther Has A Message For Black Men: Trust Black Women 

Finally! Black Panther has hit theaters in all of its glory. In case you haven’t heard, the movie is everything that we hoped it would be, and then some. It’s become something of a nationwide event for Black folks, and my timeline has been flooded with friends decked out in head to toe tribal print, all black outfits, or bold statement tees to go see the film. I seriously haven’t seen this many people dress up for a movie since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 was released. What’s clear is that Black people have been anxious to see ourselves in Hollywood on such a major stage, and the proof is in the painted faces and berets. That Black Panther is such an excellent example of Black representation is only overshadowed by how it takes a fresh dive into themes that speak directly to the Black experience.

And Black Panther delivers on this promise in ways I didn’t expect. Anticipating a bold statement against white supremacy, I was surprised to find the movie to be a cautionary calling out of Black elitism and respectability. And while T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), theBlack Panther, is obviously the protagonist of the film, moviegoers looking forward to a narrative that centers Black men and masculinity as the only eligible leaders of Black communities are also in for a rude awakening. Instead, it is a visual lesson in how Black men can and should lean into the power and aptitude of their female peers.