The legacy of a man that graced our lives beyond the arts
Some of us spend our lives making a name for ourselves that will make our parents, family, and loved ones proud. Keep in mind that too often, the entertainment we take in molds our desires, hopes, and dreams which can dictate the kind of lifestyle we wish to live.
There are countless public figures who we admire for a variety of reasons; be it their work, way of life, or public presence, which can impact our decisions one way or another--whether if it is political, socially, or economically.
Our lives, our community feel the effect of that type of power. It is important for us to protect ourselves and be cautious about the type of people in our inner and outer circles.
Our parents initiated the important conversations at an early age by reminding us (on a somewhat regular basis) that associating with bad influences spoils useful habits.
One man is a reflection of the best of what we all aspire to be and what most of us are working towards.
This week I was reminded of a term I learned long ago; to always be the best version of ourselves--which came in the spirit of Sir Sydney Portier.
"Sydney Poitier was a Bahamian-American actor, a film director, an activist, and an ambassador. In 1964, he became the first Black actor and the first Bahamian to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. He would go on to receive two Academy Award nominations, ten Golden Globes nominations, two Primetime Emmy Awards nominations, six BAFTA nominations, eight Laurel nominations, and one Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) nomination. "
Please note all of that is his professional resume. However, he was far more than just an entertainer for so many of us. Aside from being one of Hollywood's leading heartthrobs in the 1960's, and well known and received as a leading man for countess movies such as; Lillies in The Field, To Sir With Love, The Heat of The Night, and my all-time favorite Guess Who's Coming To Dinner.
Sir Poitier was more than a public figure, he was our son, our brother, our father, and the image of a husband most women truly wanted or dreamt of his gentlemanly presence. He commanded respect both on-screen and off-screen and was very intentional about every project he accepted and he delivered so exquisitely.
Once he conveyed in an interview in which he so eloquently told us about his life and his choices. This must-see interview will show you why this icon earned and kept our respect.
His activism was very much a part of his life as his work as an artist. He was committed to issues that impacted African-Americans on race and social justice to the Black citizens of South Africa who were undergoing apartheid.
His passion for justice was globally recognized, respected, and undeniably apparent in the choice of characters and roles he constantly portrayed.
After learning of Sir Poitier's death at 94 years of age, the world was riddled with sadness, a certain sort of emptiness as though he was a family member or dear friend we knew personally. While he will be sorely missed, we will never take anything from his journey because it only enhanced our lives and made us whole.
As much of a loss, this is to the world; we will celebrate his legacy and the rich heritage he left us and passes on the responsibility for the next generation to continue.
We humbly take on the responsibility and hope we can live up to his grace and elegance.
He has earned and deserves all the accolades he has received, from receiving his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 1974; which earned him the distinction of “Sir” to receiving the Kennedy Center Honor in 1995.
We thank you for these beautiful memories and works well done! May You Rest In Peace, Sir Sydne Poitier.
