Black History Month - Day 4

Hello all, sorry for the slight delay in getting this post up on the blog. Long day to say the least, but a good day as all days all during Black History Month. Hope you are enjoying the countdown, whether this is your first go-round or third on this blog. Luke is out of the state for the weekend so we may be a bit delayed over the weekend but I am sure when he gets back, we'll jump right back on track. Alright, enough chit-chat. Let's get to #25.

#25 Lauryn Hill as "Rita Louise Watson" in "Sister Act II"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: It only took three years, but we finally have a female represented on my Black History Month list. Who would have guessed it would be Lauryn Hill? Well, twenty years from now when Jeopardy puts up the answer, "This is the first female to appear on the King of Arguments BHM list," you all will know the question.

I was eight years old when Sister Act II came out and I can distinctly remember walking out of the movie theater with a huge crush on Lauryn Hill. She was gorgeous in that girl next door kind of way. She didn't need to wear a bunch of makeup, or wear sexy outfits to get guys' attention. She was naturally beautiful and had the voice of an angel. To this day, I don't think I've heard such a sweet voice. Sister Act II was her coming out party, and I was head-over-heels for her.

MY TAKE: First off, let me commend Luke for FINALLY putting a woman on the countdown. I know the many women who follow this countdown appreciate the gesture and recognition as well. Also, let me say that YES, I did see this movie! Yes, I've seen Sister Act II and not Boyz 'N The Hood, make fun of me all you want. With that said, Sister Act II is one my favorite movies of all-time so including a performance from this movie really makes me happy.

I agree with Luke in his assessment of Lauryn Hill. She has never been the one to wear sexy clothes or a ton of makeup. Instead, she's always just been herself and that's how she is in this movie. Hill is clearly a singer first but in this movie, she shows some decent range as an actress. She clearly shines in the singing parts, especially "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" (video on Luke's post). But she also does well as she grips with the decision to be in the choir, ultimately betraying her mother's wishes to focus on studying instead of singing.

Now when it comes to this movie, I think Whoopi has the more memorable performance so I hope down the road she makes this list. But including Hill is not a bad thing because she is a central figure in the movie. This is a movie that will forever be one my favorites for 3 simple reasons. First, great music. Second, good comedy. And finally, an underlying message that we all should follow our dreams and if we put our mind to something, we can achieve anything. That's exactly what Hill did as "Rita" in this movie and that's exactly why I am glad Luke included her performance on this countdown.

Again, with Luke out of town, not sure exactly when the next post will be up. I know it will be as soon as he can. For now, enjoy the weekend and check back when you can to see if either of our blogs have been updated. For now, enjoy the...

B.H.M. Quote of the Day - "If you wanna be somebody, if you wanna go somewhere, you better wake up and pay attention" ~ Sister Act II

Black History Month - Day 3

Happy day after National Signing Day everyone! My response post yesterday was a little later than usual but it was a LONG day for yours truly. But with that said, it was a very rewarding day as I got to cover a great day for kids all over the nation. The day they sign their National Letter of Intent to play football at a university and as well as playing football, also (and most importantly) pursue an education. Congrats to all and hope them all the best (but especially the ones playing at Ohio and Ohio State).

As far as the countdown goes, we're now in Day 3 and so far Luke has been not only been making insightful selections and posts on his blog, but also been right on time, posting them at midnight eastern time. If he keeps this up (which I don't anticipate because something is bound to come up one day), then this will be the smoothest B.H.M. countdown yet. Speaking of that, let's go...

#26 Michael Clarke Duncan as "John Coffey" in "The Green Mile"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: John Coffey finds himself on The Green Mile because he was convicted of raping and killing two children. Unlike Big Ben and Ray Lewis however, Coffey had to pay for his crime ... with his life. As the film progresses we realize that Coffey might just not be the big dumb Negro everyone thinks he is.

Similar to Heath Ledger's supporting role of the Joker in The Dark Knight, Michael Clarke Duncan - though not the lead actor - commands the screen in every scene and has you walking away remembering him, not Tom Hanks.

MY TAKE: For the second day in a row, I am disappointed to say that I have never seen this movie. Well, at least not the entire movie. Every time I caught it on TBS, it was right in the middle of it, so I would watch maybe 10-15 minutes before giving up because I had no clue what was going on. But I know exactly what Luke is talking about when he says Michael Clarke Duncan is the actor with the memorable performance here.

From the scenes I remember, I think I was struck with just how many layers there were to him. That's not easy considering he is a HUGE Black guy. You would think he would be typecast as a football player or bodyguard. But in this role, he really stands out. I am kind of sad to see that he has never come close to this performance in any other movie. Much of that can be blamed for his choice in movies lately (Sin City, Talladega Nights, and numerous animated movies). Hopefully, one day he can find a project he can really sink his teeth into and recapture the magic he had from "The Green Mile" because he is capable of another great role.

Apparently, Luke is going to choose an actress for tomorrow's choice. I know this simply because of the hint Luke has given on his blog. Again, you cannot get the full effect of this countdown without reading his blog as well as mine. Plus, his post is complete with videos that supplement his selection and provide you proof of just how excellent these performances are by these talented Black actors/actresses. That's all for now. I leave you with another great quote.

B.H.M Quote of the Day: “I always say YCDA: you can do anything. If you want to be a successful actor, you have to believe in yourself more than anything else, and don't let anybody tell you that you cannot do it because you can.” ~Michael Clarke Duncan

Black History Month - Day 2

Welcome back to the countdown...or for those of you who are just now joining us, you came in at a good time as we are just into the second day of a 28-day countdown of the best movie roles played by Black actors/actresses. I am not the one compiling the list. No, that is the responsibility of my good friend Luke. But I am responding to each of his picks right here on this blog. So if this is the first post you've read, catch up by going to the archives of this blog or Luke's blog which can be found by clicking here. Let's go!

