Source: Al Seib / Getty
One of the things we could take away from those who boycotted buses and lunch counters during the civil rights struggles of the fifties and sixties is not to give credit where credit wasn’t due. Not one black actor was nominated during the 88th Academy Awards. When Blacks couldn’t sit where they wanted on the bus, they simply boycott riding. It has been said that good or bad publicity is still publicity. That is why I choose not to watch the awards this year.
How can we celebrate Black History Month by honoring Hollywood for not selecting anyone of color for it’s most prized award? This is a teaching moment for today’s generation that didn’t have to go through the struggles of past generations. The only way to make Hollywood understand is to hit them where it hurts: in the box office; in the ratings and social media. If you did chose to watch, make sure you tell today’s generation why they didn’t see anybody that looks like them accepting awards. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
