Last night (February 16th) New Yorkers were in for a treat as TV One held a Black History
Reflections of Culture event focusing on Creators of Cool. Panelists
included the always hilarious Rickey Smiley & the super talented Chrystee
Pharris (starring in “MEDIA” on TV One). The even was moderated by the uber
intellectual Roland Martin (News One Now) and the evening included great
conversation about black culture, blacks in media and culminated with an
amazing performance by soul violinist Damien Escobar.
Pharris was amazing on stage while she discussed being a black actress in
Hollywood as well as her new role in TV One‘s upcoming show Media. Smiley
was hilarious per usual while discussing his new upcoming show on TV One as
well. Martin dropped several thought provoking gems throughout the night
especially one that particularly stood out to the audience. He brought up
the fact of how Tyler Perry‘s movies overseas have only crossed $100K one
time. You read correctly, only $100,000 and that was only 1 film. Meanwhile
films like Big Momma’s House, etc that are produced and financed by movie
studios have made millions over seas with black actors in lead roles. He
pointed this out because Perry produces his own films with his own studio
and is still the only black person doing so in Hollywood. He finds it
interesting that the studios Perry partners with don’t bother to try and
sell his Madea movies overseas in fear that people in other countries don’t
want to see blacks in lead roles (which we know is not true). It’s another
prime example of systematic racism in Hollywood.
Damie Escobar capped the amazing event with a beautiful rendition of the
late great Prince’s Purple Rain that had the entire room rocking/swaying
back and forth.
– Josiah (UrbanBridgez.com)
