Rest In Peace Carl Weathers(AKA Apollo Creed)

Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed in “Rocky IV” (1985). He was a key part of one of Hollywood’s most successful movie franchises.Credit…MGM, via Everett Collection

Earlier this month, actor Carl Weathers passed away. However, his legacy will live on forever in the hearts and minds of everyone that is familiar with his body of work in the film world. He went on to create one of the most iconic characters that the film word has ever seen in the Rocky franchise known as Apollo Creed.

Carl Weathers bought the right amount of talent and charisma to that role in making him one of the most beloved and memorable characters in the franchise. I enjoyed watching how his character evolved over time. Apollo Creed went from being one of Rocky’s most hated opponents to becoming one of his best friends, especially after his trainer Mickey dies in the third film. I respected that he takes the time to develop a great relationship with Rocky and works to get him in shape to fight Clubber Lang (portrayed by Mr.T) and eventually beat him.

Even though his character would die in Rocky IV, he played and continues to play a critical role in shaping the franchise to this day. Apollo Creed continues to remain a source of inspiration and bravery that we can all look up to in our lives. Carl Weathers has also went on to star in other films and TV shows such as Predator, Action Jackson, Happy Gilmore, and most recently starred in The Mandalorian.

He is a legend throughout the film world and even though he is gone, we will never forget him. His body of work stands the test of time and bought us a lot of joy and inspiration that we need in this world right now.

Richard Roundtree – The One and Only John Shaft

Recently, actor Richard Roundtree passed away at 81 years old. However, he left a legacy that forever changed the image of black men on film. Richard Roundtree has an illustrious career in both film and television, but he will always be remembered and celebrated for his role in the 1971 classic film Shaft directed by Gordon Parks.

He bought a great sense of style and charisma to the role that can never be replicated. At a time when Hollywood did not showcase strong black male figures on film, Richard Roundtree become one of the first black actors that was not afraid of promoting masculinity. It created a new wave of black cinema in the 1970s that opened the door for other talented and popular actors during this time such as Jim Brown, Fred Williamson, Jim Kelly and Ron O’Neal.

Even though this new wave of black cinema only lasted for a brief time, it set the foundation for future black male actors to continue carrying on this legacy. Samuel L. Jackson would go on to portray the role later in his career, Richard Roundtree was and always will remain the one and only John Shaft.

Flashdance: What An Amazing 40th Anniversary!!!

The classic 1983 hit film Flashdance has approached its 40th anniversary.  It is one of my favorite films to watch and has stood the test of time.  The overall theme of the film speaks about the importance of pursuing your dreams.  It is not enough to just have a dream but you have to want something so badly that you have to willing to go after it no matter the cost. 

Flashdance teaches people that just because you desire something does not necessarily mean that you will get it.  People do not understand that you have to put in the work and there is still no guarantee that your dream will come true.  However, if people fight for what you want and never give up then they will have a chance at accomplishing their goal.  In the film, Jennifer Beals character Alex Owens works as a welder at a steel mill but dreams of becoming a dancer.  Therefore, she dreams of getting into the Pittsburgh Conservatory of Dance and Reperatory.  At night, she dances at a local bar to showcase her talent but it shows that she still needs guidance and motivation to make her dream come true by her mentor former dancer Halla Long(Lilia Skala) and boss at the steel mill Nick Hurley(Michael Nouri). 

Flashdance was also inspired by the MTV generation for its dance scenes and fashion forward style.  For example, the film shows Jennifer Beals character wearing an off the shoulder top, torn sweatshirt, and leg warmers inspiring a generation of young girls to express themselves freely and with confidence.  It forever changed the way women looked at themselves on film.  One entertainer that made this style popular in the 1980s was Madonna. 

Finally, what made the film Flashdance the most memorable is the phenomenal soundtrack.  Its soundtrack played an important role in helping the film become successful.  Some memorable songs from the soundtrack include Maniac, Manhunt, and Lady, Lady, Lady.  My favorite song from the entire film is the title track performed by the late Irene Cara called What A Feeling.  Irene Cara co-wrote the song with Giorgio Moroder and Keith Forsey.  It was responsible for setting the tone of the film and making the audience feel that anything is possible if they believe and work towards making their dreams come true no matter how insurmountable they might be. 

