Entertainment has never been simply an outlet of escapism for African-Americans. It serves as a window to our creativity, our ability to use the backdrop of doubt and evil as a way to inspire millions. The year 2015 was one of the most tumultuous periods for Black Americans in quite some time, with multiple unjust shooting deaths and vigorous protesting. However, like always, we find ways to rise within catastrophic circumstances.
Films like Straight Outta Compton and Creed revitalized the underdog story, and television shows like Empire and How to Get Away With Murder showed the nuanced, complex nature of Black characters beyond tired typecasting. Today, EBONY.com celebrates 10 standout moments in entertainment in 2015.
1. John Legend and Common Win Oscars for Best Original Song
The 2014 film Selma was a powerful, poignant glimpse into Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s courageous, dangerous feat of gaining a voting rights bill for Black Americans. It was going to take captivating words and equally captivating voices to create a song that epitomized the spirit and hope of that film. John Legend and Common achieved just that with “Glory,” earning them each an Academy Award. The two musicians made the most of their moment, speaking of mass incarceration and the enduring tradition of protest in the country during their acceptance speeches.
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source: Ebony.com
