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.
[Get the best of The Conversation, every weekend. Sign up for our weekly newsletter.]
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.
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Consumer Corner
ECOVACS Robotic Vacuum Cleaner DEEBOT X8 with OZMO ROLLER Technology: A Leap Forward in Robotics at CES 2025
At CES 2025, ECOVACS showcases the DEEBOT X8 Family of robotic vacuum cleaners, featuring the OZMO ROLLER Instant Self-Washing Technology. A diverse lineup of advanced service robotics was also presented, including the GOAT A&O Family robot lawn mowers and the WINBOT W2 PRO OMNI and WINBOT MINI robotic window cleaners.
LAS VEGAS /PRNewswire/ — From January 7th to 10th, ECOVACS Group, the global leader in service robotics and intelligent home appliances, demonstrates its industry-leading expertise at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. The event showcases ECOVACS’ unmatched expertise and innovation, particularly highlighting the DEEBOT X8 Family, which features the revolutionary OZMO ROLLER Instant Self-Washing Technology. This breakthrough marks a pivotal moment in robotics, setting the stage for the global launch of this model and promising to redefine industry standards.
As the world’s top brand in home service robotics, ECOVACS continues to drive the industry forward with its unwavering commitment to technological advancement. David Cheng Qian, Vice Chairman of ECOVACS Group and CEO of ECOVACS ROBOTICS, emphasized the company’s strategy: “Our latest innovations not only underscore ECOVACS’ leadership but also reflect our dedication to pioneering robotics solutions that anticipate and meet evolving consumer needs. We remain steadfast in our mission to advance robotics, constantly refining our offerings to deliver unparalleled value to our users worldwide.”
ECOVACS
The DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI: Ushering in a New Era of Robotics with OZMO ROLLER Mopping Technology
The DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI stands out with its OZMO ROLLER Instant Self-Washing Mopping Technology, which equips robotic vacuum cleaners with capabilities rivaling professional floor washers. This innovative design enables ultra-high pressure and speed with a real-time self-washing system to ensure uniform cleaning capability, significantly reducing contamination during the mopping process.
The DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI not only features groundbreaking OZMO ROLLER technology but also incorporates cutting-edge navigation and artificial intelligence, providing a comprehensive and intelligent cleaning solution. Since its introduction in China in September 2024, the DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI has dramatically reshaped the premium robotic vacuum sector, capturing an impressive 68% online market share during the Chinese Double 11 shopping festival. With its impending global launch, this model is set to replicate its success on a worldwide scale, revolutionizing cleaning practices across the globe.
Beyond the DEEBOT X8 Family, ECOVACS introduces the DEEBOT T50 Family, headlined by the T50 MAX. This flagship model features ECOVACS’ cutting-edge BLAST (Boosted Large-Airflow Suction Technology), a technology that redefines cleaning capabilities. With its combination of Maximized Airflow and Sufficient Vacuum Level, it delivers a maximum air volume of 16.3L per second and an enhanced suction power of up to 18500Pa. This enables the T50 MAX to increase its Large Particles Pick-Up Rate by 100% and boost its Carpet Dust Cleaning by 93%, making it an optimal choice for families with large area carpets. Also joining the lineup is the T50 PRO OMNI, featuring an ultra-slim design specifically engineered for accessing tight spaces such as under sofas and beds. Additionally, the X5 HYBRID makes its global debut.
The GOAT A&O Family: Redefining Excellence in Smart Garden Maintenance
Since its debut in 2022, the robotic lawn mower GOAT series has been highly acclaimed across Europe, with 40,000 units sold within a single year by 2024. The new GOAT families offer state-of-the-art features and tailored solutions for lawns of all sizes and complexities.
The GOAT A Family, including models A3000 LiDAR and A2500 RTK (known as A1600 RTK in Europe), are designed for medium to large backyards. These mowers deliver exceptional cutting performance, powered by an industry-leading 32V system and achieving a threefold increase in mowing efficiency. For smaller or more intricate garden layouts, the GOAT O Family models, including the O1000 RTK (known as O800 RTK in Europe), excel in efficient and intelligent mowing. Its agility is unmatched, with an extreme path passability of 0.7m and advanced LELS navigation technology, ensuring precision and intelligence in lawn care.
At CES 2025, ECOVACS not only showcases its DEEBOT and GOAT series but also presents its WINBOT series of robotic window cleaners, highlighting the company’s practical and efficient window cleaning solutions.
This demonstration underscores ECOVACS’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional models through technological innovation. As a pioneer in the service robotics industry for 27 years, ECOVACS has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, leveraging its proprietary supply chain and advanced manufacturing capabilities to achieve breakthroughs in core robotics technologies. With the mission “Robotics for All”, ECOVACS ROBOTICS products have reached over 170 major markets worldwide, serving more than 28 million families globally.
