Moonlight
Another masterpiece by A24
Also currently streamed on Netflix just in time for Black History Month. It truly was the first of it’s kind that not only starred an all Black cast BUT also spoke on the frequently swept under the rug as well as brutally shamed aspect of LGTBQ in Black and Brown communities. This is specifically true when LGTBQ persons of color have the highest number of violence committed against them from child abuse to hatefully motivated murders. In fact according to studies carried out by the ,National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, their findings were dismal. Their study showed LGTBQ persons of color are 2.0 times more likely to require medical attention as a result of hate based violence than any other demographic of people.
In 2015 the FBI found violent crimes against LGTBQ persons of color was increasing at alarming rates and crisis levels.
These statistics are a resounding reminder why films such as ,Moonlight, were and are so important. It was the first of it’s kind to win Best Picture at the 2017 Oscars.
For those who recall the lead up to the win the mix up actually made the win that much more monumental. A beaming work of art in film. I appreciated the fact the film also did not fail to incorporate how frequently drug dealers and hustlers aren’t the problem towards the community. If anything a great deal of the times they’re the LEAST of threats towards the neighborhood let alone children in our communities. They’re the ones who are often the ones who in their own way care for the neighborhood and community. I’m not saying it’s the best line of work in the world but they’re typically not the monsters. The real monsters are often the ones who are thought of as the “Upstanding citizens”, the boyfriend’s of the 1/2 a$$’ed Mother’s (sometimes called Uncle’s) who honestly are more concerned with their libidos than anything else, the nonexistent Fathers, the abusive parents who don’t want their black or brown son carrying any purse, the junked up Mom who only lives for her next fix, the church folk, the do gooders, THOSE are the ones you have to watch that infiltrate into the communities thus are more of a threat to youths than any strapped drug dealer or pusher ever could be - but that is a whole other entry by itself. For those who have not seen the film it is most suggested.
