When I think of Martin Luther King, I think of Sidney Poitier.
I think back to when I was in my sophomore year in high school. I think back to when I watched A Raisin in the Sun.
I thought someone was telling my story of a Black family moving in the suburbs. Yes, it includes the housing discrimination which became the most unforgettable experience.
The movie was also unapologetic in its storytelling. Lorraine Hansberry wrote the play that became the movie.
Here's the movie trailer from YouTube.
I also associate In the Heat of the Night with Sidney Poitier. He played his part in this movie.
It's eerily prophetic and honest. I couldn't imagine anyone else playing Virgil Tibbs besides Sidney Poitier.
He didn't play a subservient sidekick in this movie.
Since this movie was made in 1967, I couldn't imagine it going over very well with Southern Whites, especially a Black man returning the slap when a White man slapped him first.
I also couldn't imagine being a Black man being accused of murder then having to be cleared and asked for assistance when it's found out that the accused Black man is a top homicide detective from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Here's the movie trailer from YouTube.
I picked these two movies because of two themes: racism and housing discrimination.
Martin Luther King spoke about racism, poverty, fair wages, fair working conditions, dignity and respect.
Sidney Poitier played these parts and played them with dignity and respect.
He made you see his humanity in its entirety.
Martin Luther King made you think about your humanity in its entirety.
When I think of Martin Luther King, I think of Sidney Poitier.
Thank you for taking the time to read this story.