According to the financial report, ECOVACS has significantly ramped up its R&D investment, escalating from 549 million yuan in 2021 to 825 million yuan in 2023, achieving a compound annual growth rate of 22.55% from 2021 to 2023. For the first three quarters of 2024, R&D expenditure reached 657 million yuan. By mid-2024, ECOVACS had accumulated 2,242 patents, including 661 invention patents, with 132 of these being overseas invention patents.
ECOVACS and DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI Sweep Awards
DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards. It received the “Indoor Cleaning Solutions Gold Award” at the 2024 IFA Global Product Technology Innovation Awards, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the industry.
The new product also secured the esteemed IDG Award for innovation, recognizing highlights of the robot’s advanced features, including its unique mopping technology, intelligent obstacle avoidance, and AI-powered voice control, and was named “Best of IFA” by Android Headlines, a leading U.S. technology platform from EVG Media.
ECOVACS ROBOTICS has affirmed its leadership in the home robotics industry by receiving the distinguished IDG TOP AWARD, placing it among the 2024-2025 GLOBAL SMART HOME BRANDS TOP 10 at this year’s CES. Moreover, its innovative robotic lawn mower, the GOAT A2500 RTK (known as A1600 RTK in Europe), has been honored with a SPECIAL AWARD recognition, underscoring ECOVACS’ dedication to excellence and innovation in service robotics.
ECOVACS is exhibiting its comprehensive service robotics portfolio at CES 2025 from January 7 to 10. The ECOVACS booth is located at the Venetian Expo, Halls A-D – Booth 52946.
For more information:
Robot Vacuum Cleaners | Auto Cleaning Robots – ECOVACS Website – ECOVACS
https://www.ecovacs.com/us/campaign/ces-2025
SOURCE ECOVACS
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
News
Consumer Technology Association forecasts $537 billion sales in 2025; tariffs could cut U.S. consumer purchasing power of tech up to $143 billion
The Consumer Technology Association forecasts a 3.2% growth in the U.S. tech industry for 2025, but proposed tariffs by President-elect Trump may significantly reduce consumer purchasing power and hurt the sector’s competitiveness.
LAS VEGAS – January 5, 2025 – Announced at the agenda-setting CES® 2025 Tech Trends to Watch, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® projects record retail revenues as the U.S. consumer technology industry grows 3.2% over 2024 to $537 billion in 2025. This signals growth in consumer spending on tech products and services, according to CTA’s U.S. Consumer Technology One-Year Industry Forecast.
Meanwhile, updated CTA research shows the tech products consumers love and rely upon, including smartphones and laptops, are threatened by President-elect Trump’s tariff proposals. CTA’s updated report: “How Proposed Trump Tariffs Increase Prices for Consumer Technology Products” shows:
- Tariffs on technology products could lead to a $90-$143 billion decline in U.S. consumer purchasing power.
- Purchases of laptops and tablets could decline by as much as 68%, consumption of gaming consoles could decline by as much as 58% and consumption of smartphones could decline by up to 37%.
“The tech sector is America’s economic engine, driving global innovation and job creation,” said CTA CEO Gary Shapiro. “Our positive forecast reflects the industry’s strength, but proposed tariffs threaten the deflationary power of tech in the global economy. Tariffs are a tax on American businesses and consumers. We urge the incoming administration and Congress to prioritize an Innovation Agenda that fosters growth.”
“The incoming administration must address how tariffs impact American businesses and consumers,” said CTA Vice President of Trade Ed Brzytwa. “Retaliation from our trading partners raises costs, disrupts supply chains, and hurts the competitiveness of U.S. industries. U.S. trade policy should protect consumers and help American businesses succeed globally.”
If you missed the CES Research Trends presentation, watch the replay of CES 2025 Trends to Watch, presented by CTA at 10 a.m. PT, Monday, January 6.
Methodology
CTA’s U.S. Consumer Technology One-Year Industry Forecast is updated twice a year, informed by qualitative and quantitative input from CTA members, industry experts and third-party data sources.
How The Proposed Trump Tariffs Increase Prices for Consumer Technology Products was commissioned by CTA and undertaken by Trade Partnership Worldwide LLC (TPW). TPW employed a modeling strategy that enables the researchers to estimate the cross-country impacts of changes in trade policy (applying increased tariff rates on top of existing tariff rates) for detailed product categories.
Sign up for CTA Research Insights.
About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®:
As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.
About CES®:
CES is the most powerful tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world’s biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2025 takes place Jan. 7-10, 2025, in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world. https://stmdailynews.com/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Consumer Corner
Amazfit Announces the Active 2; the Ultimate Everyday Smartwatch for Active and Healthy Living
Amazfit launched the Amazfit Active 2 smartwatch at CES 2025, featuring advanced health monitoring, stylish design, over 160 sports modes, and extended battery life, priced from $99.99.
MILPITAS, Calif., Jan. 6, 2025 /CNW/ — Amazfit, a leading global smart wearables brand owned by Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a health technology company, today announced the launch of its latest lifestyle smartwatch: the Amazfit Active 2, a wearable that bridges elegance and functionality.
