Yes, ‘Sinners’ actors deserve public apology for that slur
Black History Month should be one of celebrating triumph, honoring achievements in Black history, and for a fleeting moment, feeling you can exhale. So, it’s deeply frustrating that Black people have had to remind others again that calling us the n-word under any circumstance is disrespectful and why other people can’t say the word.
In case you hadn’t been following, John Davidson, Tourette’s advocate and subject of film “I Swear,” yelled the n-word while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting a BAFTA Award. Hannah Beachler, Oscar-winning production designer who worked on “Sinners,” said Davidson also hurled the word at her and another Black person. He has since offered a statement and offered to apologize to them directly.
People have explained Davidson’s disability ad nauseam, but that commentary has been a hurtful reminder that Black personhood is a constant afterthought. Beachler, Jordan and Lindo have not received an apology that acknowledges their pain, yet they (and Black people) have been given many excuses and reasons why we should simply accept its use in this instance. In depriotizing their hurt, we send a message that Black feelings simply do not matter and apologizing isn’t necessary.
Ironically, the BBC published a 2020 article about the n-word’s history, usage, and why Black people should be listened to regarding it. The detailed read leans into the complexities of the word in the United States and in the United Kingdom.
Need to know:
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Florida’s Black history museum faces funding uncertainty
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INSIDE THE 305:
Feds say former North Miami mayor lived a 30-year lie, move to strip him of citizenship
From the moment Philippe Bien-Aime stepped foot in the United States on July 25, 1995, immigration authorities say the Haitian native has been living a lie.
Historic Overtown nightclub celebrated during Black History Month
A legendary Overtown nightclub manager and a Miami Beach businessman who played a pivotal role in nightclub culture in the predominantly Black neighborhood will be honored with an immersive jazz experience in Liberty City.
OUTSIDE THE 305:
Mississippi’s Black Voters Brace for Elections Ruling That Could Gut Supreme Court Clout
Mississippi’s Black voters recently won a victory that puts them on the brink of having greater sway over who sits on the state’s Supreme Court, the Marshal Project in partnership with Bolts reported. But that win may be short-lived. In the coming months, the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on a case that could weaken or overturn key parts of the Voting Rights Act.
‘Sinners’ is so much bigger than the BAFTA chaos around it
CNN’s Lisa Respers France wrote about Sinners’ being a statement on racial injustice and the interconnectedness of history, religion, faith, music and family trauma and how the BAFTA’s handling of stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo being called the n-word sits at the crux of that.
HIGH CULTURE: The Black Collective is holding its People’s Movement Assembly
As this week has shown us, political and social activism are much needed at time when Black people are subjected to consistent racism. The Black Collective is holding its People’s Movement Assembly with an array of workshops focused on legal rights, immigration and voter registration among other topics to inform and foster political education among Black Miamians. Those interested can register for the daylong event https://www.theblkcollective.org/pma.