Lead Us, Don't Feed Us....Hammertime!

I sure hope we don't Hammertime Obama. Remember the mega, big star of the 80's with hits like "Can't Touch This." Hammer was about as big a celebrity as you can get. Now I can hear all of the detractors saying right now; "Is he really about to compare Obama to Hammer? Oh-hell-to-the naw!" But before you go for my throat, hear me out.

Hammer or the people behind him were visionary. Just when rap's biggest stars were the gangstas of NWA or thugs from NYC, Eric B. and Rakim, someone thought up Hammer with Rick James-funk, cross-over appeal. Hammer with his giant heart and ever growing wallet tried to single handedly save his hood. He tried to feed all his people, by giving them jobs and after a series of bad investments, in both people and horses, Hammer eventually failed his underlying mission for saving others. Salvation is Jesus work! You teach people how to feed themselves, you don't feed them. (Man I am about to go somewhere else here so let me bring it back.)

I think that Obama has an equally compassionate heart as Hammer and Jesus did for that matter. But what I need Obama's camp to recognize is that publicity for doing random acts of kindness is not much of a priority right now. Being America's 1st black president and an effective change leader is important.

Obama will be held to a different and higher standard. His every move watched, monitored and criticized (I mean I am doing it right now.) I' m not mad if that brother goes into the Whitehouse tomorrow, rolls up his sleeves and doesn't see us, the American people, for the next four years, as long as he improves our collective situation and standing in the world. I mean he is responsible for doing exactly that.

An article on The Daily Voice, titled Thanksgiving with the Obama's reports that the Obamas have been doing this for four years. Furthermore, that the number of families looking for charitable dinners jumped from 270 last year to 600 families this year. Obama's camp sites that this is an indicator of the tough economic situation. I say, the power and celebrity of being President elect may have may push actual needy families away as new found, Joe the Plummer-esque lobbyist have access to the president as they can get his ear along with a free turkey dinner. A bit cynical, but a bit true.

I think that 'being a man of the people, for the people' is great but may have its limits in an age of celebrity. Were the needy really served or the people because the President Elect is humble enough to serve? Barack Obama has a bold vision of this country. I support his leadership. His graciousness is wonderful too but I have a favorite quote from one of my all-time favorite movies Gladiator; 'I don't pretend to be a man of the people. But I do try to be a man for the people.' (Gracchus) To Obama: Don't feed us, just lead us!

Original Story, Thanksgiving with the Obama's published Nov., 26th on The Daily Voice, by an unnamed Staff Writer.
http://thedailyvoice.com/voice/2008/11/thanksgiving-with-the-obamas-001392.php
http://a.abcnews.com/images/GMA/nm_obama_080303_mn.jpg

If Beale Street Could Walk the Talk

I know that big moves in Hollywood are typically made behind the scenes, but Ima (a combination of I'm and 'a') need ya'll for this one. I need to know what you think.

I have a litany of novels that I intend to option for films but the first is from my man, James Baldwin, titled If Beale Street Could Talk. For a great summary and review check out Blues Lament, by Robert Detweiler. It doesn't matter your weight, age, sex or religion, I just need you to have some familiarity with the story in order to leave comments. If you are not familiar, I recommend picking up a copy today; it is a very quick read and a great story. 

Talk about big moves, James B. was a freedom fighter, world traveler and hell of a writer. James overcame a lot. He was gay way before it was as readily accepted, came from a poor, single parent household and grew up during one of the most racially embattled times in US history.  Perhaps that is why he was such a soldier for the cause. But, what I feel is most laudable about Baldwin is his challenge to, Richard Wright, the Tyler Perry of Baldwin's day. 

Wright's famous book with lead protagonist Bigger, rhymes with *igger, was elevated by critics as a literary masterpiece. I recall reading Wright's book in the 5th grade thinking 'What the..."

Fast forward to today and Follywood has done enough misrepresenting stories for which they have no intrinsic passion, nor perspective. I want to make this movie. I feel that not only is the African-American market ready for a story of substance and prose, but the world is ready to know. This will be a big picture! The Black Fellini with style, grace and his famed composition for portraits will make this a number one box office movie! Street contains themes of isolation, psychological terrorism aka (racism), religiosity, working class economics, features a love to remember and it has a blazing hot love scene too!

Street’s themes are all very contemporary for today's audience. And even tho’ the original author was gay, there is no role of a large black man, dressed as large black woman. The subject matter is too beautiful and intellectual for buffoonery.  Imagine that!