By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO
A few nights ago, I attended a showing of “The Woman King,” at the invitation of Paul Coates who invited a theater filled with friends, family, and associates. I was more than delighted that I had accepted the invitation. I had no expectations and was told by my auto mechanic several days ago that he had seen it and that The Woman King is a must-see movie. I agree.
The Woman King stars Viola Davis, Lashana Lynch, John Boyega and breakout star Thuso Nokwanda Mbedu. Viola Davis is exceptional in this movie, but I can’t think of a role she has played that she has not been exceptional. I must add however, that the 31-year-old African born actress Mbedu’s performance in this film showed us that we will see her in many more films to come.
What is important about this movie is that it is history that many of us know nothing about and should be shared and the messages throughout are empowering.
That brings me back to what Paul Coates did in bringing so many of us to see the film, this unselfish act of his– which is indicative of who Paul Coates is as a person– reminded me of what we should be doing as a community.The Woman King is a must-see movie, and we should make sure that everyone in our community gets an opportunity to see it. The box office should be overcome by the participation of our community to the point that they would have to open more theater spaces for us to enjoy it. So how does that happen? It happens when our community does what Paul Coates did. We can begin with the churches taking on the responsibility of booking theaters and taking their congregations. Every fraternity and sorority should do the same as well as our individual circles. We have so many organizations in our community that could take up this banner. I urge you to do so. The messages of the movie will not be wasted on those who get to see it.
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