black…MYstory

When was the last time you saw a movie about the love and sacrifice of a black father for his child? More importantly, when was it the #1 movie at the box office?

If you saw the latest Will Smith film, you could answer, “this past weekend.” That’s because, “The Pursuit of Happyness” took in $27 million over the weekend, making it the #1 movie in America.

The movie is the story of Chris Gardner, a down and out salesman who, along with his son, are abandoned by his wife and, soon thereafter, end up homeless on the streets of San Francisco. Through will, determination and love for his son, Gardner attained a position as an intern at the brokerage firm of Dean Witter and eventually struck out on his own and, finally, formed Christopher Gardner International Holdings, a multi-million dollar financial services group.

But, apart from the personal triumph of Gardner, black fathers are drawn to the movie for its portrayal of the other side of black fatherhood not shown in most media — the father who gives his all for his child and doesn’t have to break the law to do so.

I haven’t checked it out yet but, I plan to do so. In the meantime, big up to Will and the creators of this film for putting something of quality out this holiday season.

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