Tag Archives: Michael B Jordan

Joaquin Phoenix calls BAFTA out on “systemic racism” in film

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Joaquin Phoenix attending the after show party for the 73rd British Academy Film Awards. PA Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 2, 2020. See PA story SHOWBIZ Bafta. Photo credit should read: Matt Crossick/PA Wire

Joaquin Phoenix received the best leading actor award at the British Academy Film Awards on February 2, 2020. As he received his award he gave a scathing speech that called out the film industry on it’s biases.”We send a very clear message to people of color, that you are not welcome here. I think thats the message were sending to people who have contributed so much to our medium and our industry and in ways that we benefit from.” said Phoenix

Phoenix is shining the light on an ongoing problem in the film industry. In 2016 the Oscars were called to task when an #OscarsSoWhite movement/boycott was started. In that year all 20 actors nominated in the lead and supporting acting categories are white.

The biases that exist in the film industry are engrained in the fabric of white supremacy. Phoenix addresses this in his speech “We have to really do the hard work to truly understand systemic racism.” he said. He also mentions he has been part of the problem.

The Oscars seemed to be headed down the same road this year when the nominees were being announced for the 92 annual show. Cynthia Erivo quickly shifted that narrative with her best actress nomination for Harriet. That helps the Oscars avoid the shutout but still does not fully address the lack of diversity. Many actors have require inclusion riders in their contracts to address diversity on the set before they take roles. This is a direct response to business as usual and holds studios accountable.

Actors and actresses like Ben Affleck, Frances Mcdermott, Matt Damon and Michael B. Jordan have all adopted this practice to create a more equitable and fair industry. On March 7, 2018 Michael B Jordan announced from his instagram that his company Outlier Society would be adopting the inclusion rider. “In support of the women & men who are leading this fight, I will be adopting the Inclusion Rider for all projects produced by my company Outlier Society. I’ve been privileged to work with powerful woman & persons of color throughout my career & it’s Outlier’s mission to continue to create for talented individuals going forward.” posted Jordan

Take a look at Jaoquin’s speech below.

Stream “It’s On Me” by Precise

The Power UP!! – What does your soul look like? – Oscar Grant – Trayvon Martin – Keith Cozart

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When it comes to this blog my intention is to share my experience and provide something uplifting and positive for the mass. The past month has been a whirlwind when it comes to what is happening in the news. The way that the news is reported via television and the internet is extremely immediate. Everyone has an opinion as to what is right or wrong. So much of what is reported in sensational and tends to spark discussions that are impassioned and driven by emotion. Generally I strive to stay away from these type of discussions. I am in the process of retraining my mind body and soul. In order to maintain a sense of peace and balance I work to feed myself things that add to the awesomeness that the creator has blessed us with.

fruitvale_stationFruitvale Station is an amazing movie starring Michael B Jordan in the role of Oscar Grant. Oscar Grant was shot on the mass transit platform by an Oakland Police officer while being detained New Years Day 2009. The murder of Oscar Grant prompted riots and demonstrations that ultimately led to the resignation of the police chief and a 2 year prison term for the officer who killed Oscar. The Officer only served 11 months.

After watching the movie I was moved to tears. I knew what happened already however as with many of these type of stories when they are told in 140 characters or less or on the nightly news something is always missing. The spirit and soul of the person who lost his/her life is hardly ever focused on. These young men are loosing their lives. They have families and loved ones. They are human. Michael B Jordan’s portrayal of Oscar Grant reminds the world of this.

OscarGrantandTatiannaOscar Grant and his daughter Tatiana

The release of this movie was timely. In light of George Zimmerman who killed Trayvon Martin but was found innocent because of the Stand Your Ground law in the state of Florida.

I didn’t watch the proceedings up until the last few minutes when the words innocent rang through the courtroom. I was shocked. During the trial I would check my Facebook feed and notice how attention was being focused on Trayvon’s friend, on how Trayvon looked his drug usage and other issues that have nothing to do with why he was murdered. His life was taken and it feels as though no justice was given. He was a young man with his life in front of him. He had family and friends who love him. He was human.

trayvon_martin_dad1Trayvon Martin and his father Tracy Martin

The media is all around us and is embedded in every facet of our lives. It is not some benign force that does not affect change. Used properly it can change lives and change the world. In this shift that is happening in our universe in this moment there seems to be a determined focus on those things that do not promote our good.

More specifically black men are being portrayed as heartless, uneducated and hopeless individuals.

Whenever I tell people I am from Chicago these days I get “The Questions”. They ask me… “Whats going on in Chicago?” “Are you scared for your life?” “Are you going to move?”

Most of these people only know what they are being fed in the media. Chicago is NOT the war zone that people will have you believe. The youth have not lost their minds. They are warriors for change with limited direction. There is a lack of focus as to what is causing this violence. The focus is on the killing and not the change. In the midst of all of this The “Concealed Carry” Law was just implemented in Illinois.

In the midst of this killing among our youth one of the most powerful tools of the media is being used to promote the lifestyle that is adding the dehumanization of black men throughout the world. Poverty is being exploited and our youth who are looking for a way out are providing the mass with what the media wants.

Music specifically Rap Music and the culture of Hip Hop has been hijacked and is being used as a tool drive our young men into free labor. Its not a secret. Its hidden in plain sight.

A portrait is being painted of our youth that is not true. They are not savages. They have SOULS!

chief-keefanddaughterKeith (Chief Keef) Cozart and his daughter Kayden

This is for the world to know. We are living breathing human beings with souls. Our lives have value. 

Refocus our energy on this connection to our soul. We are great and can change this world. Life is AWESOME!!! LETS LIVE!!!  Are you with me?

-Precise

What are your thoughts on this? I would like to know. Leave A Comment, Like and Share this post.

Listen to and Buy “It’s On Me” produced by Tye Hill and D.J. Thunder.