With us still being in the beginning of 2017, and the fact that today is the last day of Black History Month; 2017 has been the most lit for the culture, thus far. Granted, we are still fighting for many different issues within the community and for the community, but you can’t deny that culturally (in entertainment), we’ve had a great year so far.
We have Solange, who just won her first Grammy for “Cranes In The Sky” …. Let me repeat that. SOLANGE KNOWLES WON HER FIRST GRAMMY FOR “CRANES IN THE SKY!” Solange’s entire album, “A Seat At The Table,” was released a day before the Grammy cutoff for submissions, and she made it. Her entire album is for the culture, for the people, FOR US. Solange made an album celebrating her blackness, our blackness, our culture, the struggle, the strength, the beauty, the knowledge, the pain, just… everything. Not just music either, but stories as well. Stories from Master P, her mom Tina, and dad, Matthew, where they share their own experiences and trials with simply being black, discussing issues/stories of black pride, racism, overcoming the struggle, being successful, and more.
“Cranes in The Sky” presents a more internal reflection on Solange herself, but something many people can relate it, trying to not feel pain. Those lyrics represent someone trying to get over the pain they are experiencing, trying to become numb to their surroundings, what’s happening in the world. Solange, for example, tried many things to get her mind off of what is happening with police brutality. She tried to numb herself focusing on her aesthetic; drowning her sorrows in alcohol, weed, dancing to music, and changing her appearance; just trying to mask her pain from those on the outside.
Solange delivered on this album, and she’s finally getting the recognition she deserves. “A Seat At The Table” is such a powerful album for many reasons, ranging from its pro-black message, to it’s beautiful imagery; she’s taking the listener on a journey. She gave us an important piece of herself on this album, she shared her vulnerability in her blackness. She discussed issues that are at times hidden within our community. She created a discussion for us to have a seat at the table.
Making people realize they don’t have to be victims, that we are strong. This album can pretty much be summed up through her own lyrics, Fubu style. “For us, this shit is for us!” She gave us an important piece of herself on this album, she shared her vulnerability in her blackness. She discussed issues that are at times hidden within our community. She created a discussion for us to have a seat at the table.
We also had wins in acting for the culture during awards season as well. Denzel Washington won his first SAG award, Tracee Ellis Ross won her first Golden Globe (her first and only nomination so far),and Viola Davis won her first Oscar, “Hidden Figures” was the number 1 movie for weeks after its initial debut, empowering young black girls everywhere. We had Donald Glover win 2 Golden Globe awards and shout out Migos, who in turn scored their first number one song. Think about it, a black man shouting out and respecting other black men on a predominantly white award show. See what happens when we come together.
It was extremely warming to see a black man with a dream and a vision succeed with his morals and character intact, not just Glover, but the entire cast. For 30 minutes a night, you forgot you were watching TV. While watching Glover accept his best actor award, Henry (Paper Boi) and Stanfield (Darius) can we seen watching in amazement, tears in their eyes watching not only their friend, but their brother make history and continue to open doors for the community. There was genuine emotion watching Glover accept his award. On and off the show, a theme of brotherhood can be seen through the cast.
The “Hidden Figures” Cast won the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at the SAG awards, and Taraji P. Henson gave the accepting speech, her emotions, the cast’s emotions; everything was so raw and powerful. “This story is about unity,” said Taraji P. Henson, who stars alongside Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe in “Hidden Figures. ”This story is about what happens when we put our differences aside and we come together as a human race. We win. Love wins. Every time.”
The reason why these wins are so important is because these black award winners did not play “stereotypical” roles, there were no slaves, maids, or even “angry black women.” These were roles, these were opportunities given that allowed these black men and women to share stories and experiences, and win.
With the Oscars just passing, “Moonlight” had an amazing, yet problematic win for film of the year. The fact that “La La Land” was originally announced as the winner for best film of the year, and then while in the middle of their acceptance speech realized they lost to “Moonlight,” was oddly satisfying, and yet, sad at the same time. It was only satisfying to me, because the better movie won. The fact that a black movie addressing homosexuality and finding oneself beat out a movie full of white peopleat an award show that has had problems with diversity; it was a defining moment for the black LGBTQ community. “La La Land,” full of white people focused on Jazz, a genre created by black people generated a lot of attention, recognition, and buzz over many different movies. Not just movies with a black cast, but movies full of minorities. Yes, the Oscars acknowledged more black films, but black doesn’t equal diversity. The reason it’s sad because their initial moment got robbed from them.“Moonlight’s” win and acknowledgement was needed, for many of the young bisexual/gay black males. The affirmation that you are not alone is needed, it’s not taboo. However, the fact that they won is being overshadowed by the fact that “La La Land” was a gracious winner, or that they did “the right thing,” and they’re getting the focus over the movie that actually won.
The Oscar flub, although unintentional, is an example of why #OscarsSoWhite is important. During the mix-up, “La La Land” producer Jordan Horowitz said the arts community should “create and champion bold and diverse work,” while acknowledging the mistake that had occurred, and shortly after handed the award to member of the “Moonlight”creative team. It’s an example of how these awards are still assumed to be dominated by white films and privilege. Even host Jimmy Kimmel made a joke about the situation stating that “La La Land” should keep the award.
What is said to have occurred is that presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway ended up with a duplicate copy of the card for Best Actress in a Leading Role, which went to Emma Stone. While announcing the winner, Beatty looked surprised at the winner and giving Dunaway the opportunity to look at the card as well. It’s said that the reason Beatty looked confused and waited a second was because the envelope read Emma Stone had won for “La La Land,” and knowing that that award just happened made him do a double take, and without a second glance; Dunaway immediately announced “La La Land” as the winner, as like she just knew.
Now, I’m not saying that Dunaway did this on purpose, nor Beatty, I’m just saying it’s an example of why diversity is so important, to break away from the molds of these awards shows being strictly white and that they don’t award or respect minorities (which is why we have the NAACP awards, BET Awards, and more… Stacey Dash).
This moment was robbed, it was so much more than an award, it was a staple for the culture, but the black LGBTQ culture. A culture that is told they are an abomination and disgusting but their own brothers and sisters. The black community is hard on its own LGBTQ community versus other races, and the world.
And while discussing “Moonlight,” we can’t forget to congratulate Mahershala Ali on his Oscar win, and becoming the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar.
US Actor Mahershala Ali delivers a speech on stage after he won the award for Best Supporting Actor in “Moonlight” at the 89th Oscars on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. / AFP / Mark RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)
With that being said, it’s time to celebrate and uplift each other, celebrate each other, understand and respect each other. For us, For The Culture!