Now that the Grammy Awards have whipped-up our annual feast of mainstream musical genius, perhaps we can nibble on a lil' "off the beaten path" boogie.
Nominated for a Grammy in 2011 for the song "Orion," Carolyn Malachi has yet to break into the musical mainstream. Malachi, a DC native and great-granddaughter of legendary jazz pianist John Malachi*, effortlessly blends Soul, Jazz, Hip-Hop and Spoken Word to produce a deliciously creative mix. Think Meshell Ndegeocello 2.0. Get on the bandwagon now, because it's running out of room with quickness!
She is an ungodly talent!!! Though it's snowing outside, everything will be "All Right." Sing Ms. Malachi!
*For those unfamiliar with John Malachi, he was part of perhaps the most legendary band introduction in musical history...the incomparable Sarah Vaughn's live introduction on the song, "Shulie-a-bop." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsCFuezeezE
"Like a fire bell in the night" 2013 rang out as a veritable renaissance of black movie-making. And, like Thomas Jefferson, it has awakened some and filled "some haters" with terror. Whatever the case, we should all take note. Check the roll call:
"The Best Man Holiday"
"Baggage Claim"
"Ride Along"
"About Last Night"
"Blue Caprice"
"I'm in Love with a Church Girl"
"42"
"Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom"
"Fruitvale Station"
"The Butler"
"12 Years A Slave"
This is quite an impressive list of movies. Each of which raking-in its share at the box office. And, speaking of "cha-ching" at the box office, "The Best Man Holiday" definitely grabbed its share..."the lion's." But, metaphorically and historically speaking, three of these movies emerge as the "Holy Trinity" of 2013. (No dis to people of faith)
"12 Years A Slave"......"The Butler"......and, "Fruitvale Station"
Three magnificent movies which, if viewed sequentially, provide a panoramic view of the plight of African-Americans in this country. It's like visualizing, "On a clear day...I can see from 1619 (when slavery began in America) to 2009." These movies disperse the clouds allowing the sun to shine through. So, let's bask in the luxuriant light.
The Father: "12 Years A Slave"
With 9 Oscar nominations, this film represents the sine qua non, the beginning, and perhaps the cinematic last word on the subject of SLAVERY. I have been effusive in my praise of this film since day one. See previous posts:
However, its effect on viewers world-wide and Oscar voters, in particular, has been breathtaking. No film in history depicts the relentless brutally of "the peculiar institution" with such clarity and intensity. Director Steve McQueen, screenwriter John Ridley, and actors Lupita Nyong'o, Michael Fassbender, and Chiwetel Ejiofor all deserve Oscars! In the beginning was the word...and the word was "12 Years."
The Son: "The Butler"
Wow! After viewing this film, I left convinced it would sweep the Oscars. The film chronicles the life and times of Eugene Allen, an African-American, who escapes the JIM CROW south to become the head Butler in the White House serving 8 United States Presidents over 30 years. It is expansive in its breath and historical scope. This "Forrest Gumpian" tale begins with Allen's family toiling as sharecroppers (glorified slavery) in a Virginia cotton field while his mother is raped by a white field-hand. Confounded and terrified by the horrific events, Allen helplessly watches as his father is also murdered by the rapist. Director Lee Daniels brilliantly and expertly harkens back to the classic philosophical/political debate between W.E.B DuBois and Booker T. Washington while unraveling the relationship between the more cautious White House Butler and his revolutionary, "Black Power" influenced son. The cast is magnificent. Forrest Whitaker gives his trademark brilliant performance. Cuba Gooding Jr. and Lenny Kravitz are excellent. And, Oprah Winfrey, in her role as the Butler's wife, reminded me of why we ALL once loved her!!!! Whitaker and Oprah were extraordinary, and should have been nominated for Oscars.
The Holy Spirit: "Fruitvale Station"
Before Trayvon Martin, there was Oscar Grant!! Poignant! Provocative! Simple! Sensational! This indie film lays bear the remnants of Slavery and Jim Crow. Author and scholar Michele Alexander calls it THE NEW JIM CROW. The "New Jim Crow" manifests itself as the spirit that lingers in our psychic DNA. Director Ryan Coogler tells the story of 22 year-old Oscar Grant III who was shot and killed by a transit Police Officer while riding the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) with friends on January 1, 2009. The film shadows Grant's last days as he tries to piece together a life for himself, his girlfriend and daughter. A life that had been torn asunder by a combination of bad choices and the "cradle to prison" syndrome which particularly haunts young black males ensnared by the age-old "war on drugs" and the new age of mass incarceration. The movie is an elegant expose' of how society views and values (or devalues) African-American youth. At the end of the day, it is a film about family...the 21st Century Black family..."post-racial" America..."post-Obama" America....a film about the vices and virtues of being human. Michael B. Jordan is extraordinary in his portrayal of Oscar and Melonie Diaz is equally impressive as his girlfriend, Sophina. And, what can be said of Octavia Spencer who plays Oscar's mother. The caring, doting, long-suffering mother who loved her "only begotten son" so much she insisted Oscar take the BART rather than risk drinking and driving on that fateful night. A mother who lived to regret her insistence...
"12 Years A Slave"/"The Butler"/"Fruitvale Station"
Slavery/Jim Crow/"New Jim Crow"
Father/Son/Holy Spirit
Preach!!
I first believed that these movies should constitute an "old school" box-set gifted to all young millennials. I've now amended my target audience to include ALL people of conscious, young and old. The amendment of thought occured this week after attending a celebration observing the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. At that celebration, I was overwhelmed by a group of middle-school children whose theatrical performances and poetic recitations affirmed not only King's legacy but their own self-worth and commitment to social consciousness. I, and many in attendance, held back tears as the kids MARCHED proudly off the stage.
It's no coincidence that all three movies in the "Trinity" are based on true stories. Once again, it confirms the old adage that fact is at least as interesting as fiction. So, let this monumental year of movie-making inspire us to lift up the "Holy Trinity." And, while we venture into "unchartered territory," continue to MARCH toward freedom and equality!