As a result, the song earned her the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and the American Music Awards for Best R&B Female Artist and Best Pop Single of the Year in 1984.  Even though she is no longer here, her music will continue to live on in the heart and minds of fans round the globe. 

Flashdance remains a cultural phenomenon and will continue to influence future generations to reach for the stars.  It has forever changed the way that we see our lives and gives us hope for the future.

Sidney Poitier: The Man That Revolutionized Black Hollywood

Sidney Poitier as Mark Thackeray, a teacher in a tough London school, in To Sir, With Love, 1968, based on ER Braithwaite’s autobiographical bestseller. Photograph: Ronald Grant

Sidney Poitier just recently passed away, but his legacy will live on forever through his incredible body of film work made throughout the years. His films became legendary and unforgettable during a pivotal point of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. They reflected a time when black people were fighting to be treated fairly in a country that did not see them as human beings.

Sidney Poitier’s films did a great job of exposing racial injustice and its long-term effects that it continues to have on black people to this day. At the same time, I respect him for having the courage to stand up and change the image of how black actors/actresses are portrayed on film. Before Sidney Poitier arrived on the scene, black actors and actresses were still limited to playing stereotypical roles on film such as maids, butlers, servants, and slaves. He saw black people as individuals and demanded that he portray roles viewing them in a positive manner. As a result, Sidney Poitier broke racial and cultural barriers in Hollywood by becoming the first black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor in the 1963 film Lilies of the Field. He was responsible for paving the way for future talented actors/actresses that we know today such as Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Laurence Fishburne, Morgan Freeman, Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Tyler Perry, Michael B. Jordan, and so many others. His illustrious career includes many legendary films such as Lilies of the Field, Paris Blues, A Raisin in the Sun, The Defiant Ones, To Sir With Love, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, In The Heat of the Night, A Warm December, Uptown Saturday Night, and Let’s Do It Again.

Sidney Poitier was not only a great actor, but he took part in the civil rights movement marching alongside entertainer Harry Belafonte during the 1960s towards fighting for social and political change. He fought to make the lives of black people better so that future generations would have more opportunities to get ahead in this world. Sidney Poitier will always be remembered as a class act that cared about improving the quality of mankind and leaving the world in a better place than how he saw it.

The Godfather of Modern Black Cinema

Melvin Van Peebles

Getty Images

Groundbreaking filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles passed away two months ago, but left an unforgettable impact on the film world. One of his most memorable films is titled Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song. He was responsible for starring, writing, producing, editing, and directing the film. Despite the obstacles that he encountered when making and releasing the film, it became an enormous success in the black community upon its release in 1971. Melvin Van Peebles did a magnificent job of showcasing the struggles that black people encountered during the civil rights movement. It became the highest grossing independent film at the time. I respect the way that he was able to control the images of black people and tell the type of stories that he wanted to make. Too often, black people in Hollywood have made the mistake of not taking control of their careers and allowing others to tell their stories on film without understanding the truth.

One important lesson that Melvin Van Peebles has taught us is that black actors, producers, writers, and directors have to step up and create their own opportunities in the industry instead of relying on others to recognize their talent. Even though it has gotten better, we still have a lot of work to do. Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song introduced an unknown band to the world known as Earth, Wind & Fire that would go on to become one of the greatest musical acts in history. Also, the film was endorsed by Huey Newton and the Black Panther Party describing the ongoing struggle for blacks in this country. Melvin Van Peebles played a crucial role in paving the way for future up and coming directors such as Spike Lee, Robert Townsend, the late John Singleton, Ryan Coogler, Tyler Perry, and his son Mario Van Peebles.

Melvin Van Peebles has secured his place in the history of film as an icon in advancing black culture forward and changing the way that we see ourselves. It is important that black people value themselves as individuals and know they are capable of accomplishing greatness through sacrifice and hard work.