I was honored to meet and congratulate actor David Oyelowo for his exemplary performance as Martin Luther King in 'Selma' during the post-Golden Globes festivities
Nominate to Discriminate
by Ashley
(An Open Letter Poem to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences Regarding Their Problematic Oscar Nominations)
The Academy’s Oscar actor nominations are all white this year
What is it about Black, Brown and Yellow that you fear?
David Oyelowo’s performance in Selma is the cream of the crop
'Selma' director Ava DuVernay's talent shines brightly on top
Yet your primarily all white male jury has shut them out
Seriously? What are these obvious snubs truly about?
Is it studio politics, money related or a slap in the face?
Whatever the reasons, your actions are a total disgrace
Nominations were announced on Martin Luther King’s birthday
If he were alive I’m sure he’d have a whole lot to say
“I had a dream that awards would be based on merit alone,
That sinister politics and exclusion would not be condoned,
Jury demographics would accurately reflect the U.S. of A.,
This year at the Oscars will be a grey, colorless day”
The people are not accepting this diversity- lock-out
They’ve created #OscarsSoWhite, can you hear them shout?
Are you uncomfortable #BlackLivesMatter ain’t backing down?
Social justice movements shake this country’s ground
We don’t need golden statues to know our people’s worth
We’ve endured discrimination and ignorance ever since birth
Yet still we have organized to make the world a better place
For our resilience and spirit are blessed by God’s grace
All stories have value, be they Brown, Yellow or Black
Eyes of the enlightened behold the integrity you lack
It will take more than barring our heroes from your stage
To disempower the ever-growing resistance and rage
We’ll protest racism and police brutality until we see peace
From Selma to Ferguson, our movement will not cease
Enjoy the Oscars this year, though it’s truly a shame
To value politics before principle in this sham of a game
Goodbye and we hope that you can sleep well tonight
Sincerely, the People - fighting the good fight
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