Alright, I watched Pharrell's Lego Movie and It Changed My Life
By Idia Enadeghe
I'm not going to lie, I've been in a funk, and to get past that funk, I decided to watch Pharrell's Lego Movie. What I had expected to be something casual and chill was so artistically and emotionally sound it validated my entire existence as a human being. (I wish I was being dramatic)
"I realized your black in juxtaposition to the entire system" - Lego Pharrell
The uniqueness of this movie wasn't in the exploration of Pharrell's talent and artistry, or the fact that he and longtime collaborator Chad Hugo meticulously built the 2000s sound brick by brick. The best part of the movie was really seeing its portrayal of how all black children possess a natural propensity for creativity and expression that is deeply ingrained in them.
Being African American is a whirlwind of knowing that a system tells us we are coming up short, but every day we continue to long for more. In our collective experience, music, dance, and art have served as a long-time vital form of expression within Black communities. (As seen with: Sinners, ASAP Rocky's newest album, the writings of our greatest, Alvin Ailey, etc.)
It has shown us how, when having their identity, talents, and passions empowered, black children become a booming voice that can boldly express their inherent gifts and create social change.
Even when I'm feeling down, some longings don't originate from within me, yet they urge me to continue each day.
Well...that's not completely true; there is the tiny piece of purpose I get from the ambitions of my younger self, but like
Back to the LEGOs...
When you put Black people on the highest stage, we shine.
When you pour into the children, they will thrive.
You can't just aspire up and down, you can aspire left and right. -Lego Pharrell
We embody the wildest dreams, ambitions, and hopes of our ancestors. However, when we neglect to recognize each other's courage, we lose sight of the best parts of ourselves today.
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Pharrell thrived because the people around him wanted to see him win, because they saw the light in him, the higher purpose. The same light that every individual on this earth has, which can either be nurtured or extinguished.
We may not be perfect, nor were we ever intended to be, but we are brilliant.
Black History Month demonstrates that legacy is not confined to the past, but is the foundation for the present. As your purpose now and later is ever-changing, remember that being Black, being audacious, forever challenging the systems that may be, and being blessed to celebrate this today, is the greatest gift that can be.
It is purpose that keeps us going, and it is purpose that will have us forever audaciously changing the game. Happy Black History Month!
P.S Keep reminding everyone that state sanctioned violence isn't new. Nicki Minaj isn't the only failed black celebrity, and accountability isn't selective.
From the words of Malcom X , "....Instead of the American white man eliminating the causes that create that condition, he tries to cover it up by accusing his accusers of teaching hate. But actually, they're just exposing him for being responsible for what exists."
Another banger