Martin Luther King Day and the Neverending Need for Boycotts

Martin Luther King Day began and ended with tweets, postings and mentions of the late civil rights activist who was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, TN.

Amidst the reverent spiritual vibe was residue from the still ongoing #OscarSoWhite crusade that has been on fire ever since the nominations were announced last Thursday.

Despite the opportunity to recognize the performances from talent of color in credible films, the list of nominees was once again Caucasians.

This sparked a level of outrage that has refused to be diffused and evidently MLK Day was as good a day as any to not only celebrate the significance of the late human rights leader’s life but also recall his fearless quest for justice.

Idris Elba and Abraham Attah who each gave riveting performances in Beasts of No Nation – didn’t receive Oscar noms. Michael B. Jordan was also overlooked as was director Ryan Coogler who helmed box office hit, Creed.

Another notable name missing from the prestigious lineup was Will Smith – who’s controversial film, Concussion didn’t live up expectations which probably explains why despite his Golden Globe nomination – he failed to garner a best actor nod. That, and his over-exaggerated “Nigerian” accent.

Actress Jada Pinkett Smith seems to be quite peeved that her hubby didn’t make the cut based on a series of tweets that were unleashed this past Saturday where she expressed her dissatisfaction and frustration with the Academy – “At the Oscars…people of color are always welcomed to give out awards…even entertain. But we are rarely recognized for our artistic accomplishments. Should people of color refrain from participating all together”.

It looks like Will’s better half chose to take drastic measures in order to drive the point of diversity home to the Academy. On Sunday Pinkett Smith confirmed that she was in fact going to boycott The Oscars by declining the invitation to attend.

Famed director, Spike Lee, who was just bestowed an honorary Oscar at last year’s Governor’s Awards – also announced that he and his wife were going to boycott the festivities in a bid to demonstrate their disbelief that for the second year in a roll – no talent of color was recognized in any of the major categories.

Lee made his case via Instagram and accompanied it with a photo of MLK – who he referenced in his heartfelt statement.

“Dr. King Said “There Comes A Time When One Must Take A Position That Is Neither Safe, Nor Politic, Nor Popular But He Must Take It Because Conscience Tells Him It’s Right”.

Most on social media voiced their support for the boycott but some were wary of the motives of both stars. For Pinkett Smith, the criticism stepped from whether or not she would’ve been as vocal and disapproving if her husband had received the nomination she feels he deserved.

Lee, who’s latest film Chi-Raq is still a bone of contention within the black community was publicly chided by none other than actor and comedian, who called out the Do The Right Thing director for still holding on to his honorary Oscar while asking for a boycott of the organization that gave it to him.

Boycotting The Oscars could be an effective way to send a message to the Academy while also standing up against an industry that is still stuck in the practice of an old formula that makes no allowance for anything against the norm.

But ultimately fate is assigned to the inner workings of those who are able to help facilitate the change that will guarantee that people of color will no longer have to rely on ancient doctrines when it comes to their career trajectory.

Until then – boycotts and disgruntled artists will have to do.