VI
Jingle Jangle, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Soul. These three movies came out for the holidays. Jingle Jangle became an instant classic for me, it was magical, uplifting, visually appealing, and although it feels like Christmas, it actually wasn’t overtly about Christmas at all. The message was something that I hope everybody can get behind, nothing is impossible but nothing is possible if we don’t believe. It was also, as are the other two films, a black led production, both behind and in front of the camera.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is the film adaptation of my favorite August Wilson play. For anybody that doesn’t know, August Wilson is one of the most important American playwrights, and Ma Rainey is one of his 10 “Pittsburg Cycle” plays that chronicle the black experience in America, with a play set in each decade. There is already Oscar chatter for the late, great Chadwick Boseman who played the central role, Levee, the young ambitious trumpet player. That role is very dear to my heart, and I loved everything about this rendition of a classic.
And finally, Soul. I haven’t seen Soul yet, and hadn’t heard anything about it until a couple of days ago when I started seeing multiple people sing it’s praises on Facebook. I’ve heard that there may be mixed reviews, but so far everybody who I’ve heard mention it have loved it. I’m gonna see it tonight, and I’m fairly certain I’ll love it. I’m excited and wanted to share these movies, because all three of these movies are black movies, but each one is very different. While there is a collective black experience that binds us together, within that collective experience, our individual narratives are as varied as the stars. And as humans, we benefit from hearing each other's unique stories.
While this year has made us look within to address the damaging legacy of Racism in America, an examination that must continue if we ever hope to heal, I really enjoyed being able to end the year by celebrating black excellence. It should go without saying, black excellence doesn’t mean that everybody can’t be excellent. Everybody should strive for that. I want to see people at their best. Right now is always the best time to do and celebrate our best.
