Last night, I had to give some props to BET. I got the chance to see two highly acclaimed films that I missed the first time around: The Great Debaters and The Ditch Digger's Daughters. I think everyone should see these films for many reasons.
Based on a true story, The Great Debaters stars Academy Award winners Denzel Washington and Forrest Whittaker. There is an amazing young supportive cast. The film chronicles the successes of the Wiley College debate team in Texas. Future Civil Rights Leader James Farmer, Jr. was a member of this team at age 15. They were undefeated and competed against Harvard University. I was impressed with the arguments given, the research in preparation, the obstacles faced, and just seeing people of color embrace education. Young people need to see that education is NOT just for rights.
The Ditch Digger's Daughters (produced by Oprah's company Harpo Films) echos the same message. Carl Lumbly (known for his role in the all-women police drama, Cagney & Lacy) A black man who has six daughters fights to educate all of them to be doctors. He gives them every advantage and opportunity so that they succeed. He sees all his kids potential and does not except excuses from them, bad grades, prohibits dating because he reminds them that a few minutes of pleasure could have devastating consequences. He explains to his daughters that a "C" is not a good grade when you are black. You have to be six times better.
I made my daughters watch this film because frankly, its messages are still applicable and pertinent today. Even though we (black people) can move around freely in society, some attitudes have not changed in society about us. People still think we are stupid and we aren't. Again, young people need to know what they are capable of. My girlfriend was bugging me to read this book for years. After seeing this movie, I'm running out to get the book.
It's nice that BET got something right.
Posted By: Marsha Jones
Monday, September 13th 2010 at 9:26AM
You can also
click
here to view all posts by this author...