Debuting at CES 2025 and featured at Pepcom and ShowStoppers media events, the Amazfit Active 2 is a lifestyle statement for fashion conscious and health-oriented consumers who want to monitor their fitness without compromising on aesthetics.
Stylish Design Meets Competitive Advantages
Along with a body crafted from stainless steel, the Amazfit Active 2 boasts a round 1.32-inch high-definition AMOLED display that can reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, ensuring that users can see their exercise data and maps even under bright sunlight. Consumers can choose from two models when purchasing: a premium version priced at $129.99 that features a black genuine leather strap and a resilient sapphire glass screen covering, or a standard version priced at $99.99 that comes with either a red or black sports-style silicone strap for enhanced breathability during exercise. The premium version will also come with one of these sports-style red silicone straps in the box, as a secondary strap option to equip for workouts.
Cutting-Edge Technology
– Latest Generation Biosensor: The BioTracker™ 6.0 PPG biosensor features a dual-LED and 5PD build, which picks up more biometric signals for enhanced precision in health monitoring and measurement. Zepp Health Corporation zepp.com 2
– Upgraded Heart Rate and Sleep Algorithms: The PulsePrecision™ algorithm enhances heart rate tracking accuracy to the level of the Amazfit T-Rex 3, while the RestoreIQ™ algorithm gives sleep monitoring a similar accuracy boost.
– Additional Sensors: Compared to the previous generation of Amazfit Active, the new release adds a barometer for accurate altitude measurements and support of new sports like skiing, along with an accelerometer and gyroscope for precise recognition of sleep and movement, and an ambient light sensor for optimal display under varying light conditions.
– Extended Battery Life: With a robust 10-day battery life under typical use, the Active 2 is a device that won’t need recharging every night.
– Zepp Flow™: Enables users to control their watch settings, adjust their calendar, and more with just their voice, while also granting Android users the ability to reply to instant messages with either keyboard or speech-to-text input.
– Zepp Pay: Users in Europe can experience secure contactless payments when they purchase the premium version, with this model being named the Amazfit Active 2 NFC on European channels.
Fitness and Wellness Features
– Dynamic Fitness Modes: Over 160 sports modes including HYROX Race Mode, a smart Strength Training mode that can auto-detect specific exercises and intelligently count reps, sets, and rest time, and new winter sports like Skiing.
– Offline Maps with Turn Directions: Supported by 5 satellite systems, users can navigate with ease by importing offline maps and route files to the watch that come with turn-by-turn directions, which can be followed on-screen or broadcast via the built-in speaker or the user’s connected Bluetooth headphones.
– Zepp Coach™ Integration: Offers personalized training and running plans, empowering users of all levels to achieve fitness milestones from 3K runs to full marathons.
– Tailored for Women: With the Wild.AI mini app, women can connect to their accounts directly from the watch for personalized wellness insights tied to their menstrual and hormonal cycles.
– Advanced Health Insights: A daily Readiness score summarizes mental and physical recovery and provides actionable insights, while the HRV feature delivers specialized recovery data.
With its stylish design, premium materials, and advanced capabilities, the Amazfit Active 2 delivers exceptional value as the ultimate companion for fitness enthusiasts and trendsetters alike.
Availability and Pricing
The Amazfit Active 2 is now available for pre-order in the United States on us.amazfit.com, and will be available globally in February, via Amazfit’s official website and through retail partners, with prices starting at $99.99 for the standard version and $129.99 for the premium version. Zepp Health Corporation zepp.com 3
For more information, please visit www.amazfit.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
About Amazfit
Amazfit, a leading global smart wearable brand focused on health and fitness, is part of Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a health technology company. Offering a wide selection of smartwatches and bands, Amazfit’s brand tagline “Discover Amazing”, encourages individuals to break their barriers, and exceed expectations while finding joy in every moment.
Amazfit is powered by Zepp Health’s proprietary health management platform that delivers cloud-based 24/7 actionable insights and guidance to help users attain their wellness goals. With outstanding craftsmanship, Amazfit smartwatches have won many design awards, including the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award.
Launched in 2015, Amazfit is today embraced by millions of users. Its products are available in more than 90 countries across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. For more information about Amazfit, visit www.amazfit.com.
SOURCE Amazfit
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
Urbanism1 year agoSignal Hill, California: A Historic Enclave Surrounded by Long Beach
-
News2 years agoDiana Gregory Talks to us about Diana Gregory’s Outreach Services
-
Senior Pickleball Report2 years agoThe Absolute Most Comfortable Pickleball Shoe I’ve Ever Worn!
-
STM Blog2 years agoWorld Naked Gardening Day: Celebrating Body Acceptance and Nature
-
Senior Pickleball Report2 years agoACE PICKLEBALL CLUB TO DEBUT THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED INDOOR PICKLEBALL FRANCHISES IN THE US, IN EARLY 2023
-
Travel2 years agoUnique Experiences at the CitizenM
-
Automotive2 years ago2023 Nissan Sentra pricing starts at $19,950
-
Senior Pickleball Report2 years ago“THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS OF PICKLEBALL” – VOTING OPEN