#2 Laurence Fishburne as "Jason 'Furious' Styles" in "Boyz 'N The Hood"


Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: It's hard being a good father. It's even harder being a good father raising a son by yourself. It's almost impossible to be a good father while raising your son by yourself in a Los Angelos ghetto. Despite having all those odds stacked against him, Laurence Fishburne portraying Jason 'Furious' Styles did just that in the 1991 film, "Boyz n the Hood."

This ground-breaking movie had several performances that I could have picked, including Cuba Gooding Junior and Ice Cube, but when I thought back to this film it was Fishburne who came immediately to mind.

MY TAKE: I'm embarrassed to say that I've never seen this movie. Yeah, I know. Boyz N The Hood is an iconic movie. I've heard many a time that I need to see the movie, and not just because I am Black, but because it is an American classic. John Singleton is a great filmmaker and to think he made this movie at the age of 24 just makes me feel lazy.

As far as Laurence Fishburne's performance, I guess I have no comment. But I will say in the list I made of my top performances (not in order or even limited in number), Laurence Fishburne did not make my list. So I am glad Luke picked probably his best performance in his career, even though I have never seen the movie.

26 days to go everyone. Hope you continue to check back each day as we continue this countdown and celebration of Black History Month.. But before you go, check out the...

B.H.M. Quote of the Day: “Hiding a talent is not exclusive to any one particular group of people, young, old, black, white, Latin. It doesn't matter. It's universal. The idea that you have a gift or talent is always kind of threatening. Most of us are afraid of our success, that we will actually be great.” ~Laurence Fishburne

Black History Month - Day 1

Happy Black History Month!

First off, let me give a big thank you to all those who sent me calls, texts, facebook messages and more to wish me a Happy Black History Month. Some people even phrased it as Happy "your month". Well, I hope you all understand that this is not MY month, but OUR month, to learn, appreciate, and remember the great achievements of Black people past and present.

Speaking of that, the countdown has begun. In case you don't know what I am talking about, check out the intro post I put up yesterday. Luke has posted his first of 28 blog posts, counting down the 28 best movie roles played by Black actors/actresses. Let's get it started!

#28 Wesley Snipes as "Sidney Deane" in "White Men Can't Jump"

Read Luke's full post here

LUKE'S TAKE: Yes, I could crack some jokes about how it's tax time, but let's not. Basketball movies are hard to make because it will be judged on how real the game appears on-screen. Well, after watching White Men Can't Jump, I was convinced that Wesley could ball.

Wesley plays the part of basketball hustler extremely well. He has a sharp mouth, a witty sense of humor, and he's pretty damn good at basketball. As with most of the performances on this list, as you watch, you forget that it's Wesley Snipes, and you lose yourself in the actual character, or in this case, Sidney Deane.

MY TAKE: Not a bad selection. I haven't seen this movie in a VERY long time. In fact, all I remember about it are the basketball scenes, laughing at Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes hair. I also remember that I didn't think it was a great movie. Have a feeling too I would think the same if I saw it now.

But I like the selection because from what I remember, Wesley Snipes did a nice job in the movie. And the movie had some great lines and scenes, especially the basketball scenes. Now is Wesley Snipes one of favorite actors of all time? Absolutely not. Wouldn't even come close to my top 50 Black actors. But in this role, I think he is deserving of the countdown and I appreciate Luke finding a way to recognize that.

Come back tomorrow for #27 on Luke's list as we continue our countdown of the top 28 movie roles by Black actors/actresses. As always, I leave you with a Black History Month quote of the day.

B.H.M Quote of the Day: "Always bet on black." ~Wesley Snipes in the movie "Passenger 57"

Black History Month 2011 - Intro

Hello all to the personal blog that I have neglected for oh, a year. Pathetic I know, but between moving cities, getting new jobs, reconnecting with friends, etc..., this venture simply wasn't high on the priority list. But if there were ever an event to move it back into the top 5, Black History Month is it.

I am a big supporter of Black History Month and all it represents. It gives a chance for everyone in this great nation of ours to learn, appreciate, and remember all the great achievements by Black people, past and present. Black people went through so much to get to where we are now, which is a much better place than ever before. I mean, the President of the United States is even Black!

As far as this blog, Black History Month has become an event. With the help of my good friend Luke (who is White), we have started a tradition. Granted this tradition has taken some years off, but it's still a tradition. What we do is I give Luke a topic that deals with Black History Month and then, he has to compile a list form 28-1, depending on the topic. In 2006, it was his favorite songs with the words "Black"in it. In 2009, it was his favorite Black TV characters. Last year was favorite sports moments involving Black athletes.

This year, the topic is simple. Favorite movie roles by Black actors/actresses. Now, he is allowed to repeat the actor/actress and movie but not the role obviously. So if all of his 28 characters come from a Tyler Perry movie (which is impossible cause those movies are AWFUL), then so be it. Also, I have almost begged him to try and incorporate one actress on the list. Luke has a track record of not including females on these lists, hence his relationship status (kidding...but really, he is single ladies!).

Luke has written his own intro regarding the selection process and his excitement for the month. It's a good read so take the time to get his perspective. Just click here.

As the month goes on, I will respond to his posts of his selections right here on this blog. For the most entertaining experience of this month, check out both blogs. Trust me, you won't regret it.

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!