Entertainment
Sidney Poitier – Hollywood’s first Black leading man reflected the civil rights movement on screen
Aram Goudsouzian, University of Memphis
In the summer of 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. introduced the keynote speaker for the 10th-anniversary convention banquet of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Their guest, he said, was his “soul brother.”
“He has carved for himself an imperishable niche in the annals of our nation’s history,” King told the audience of 2,000 delegates. “I consider him a friend. I consider him a great friend of humanity.”
That man was Sidney Poitier.
Poitier, who died at 94 on Jan. 7, 2022, broke the mold of what a Black actor could be in Hollywood. Before the 1950s, Black movie characters generally reflected racist stereotypes such as lazy servants and beefy mammies. Then came Poitier, the only Black man to consistently win leading roles in major films from the late 1950s through the late 1960s. Like King, Poitier projected ideals of respectability and integrity. He attracted not only the loyalty of African Americans, but also the goodwill of white liberals.
In my biography of him, titled “Sidney Poitier: Man, Actor, Icon,” I sought to capture his whole life, including his incredible rags-to-riches arc, his sizzling vitality on screen, his personal triumphs and foibles and his quest to live up to the values set forth by his Bahamian parents. But the most fascinating aspect of Poitier’s career, to me, was his political and racial symbolism. In many ways, his screen life intertwined with that of the civil rights movement – and King himself.
An age of protests
In three separate columns in 1957, 1961 and 1962, a New York Daily News columnist named Dorothy Masters marveled that Poitier had the warmth and charisma of a minister. Poitier lent his name and resources to King’s causes, and he participated in demonstrations such as the 1957 Prayer Pilgrimage and the 1963 March on Washington. In this era of sit-ins, Freedom Rides and mass marches, activists engaged in nonviolent sacrifice not only to highlight racist oppression, but also to win broader sympathy for the cause of civil rights.
In that same vein, Poitier deliberately chose to portray characters who radiated goodness. They had decent values and helped white characters, and they often sacrificed themselves. He earned his first star billing in 1958, in “The Defiant Ones,” in which he played an escaped prisoner handcuffed to a racist played by Tony Curtis. At the end, with the chain unbound, Poitier jumps off a train to stick with his new white friend. Writer James Baldwin reported seeing the film on Broadway, where white audiences clapped with reassurance, their racial guilt alleviated. When he saw it again in Harlem, members of the predominantly Black audience yelled “Get back on the train, you fool!”
King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. In that same year, Poitier won the Oscar for Best Actor for “Lilies of the Field,” in which he played Homer Smith, a traveling handyman who builds a chapel for German nuns out of the goodness of his heart. The sweet, low-budget movie was a surprise hit. In its own way, like the horrifying footage of water hoses and police dogs attacking civil rights activists, it fostered swelling support for racial integration.
A better man
By the time of the actor’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference speech, both King and Poitier seemed to have a slipping grip on the American public. Bloody and destructive riots plagued the nation’s cities, reflecting the enduring discontent of many poor African Americans. The swelling calls for “Black Power” challenged the ideals of nonviolence and racial brotherhood – ideals associated with both King and Poitier.
When Poitier stepped to the lectern that evening, he lamented the “greed, selfishness, indifference to the suffering of others, corruption of our value system, and a moral deterioration that has already scarred our souls irrevocably.” “On my bad days,” he said, “I am guilty of suspecting that there is a national death wish.”
By the late 1960s, both King and Poitier had reached a crossroads. Federal legislation was dismantling Jim Crow in the South, but African Americans still suffered from limited opportunity. King prescribed a “revolution of values,” denounced the Vietnam War, and launched a Poor People’s Campaign. Poitier, in his 1967 speech for the SCLC, said that King, by adhering to his convictions for social justice and human dignity, “has made a better man of me.”
Exceptional characters
Poitier tried to adhere to his own convictions. As long as he was the only Black leading man, he insisted on playing the same kind of hero. But in the era of Black Power, had Poitier’s saintly hero become another stereotype? His rage was repressed, his sexuality stifled. A Black critic, writing in The New York Times, asked “Why Does White America Love Sidney Poitier So?”
That critic had a point: As Poitier himself knew, his films created too-perfect characters. Although the films allowed white audiences to appreciate a Black man, they also implied that racial equality depends on such exceptional characters, stripped of any racial baggage. From late 1967 into early 1968, three of Poitier’s movies owned the top spot at the box office, and a poll ranked him the most bankable star in Hollywood.
Each film provided a hero who soothed the liberal center. His mannered schoolteacher in “To Sir, With Love” tames a class of teenage ruffians in London’s East End. His razor-sharp detective in “In the Heat of the Night” helps a crotchety white Southern sheriff solve a murder. His world-renowned doctor in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” marries a white woman, but only after winning the blessing of her parents.
“I try to make movies about the dignity, nobility, the magnificence of human life,” he insisted. Audiences flocked to his films, in part, because he transcended racial division and social despair – even as more African Americans, baby boomers and film critics tired of the old-fashioned do-gooder spirit of these movies.
