Not since reading Miles: The Autobiography of Miles Davis (perhaps my favorite book of all time) have I been so moved by the story of someone’s life. Last night, I watched Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson. To say I was blown away would be an understatement. I felt like I had stepped into the ring with Johnson and the whole American history of The Black Man. To put it in terms of emotion, I was completely overwhelmed.

The American dream — this idea that in America, one can achieve anything, in so far as he is capable and willing to do the work required may or may not be true. There are many stories that support it. The American hero has never been of privilege. That The American hero fought for his/her place in history cannot be denied. But what and whom was he/she fighting against? The story of the successful Black American, especially at the beginning of the twentieth century, is remarkable by any standard. It’s the story of a person, who wasn’t merely discriminated against, but someone whom, despite the whole of society (or those in power) telling them they are less than human, somehow managing to succeed.

And still, even after their success, they cannot transcend the world in which they live. They are still subject to its law. Though they may appear to soar, the gravity of their world cannot be denied. It can only be suspended. This is the story of Jack Johnson.

I can’t stress how powerful this film is. So much of it resonates. Yes, we do have a black president. Yes, my last however many girlfriends haven’t been black and very few people have had anything to say about it. Yes, we have come a long way since the beginning of the twentieth century, but there is a history so repulsive that it must never be forgotten. Fact: There are systems in place to ensure that those in power stay in power. Fact: It is possible to circumvent the system. Fact: If you manage to do so, remember, you are now a target. Nevertheless, resolve to do what it is you set out to do.

Go watch the film already!

Tags:
america, jack johnson, racism, success, unforgivable blackness

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