2.5.12 One Moment in Time...

There is a moment [quite defining] in each person's life, when one realizes, most clearly, what it is they are intended to do in this world. As award season continues, [full speed ahead] I am prompted to examine the moment that shaped my being, entertainment. Moreover, acting. I always knew, [early on] that I had a definite interest in entertaining. As a child I went through chorus, dance, band; everything, on a search to find which medium connected efficiently with my spirit. I was just a boy, in middle school, and I had no idea who Denzel Washington or Morgan Freeman were. We were in class, [history] and the film being shown was Glory. I was immediately intrigued. Not only did I see myself on film, but there was something completely transient that read through that TV. The talent of these two actors in a scene together was electrifying and I was captivated, immensely. That moment was inescapable and I have been transfixed by it ever since. After that, there was nothing that could stop me. A few weeks later there were auditions for a musical, Oliver Twist, and I stayed after school to audition. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was told I read well, and that encouragement was all that I needed to connect myself on a path to education in Theatre Performance. It was a catalyst that is vastly responsible for who I proclaim to be today. [I digress.] When the list went up I saw that I had been cast, as the understudy for Oliver. Having no idea about theatre, Oliver Twist, or what any of it meant, I was outraged, and quit the production. [my biggest regret to date] but thats another story for another time... What is your calling? what moment shaped your identity in declaring the sentiments of your heart professionally? sharing is caring.

The Golden Globes from our perspective!

As actors and writers of color, Franceli Chapman and I have come together to give our perspective on the 69th annual Golden Globe Awards Ceremony. It is rather difficult to watch the Golden Globe ceremony without the topic of color arising. Several of us are considering, commentating as well as rallying around: How many of us are in the room? How many of us are nominated? How many of us do we think will win? Latinos and African Americans continue to work hard, defeat odds, and beat down doors to get in the room and what a night it was.

Entertainment is innate. From childhood, one evokes the presence of imagination in efforts to stay amused, find joy, and bring about happiness. In doing so, one begins to seek out images of their own reflection and identity. Although the entertainment industry appears to be one of change and evolution, African Americans and Latinos alike have overwhelming difficulty in shaping a clairvoyant expression consistent with the true essence of their image.
The media continues to shape and create the standards and the stars that strut the red carpet reiterate these images to the viewers at home. As a woman of color, of Latin descent I find it arduous to relate to the images of the Latina woman during the Globes. With a growing number of Latinos affirming their cultural/ancestral roots to Africa, identifying themselves as Afro-Latino where do they fit in during the trump award season. (Watch Black and Latino & see post Politics of Race)

Idris Elba- provided by www.goldenglobes.org

Idris Elba, perhaps a shock to many, won for Best Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries for his performance in Luther. This was the first African American nominee and win of the night. In the press room, Scott Fimer from the Hollywood Reporter touches upon The Wire & his iconic role as “Stringer Bell” not receiving Golden Globe recognition as he is in his first year in Luther and if it was a challenge for Idris to have people see him in a different light. See his response here: Press Room w/Idris.

Berenice Bejo

For Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, Bérénice Bejo, the Argentinean actress who delivered a stunning performance as Peppy Miller in the French silent film The Artist was nominated alongside Octavia Spencer as Minnie in The Help. Although Beauty Bejo did not win The Artist certainly won for Best Motion Picture in that regard she’s a winner in our book. (she is also nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award)

Octavia Butler

Last night was Octavia Spencer’s big moment when her name was called. This win was monumental and ignited a spark in many, that African American performance was indeed relevant and deserves to be revered and showcased in high regard. The narrative of which is The Help is a fabric of our history.
As the nominees for Best Actress in a film were revealed we stood silent and held our breath. We wanted, hoped, and prayed, from the very depths of our spirits that Viola Davis would win. In that moment I had given up all objectivity and saw, most vividly, a woman who describes the essence and eminence of a culture, a catalyst in film expedition, nominated for one of the most coveted awards in the room, Best Actress, not won by an African American woman since 1986. She looked like me. I identify with every part of who Viola Davis is and that alone overwhelmed any idea of notable performance,despite being against someone I consider the most brilliant actor of this generation, Meryl Streep.

Viola Davis

The disappointment lasted only a brief moment as mother Meryl righted all wrongs with her speech. She reminded us all the importance of noting this years most prized performances, nominated or not. Her unwavering respect and admiration for Viola speaks volumes in such a room.. She even mentioned the indie sundance film, Pariah, and its leading lady, Adepero Oduye. Who knew? This type of recognition in popular media is huge and shows that the Entertainment Industry just may be open, after all, to the possibilities African Americans and Latinos so desire to present and represent in examining the trajectory of our image.

Before this year’s globes, only 10 Latinos have won a golden globe. Shocking I know but we were represented. This year’s hit show, Homeland won Best TV Drama which Brazilian actress, Morena Baccarin is in. Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas were presenters for Best Television Series Musical or Comedy for the Latino moment of the evening. Antonio Banderas had a soliloquy in Spanish and Salma Hayek interrupts him, “I don’t understand what he’s saying either.” Modern Family, snagged the golden globe which stars Colombian actress Sofia Vergara. Vergara acceptance speech was entirely in Spanish. She was nominated

for Best Supporting Actress, but lost to American Horror Story star Jessica Lange. One incredibly poignant moment of particular significance enlisted Morgan Freeman and his acceptance of the Cecil B. Demille Award. Moreover, I feel truly grateful and indebted for this moment alone, one that challenges the paradigm of image alloted African American actors.With a ferocious vocabulary of eclectic performance and role, Morgan Freeman has done over 50 films…

Lean on Me , Driving Miss Daisy, Million Dollar Baby, The Shawskwank, Redemption,Glory, Street Smart, Seven, Unforgiven, The Dark Knight, Bruce Almighty, Deep Impact, March of

Peguins, The Electric Company, Bucket List, Invictus, Amistad
Sidney Poitier presented this award to Freeman and
Freeman says: “In my house this will also be known as the Sidney
Poitier Award”

This night clearly was one of great celebration; however, the Globes left many patrons hungry for more. The 69th annual Golden Globe Awards may not have been all that we wished it to be but it did showcase the preservation, the prestige, and the undeniable perseverance of the image of people of color in an industry that is still biased in the opportunities afforded.