Intertwined lives
And then, the lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Sidney Poitier intersected one final time. After King’s assassination on April 4, 1968, Poitier was a stand-in for the ideal that King embodied. When he presented at the Academy Awards, Poitier won a massive ovation. “In the Heat of the Night” and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” captured most of the major awards. Hollywood again dealt with the nation’s racial upheaval through Poitier movies.
But after King’s violent murder, the Poitier icon no longer captured the national mood. In the 1970s, a generation of “Blaxploitation” films featured violent, sexually charged heroes. They were a reaction against the image of a Black leading man associated with Poitier. Although his career evolved, Poitier was no longer a superstar, and he no longer bore the burden of representing the Black freedom movement. Yet for a generation, he had served as popular culture’s preeminent expression of the ideals of Martin Luther King.
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Aram Goudsouzian, Bizot Family Professor of History, University of Memphis
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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If you’ve ever been curious about what happens when teenage angst meets architectural ingenuity, look no further than the 1974 made-for-TV gem, Bad Ronald. Or as I like to call it, Weirdo in the Wall. This film is a delightful concoction of horror, comedy, and a generous sprinkle of nostalgia that will leave you wondering how we survived the ’70s without a full-time psychologist on speed dial.
Plot Summary: The Rise and Fall of Ronald Willoughby
Meet Ronald Willoughby (Scott Jacoby), your average socially awkward teen who just wants to fit in. Spoiler alert: he doesn’t. After a disastrous attempt to woo the girl next door (who, let’s be honest, could have used a lesson in kindness), Ronald accidentally becomes a headline in a tragic newspaper article when he gets into a scuffle with a pint-sized brat on a bicycle. In a moment of Hulk-like rage, he inadvertently causes the child’s untimely demise. Oops.
Now, instead of grounding him for life, his doting mother (Kim Hunter ) decides to take drastic measures. She removes the door to their second bathroom (because who needs two bathrooms, right?) and seals it up behind wallpaper, turning it into Ronald’s very own secret lair. The kid’s got a toolkit and a flair for construction, so he transforms this “bathroom” into a full-fledged hideout. Who knew the walls of suburban homes could house such dark creativity?
Location, Location, Location!
Shot in a charming Victorian house that screams “I have secrets,” Bad Ronald takes full advantage of its single-location setup. You’ve got your classic early 1900’s architecture, a basement that’s straight out of a horror flick, and a backyard pool party scene that serves as a stark contrast to the psychological turmoil bubbling beneath the surface. The film’s backdrop is almost a character in itself, and you can’t help but wonder if they filmed this in a neighbor’s yard. (Hey, if you’re going to terrorize kids, at least do it with style!)
A Time Capsule of 1974
This film is a delightful snapshot of the early ’70s, a time when Ronald Reagan was running the show in California (yes, I’m pretty sure he was the governor back then) and the world was still reeling from the shenanigans of Richard Nixon. It’s fascinating to see how societal norms and family dynamics from that era play out in this bizarre narrative. You can almost hear the distant echoes of bell-bottoms and disco balls as Ronald navigates his tragic teenage years.
Creepy Comedy Gold
Let’s not forget the humor! The film manages to blend horror and unintentional comedy in a way that makes you chuckle even while you cringe. The awkwardness of Ronald’s interactions, the cluelessness of adults around him, and the sheer absurdity of his situation lend a comedic touch that keeps you entertained. It’s like a tragic comedy where the punchline is hidden behind layers of wallpaper and misplaced parental guidance.
Final Thoughts
Bad Ronald may not have won any Oscars, but it certainly holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate a good dose of vintage horror with a side of unintentional comedy. It’s a film that reminds us of the weirdness of adolescence and the lengths we go to escape our problems—like hiding in the walls of your house. So, the next time you’re feeling nostalgic for the days of yore, give this little gem a watch. Just remember, if you hear noises coming from the walls, it might be time to call a contractor… or a therapist.
In the end, Bad Ronald serves as a quirky reminder that sometimes, the most bizarre tales come from the most ordinary of places. And who knows? You might just find yourself rooting for the “bad” kid who’s really just misunderstood. 50 years later, this film still knows how to leave you both amused and slightly horrified—just like any good horror story should!
Check out the movie details on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071186/
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Festivals
From Howard to Hollywood: The 2nd Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival Brings Star-Studded Lineup to Howard University
The excitement is palpable as the 2nd Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival prepares to take center stage at the historic Howard University in Washington, D.C., from November 8-10, 2024. Celebrating the richness of Black cinema and the inspiring creativity from Historically Black College and University filmmakers, this festival promises an unforgettable experience for attendees.
A Premiere Celebration of HBCU Talent
The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival holds a unique position as the nation’s only festival dedicated exclusively to celebrating HBCU-educated filmmakers, executives, and content creators. With a focus on “A Celebration of Black Cinema x Activism,” this three-day fête is not just about showcasing films; it’s about building bridges from HBCUs to Hollywood, offering invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and career development.
Unveiling an Impressive Lineup
This year’s festival features a stellar lineup of celebrities and changemakers, including NAACP Image Award-winning actress Naturi Naughton-Lewis, who will be engaging in a revealing conversation about the power, passion, and perseverance required in today’s entertainment industry. The discussion will be moderated by none other than Emmy Award-winning host and comedienne Loni Love.
