I and my family, for Black History Month, recently attended the Black Film Festival to see a movie called "The Black Candle." Following this profound movie, I apologized to them for not elevating the celebration of Kwanzaa and it principles as the guiding force in our family's lives. Our previous observances have been half hearted. But no more. I firmly believe this film should be required viewing.
This movie holds a mirror up to ourselves and why, as a people globally, we seem to be disconnected from one another, and why so many of our children and our men aren't living up to our full potential as strong leaders of our families and communities. The Black Candle also shows us the path out of the major obstacles we face. As President Obama says, we are the ones we have been waiting for. The most profound figure shared in the movie: Black Americans spend $800 billion annually and less than 3% of this with Black owned businesses. Jews, Koreans and other minorities will go out of their way to spend with their own and make no apologies about it. We must change this pattern of economic self distruction for the sake of our children.
You won't find this movie appearing in the major theaters because white theatre owners say that Black people don't want to see Black movies of historical consequence. In the 30's and 40's Black made films were shown in Black owned theatres. What if today's big Black mega churches offered "Black Family Movie Night" twice a month as a distribution outlet for Black films. And what if movie tickets were sold at the going rate, with ticket revenue shared between the churches and the film makers, allowing them to create more movies and hire more Black actors who can't find work.
Narrated by Maya Angelou and directed by M.K. Asante, Jr., The Black Candle is a landmark, vibrant documentary that uses Kwanzaa as a vehicle to explore and celebrate the African-American experience.
Listen to M.K. Asante Jr. The Creator of The Black Candle And See Movie Excerpts:
Who Created Kwanzaa And Why? As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African.
If You haven't seen the movie yet, I urge you to Buy it online and come back and share your thoughts.
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