**Written by Keith Andre Collins & Franceli Chapman

12.22

"I can't dishonor my vision or it will begin to dishonor me..." -Lady Gaga

For the longest time I have been debating whether I accept or believe the antics of Lady Gaga as authentic or genuine. Not unlike many others, I was taken aback by her [need] to be overwhelmingly different; loud or excessive. Simply put, I assumed she was a gimmick; seeking attention, success, and fame. But then I decided to examine who she was and read and watched interviews with her. She was [is] completely invested in her career, her craft, and takes it as seriously as she should. Gaga has studied the greats, transcended audiences, and even became a political activist, seeking equality for all. That reason alone deserves praise and unequivocally make her real, [despite her unique attributes] Moreover, I find this quote to be an intriguing truth. I believe, [whole heartedly] that you absolutely must show yourself faithful to the gift [vision] that has been entrusted in you. Failure to do so, results in; failure. Your gift may be removed from you. That being said, disregard the naysayers, conformists, and experienced. Be true to you; against all odds, and in spite of...

12.21

PERiPETiA (n)


   A sudden turn of events or an unexpected reversal [of fortune]; especially in literary works.

but what about real life? This word was first introduced to me as a theatre major, the course was history of theatre and we, the students, were being taught its use. Moreover, dating back to Greek mythology, each depiction of literature was certain to have a few necessary elements; among them, [from what I can remember] a beginning, middle, and end; and, peripetia. Each great work required  reversal of fortune; the bad guy loses everything, [virtue over vice] or all things going well for the protagonist until death strikes, or some sort of accident... [etc.] This component, peripetia, managed to remain relevant and consistent, seen in every book, play, and television show there is today. Not solely because it ensues entertainment, but because it is a humanistic quality and coordinate with the oneness of the human experience. Peripetia is real life, everyday. In fact, it is the way the world works. Daily, we are faced with obstacle, adversity, difficulty, and failure. Its a natural selection, there will always be something; good or bad. What is done with the predicament faced is determined by you, solely. Such is life. [chin up]

12.20

In efforts to become a published writer, I am writing everyday and trying to create opportunities. In doing so, Im trying to get a gig as a guest writer/blogger [whatever] on different mediums and sites.  So... this is what I wrote today...

What I would like to do is work on stories that relate to entertainment; more specifically, I would like to cover the award season. The idea is to focus or highlight the African American nominees, exploring their idiosyncrasies, purpose, and identity as the season progresses and unveils the winners in the categories of best actor/actress, best supporting actor/actress, and perhaps best film, providing that African Americans are nominated in each category. I want to write, in my opinion, their best performances, possibilities, and potential and talent in an industry that still appears to be biased in the opportunities present for people of color. As follows, is a portion of the type of work I would like to publish.

Viola Davis is an exquisite human and I am completely enthralled by her being. Most fascinated by her humility and spirit of excellence. As the award season approaches Mrs. Davis’ name again becomes pertinent, spoken out of the mouths of many audiences; critics and academies alike. This year, for her role in The Help, as Aibeleen. Keeping the controversy behind her, invested in telling the stories of real people, connected with the human experience, Mrs. Davis is nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress....

Viola Davis has become regarded as hollywood royalty praised by many, her peers, including he incomparable Meryl Streep. In Entertainment Weekly Meryl Streep had this to say, “Her humanity marches out in front of her; her kindness, her fierceness, her unwillingness to compromise, her stubbornness make me love her too.”

yet, still, as an African American actor, even in 2012 there are inhibitions, felt by even Viola Davis. In an interview with Charlie Rose, she responded, “I never dreamed I wouldn’t have the same opportunities as Meryl Streep... being black and a woman.”

I look forward to sharing the rest of the story with you,

12.19

Sometimes I feel like you could care less about me, my feelings; emotions, wants and needs, and that makes me sad. [it breaks my heart.] I feel like I'm investing all this energy into appeasements. [making you comfortable] but in return, I get not nearly what I sometimes desire most.

BUT,

I love you so much. While I sit here and consider how much you do; done and have, in efforts to ensure I am confident, I know I must be crazy to ever second guess [even for a moment] what we have. I profess I'm a mess. but one thing holds true.

Y...O...U...

12.17

"Never assume that anyone is smarter than you.."

I read this quote in an article and was completely struck by its significance. In any endeavor, there will be an opposing force and those who firmly believe that your goal is unattainable, and for a variety of reason. To think, sometimes the opinions of others can be the determinant factor in what you do... fuck that. [excuse my language] but don't let anyone else's presumed "intelligence," how much they know about a given subject; business, or no matter how great their disdain for you may be, determine your existence. I won't.

In other news; Im convinced, Im a writer. As a result, I told myself that I will write something every day. Im going to put myself on a schedule.

see you soon,