Additionally, attendees can look forward to a masterclass with showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll, known for her work on “All American” and “Found.” For those seeking career advice, Keanna “KJ” Rose, a 2024 “I Aspire” 100 honoree and FAMU alum, will provide invaluable insights into career development.
Spotlight on Cinema and Activism
The festival doesn’t stop at panels and discussions. It also features film screenings, including a talkback session with the cast and crew of the true crime series “Killer Relationships with Faith Jenkins.” The My HBCU Joy Awards Luncheon is set to honor notable figures such as Keshia Knight-Pulliam and Stacy Milner.
One of the festival’s highlights is the HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge, which this year received over 200 submissions. The challenge provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent, with three winners set to receive internships, fast-tracking their entrance into the film industry.
Engaging Sessions and Iconic Films
Participants will delve into rich discussions celebrating iconic Black film titles. Sessions like “STRICTLY BUSINESS” will explore independent filmmaking and entrepreneurship, while “THE BLACK GODFATHER” will cover documentary filmmaking and music licensing. Attendees can also look forward to sessions inspired by films like “BEAUTY SHOP” and “DREAMGIRLS,” offering insights into costume design, character makeup, and the journeys of young Black actresses.
Save the Date and Be Part of the Movement
For students, filmmakers, and cinephiles, the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival is an unmissable event. Tickets are available at hbcufirstlook.com and through the HBCU First LOOK Festival app. Follow the festival’s social media platforms for the latest updates and join the conversation using hashtags #hbcufirstlook, #blackfilmmakers, and #IAspirechallenge.
A Festival with Vision and Purpose
Founded by Howard University alum Sheila Eldridge, the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival is more than just a festival; it’s a movement aiming to inspire and equip the next generation of diverse talent in the film and television industries. The festival’s mission is supported by a robust lineup of sponsors and media partners, including AARP, NBC Universal, and Howard University Television + Film, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful experience for all participants.
This November, come celebrate a vibrant community of storytellers and creators who are redefining the future of cinema, right here at the heart of Howard University. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, an industry professional, or a lover of cinema, the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival is set to be an inspiring and transformative experience.
From Howard to Hollywood
Read the press release: https://www.hbcufirstlook.com/post/hbcu-first-look-film-festival-announces-2024-i-aspire-100-2nd-annual-festival-returns-to-howard-un
SOURCE Miles Ahead Entertainment
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
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Senior Pickleball Report
Meet Kim Kesner: Get Ready for an Exciting Episode of People of Pickleball Podcast!
Pickleball fans, tune in to a new podcast episode featuring Kim Kesner. Discover her journey, achievements, and insights on the evolving pickleball scene.
Hey, pickleball enthusiasts! Get ready for a thrilling new episode of the “People of Pickleball” podcast, where host Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa sits down with the incredible Kim Kesner from the National Pickleball League’s Kansas City Stingers. This episode promises an engaging mix of athletic journey insights, strategic discussions, and personal stories that will inspire every pickleball lover out there.
Meet Kim Kesner
Kim Kesner is not your average pickleball player. Hailing from Denver, Colorado, she boasts a rich history of athletic accomplishments. From college volleyball and softball to becoming a pivotal player in the pickleball world, Kim’s sporting history provides a unique perspective on the game. She’s known for her never-give-up attitude on the court, whether she’s playing singles or doubles.
Achievements and Accolades
In 2023 alone, Kim has clinched 3 gold medals, 3 silver, and 1 bronze medal. Her prowess on the court earned her a 4th place finish at the US Open in the women’s division and a commendable 5th place in mixed doubles at Nationals. Last year, she bagged the prestigious APP Most Improved Player award and made waves with her highly viewed match against Anna Leigh Waters.
The Personal Side of Kim
Beyond pickleball, Kim wears many hats. She’s a dedicated chiropractor and acupuncturist who owns a practice in Denver with her husband, Chad Kesner. The duo is also proud parents to their son, Cole, a rising star in chemical and biomedical engineering and a college football player at South Dakota School of Mines. When not on the court or at her clinic, Kim loves engaging in outdoor activities like dirt biking, snowmobiling, and hiking. Her passion for helping others also sees her treating Lou Gehrig’s disease patients in her free time.
Podcast Highlights
In this episode, listeners can expect an insightful conversation as Mike Sliwa delves into Kim’s entry into pickleball, her thoughts on the evolving game, and the significance of being part of a 50+ professional league. Kim shares her reflections on the rapid growth of pickleball, changes in game tactics, and the joy of playing alongside legends like her Stingers partner, Jen Dawson.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this podcast episode is a treasure trove of strategies, personal anecdotes, and professional growth tips. It’s a celebration of the vibrant community and dynamic spirit that defines pickleball.
Be sure to tune in to “People of Pickleball” to catch all the action and inspiration. This episode with Kim Kesner is not one to miss!
Kim Kesner
https://www.onixpickleball.com
IG:@kimberlykesner
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