Today has been...interesting to say the least. On one hand it's a day to remember and reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, who was born on this day in 1929. For sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, it's a day to celebrate our 107 years of sisterhood and service. On the other hand, the amazing film, Selma, directed by Soror Ava DuVernay about the King-led Selma marches was snubbed by Oscars thanks to a well-orchestrated smear campaign created by people mad at the fact that LBJ wasn't positioned as the hero of the film. Yes, Selma got Best Picture and Best Original Song nods, but DuVernay and David Oyelowo weren't recognized for their extraordinary work. If you've seen Selma, you know why this is a PROBLEM.
Basically, DuVernay and Oyelowo were punished for not making a white savior movie. Ava said she wasn't interested in this well-worn path, and apparently being apologetic about it is a no-no. Let that sink in for a minute. God forbid that Black people actually save and empower themselves on screen...and in real life. Jan. 15, an interesting day indeed.
Say no to the white savior-loving Oscars and stay random,
Jay
