Discover Why Insightful Media Expert Raqiyah Mays Feels Harriet Is A Must See Movie!

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See Why Highly Regarded Writer And Journalist Raqiyah Mays Feels Harriet Is An Empowering - "#Must See" Movie 

By Raqiyah Mays
Saw Harriet last night. In the end, I found myself trying to remember the last time I watched something about slavery that left me feeling proud. Most recently, there was the TV Show "Underground" and now Harriet.

I found this movie empowering. Focused on the story of a woman who early on couldn't read or use a gun, and then literally, by the grace of God, escapes slavery - alone - and gains the courage to return to the South, multiple times, to save her family and hundreds of other slaves. I saw the clear goal of Harriet in showing the resilient strength of our people, especially sistas, and the cunning strategic tactics our ancestors used to survive and escape bondage. I felt relieved seeing this moment in our history documented cinematically for the world to see.

Now...
There are historical inaccuracies. Remember: It's Hollywood. "Based on a true story" means that there will be creative license taken. This is not a documentary.

SOME of what is in this film is true. The fiction comes with made-up characters that, according to the social media historians, did not exist. Of course, I can't say this for sure. I'd have to talk to director Kasi Lemmons to be precise.

African Americans In New York State benefiting From Formation of NY State Largest Chamber LIAACC

New York, New York – The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. pioneering ways are impacting the growth potential of small business owners in New York State. New York State’s largest African American Chamber of Commerce LIAACC (Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.) is taking a proactive approach to empowering African American Businesses in New York State through its campaign to retool, refocus and rebuild Black Wall Street.

We are requesting business owners and professional service providers to join our movement as leading chamber of commerce in New York State fostering small business growth in the region. The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is not only the people’s champion.

 

Article On The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Continues Below

Is It Right To Railroad The Movie "Harriet" With A Boycott?

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The Movie Harriet Get's Railroaded On Issues Having Nothing To Do With The Portrayal Of This Legendary Icon Of The Underground Railroad 

By Kamau Austin

Despite the furor and controversy I am supporting the film "Harriet."  The film directed by Kasi Lemmons and starring Cynthia Erivo as Tubman, Leslie Odom Jr., and Janelle Monáe, is based on the legendary, iconic anti-slavery and Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman.  Harriet Tubman, was a 5ft Moses like real life superhero who is glossed over in history and the kind of person I'd like to see portrayed in film and TV more often.  So why are Blacks boycotting the movie?

I've listened to ADOS leaders, woke folks, and others who have interesting commentary on why we should boycott the movie.  Some of this controversy has interesting merit however, a lot of the complaints on Harriet are reaching. But what are the criticisms for boycotting the movie?

In short the major complaints about the movie are:

• The actress Cynthia Erivo, is British, of Nigerian descent - not ADOS (American Descendents Of Slaves).
• The actress Cynthia Erivo made a statement some people considered insulting to Black Americans about her learning ghetto dialects or something.
• The movie suggested a loving interest by the white slaver who is also portrayed as a savior in the movie.
• They don't like the Black bounty hunter - he's a stereotype of hateful Black men.
• Comcast which owns the film is attacking some Civil Rights Laws with Trumps DOJ.  In my opinion some of these are valid concerns but others are reaching.  Let's unwrap some of these critiques...

Cynthia Erivo gives a stirring performance singing the theme song she helped write

"Stand Up!"

Korean War Veteran Honored Posthumously

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SAMUEL LAWRENCE CRAWFORD, A BLACK U.S. ARMY PRIVATE WHO SERVED IN THE KOREAN WAR, POSTHUMOUSLY HONORED

Wilmington, DE -- United States Army Private First Class Samuel Lawrence Crawford was recently recognized for his service as a MIA Korean War Veteran during a ceremony and dedication of a permanent memorial in his honor. He was also posthumously awarded a State of Delaware high school diploma. His sister and only sibling, Mrs. Rosa Lee Crawford Guy, represented him.

Crawford was born on October 21, 1932 and was a 17-year old residing in Wilmington, Delaware at the time he entered the Army (previously resided in Southbridge). He attended Ezion Fair Baptist Church, and enlisted in the Army in 1950 after completing his junior year in the Wilmington School District.

PFC Crawford entered the United States Army from Wilmington, Delaware and served in Company L, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. His occupation or specialty was Light Weapons Infantryman. He was reported missing in action on November 27, 1950, though specific details are unknown, and it is not clear which group from Company L he was with at the time of his loss.

He was never reported as a prisoner of war, and attempts to locate or recover his remains have been unsuccessful. He is a Purple Heart recipient.