The film adaptation of “One Night in Miami” reimagines Feb. 25, 1964, when Cassius Clay, Sam Cooke, Jim Brown and Malcom X talk about their reality of being prominent individuals during the Civil Rights Movement era. The film sheds light on a hard truth about the reality of being Black in America.
In the first nine minutes, we are introduced to NFL legend Jim Brown who stops to pay a visit to a man named Mr. Carlton. I was taken aback by this interaction because Mr. Carlton welcomed Brown to his front porch, offered him a glass of lemonade and had a cordial conversation. Mr. Carlton offered the words, “If there’s ever anything I can do for you, you should never hesitate to reach out.” A few moments later, Brown offers to help Mr. Carlton move furniture in his house. Jim Brown is met with the statement, “So considerate of you Jimmy, but you know we don’t allow ni**ers in the house, so it’s quite alright.” Which was then followed up with a condescending pat on the shoulder and a “You keep up the good work.”
The reason that scene left me in a state of shock is because it was very unexpected but it served as a reminder to my experience. It reminded me that no matter what your level of success is, no matter what you do or how well you know a family, as a black person there is always the chance to be placed in a box.
This movie was significant to me as a Black male in America because it depicted a different narrative that is typically not shown in mainstream media. On screen were four successful and highly influential Black men who were still subject to implicit and explicit biases all the while working to a better future for themselves. This translated to “despite hardships and with perseverance you can achieve great things,” which is a prominent attribute within the Black community. The sad truth about this film is that it was set around the Civil Rights Movement but the themes and reality stand true for many today.
“One Night in Miami” was nothing less than Black excellence from the director, Regina King. This film was King’s debut as a film director; she is well known for her many roles and experience in bringing the Black narrative to life. King currently holds four Primetime Emmy awards (the most for an African American performer), an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
Regina King displays nothing but brilliance and excellence while on screen so I expected nothing less from her being in the director’s seat. If you have the opportunity to view this film, I would strongly encourage you to take a moment to “be an active participant in someone else’s reality.”
