Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

Can you imagine going back in time to the 50’s when urban style was still ‘under construction?’ This was also a period when American civil rights took hold. Some say we’ve grown-up while others say, “not there yet.” The jury is still out. But Lee Daniels’ The Butler pulls together a 5-star cast to re-tell an epic story.

It’s based on the life of Eugene Allen who served as Butler over eight presidential terms. It’s a throwback to when un-equal was in, diversity was out and unrest was on-the-ready. It’s directed by Lee Daniels who wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer, even from Oprah. It tells a story within a story, a dream within a dream.

Forest Whitaker’s lead role gives a glimpse into the everyday human struggle. Oprah’s role as his wife gives us a look at the social juggle. But the movie also has role players that help to give it crossover appeal. The story bridges the gap between young and old, rich and poor, old-school and new-school.

So, how far have we come? That’s the reality-check question of the day. We’ve made it to the top in some ways but close to the bottom in others. We’re better off in some respects but written-off in other surveys. We’ve gotten a taste of the American Dream but wonder if things are slipping back to a nightmare.

Some will see the movie as stoking the fire of discontent, others as a history lesson for the ages. But consider the takeaway based on the hopes of those who came before us. Yes, make money while the sun shines but also serve a larger good because even when it rains there’s purpose in the moment.

The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Let’s go back in time. To the 50’s when urban style not yet prime. A period when civil rights was under construction. And a few wanted to televise the revolution. We’ve grown-up now some will say. Not there yet, room for equal pay. Jury’s still out on civic duty. But Lee Daniels’ The Butler re-tells an epic story.

The life of Eugene Allen, hero unsung. Who served over eight Presidents at the bottom of the rung. A throwback to when un-equal was in, diversity was out. Where unrest was on-the-ready and used as clout. Directed by Lee Daniels with Oprah in the mix. A story and a dream closer to a modern-day fix.

Forest Whitaker’s role of everyday human struggle. Oprah’s role as wife dealing with the social juggle. Many supporting actors with crossover appeal. Giving an insider’s look at how people did feel. Bridging the gap between young, old, rich and poor. Across blurred lines of ebony, ivory and racial uproar.

So how far have we really come? Survey says room to go some? At the top in a few ways. Still hard to find the glory days. In some respects we’re better off. In another context still being written-off. We’ve gotten a taste of the American Dream. But the American nightmare is to be left off the team.

Some will tag it as stoking discontent. Others will be happy to pay the rent. Maybe a lesson for the ages. Or a refresher on civil rights stages. But there is a larger story to see. During a chat over coffee or ice tea. Yes, make money while the sun shines. Even when it rains the purpose of the moment makes things fine.

Tip: Upping your game takes some struggle and juggle but pays off with purpose in the hustle and bustle.

Talkback: So how far would you say we have or haven’t come in this American journey?