โRemaining silent when one must speak is the slow death of freedom.โ
Funny enough, this series was recommended by a male friend who attributed its themes to โwomen power,โ black people powerโ and concluded by saying, โjust watch it.โ
So, I went home downloaded it, lit a blunt, and got ready to be amazed by the brilliant brain of Ava Duvernay.
The story revolves around two strong women Nova (played by Rutina Wesley) and Charley (played by Dawn-Lyen Gardner ) different and defiant in their quest for self-awareness, making peace with their pasts, leaving a mark in history, and fighting for their family, community, race, and love.
These women break many barriers set before their paths, emerging successful among their peers, achieving recognition and making great impact in their community.
For this writer, Nova inspires me the most because of our similar interests; writing and activism. She seeks independence early in her life, searches for freedom through her art and activism, is adamant in her love, and is a go-getter.
Nova appeals to me most because she makes many mistakes, some against people she loves and others against the community she fights to clean.
Isnโt this the predicament of the human, of the artist and activist?
Her sister Charley is a successful businesswoman, politician, and mother. Her story begins with her as a loving wife and manager to her husband, a famous basketballer whose team gang-rapes a woman and cheats on her serially.
She leaves her husband, goes back to her hometown, St. Jo founds her own sugar mill (Queen Sugar) and works hard to raise her son, Micah, who realizes his blackness in the South of America where black people are still slaves to unfavorable work conditions and big white corporations. She eventually gets elected as a community leader.
She says, โDonโt lead with the fear of what might be, lead with the strength of who you are.โ
Ava Duvernay achieves a lot with his series. From highlighting key issues and gaps in womenโs and black people's rights. Itโs one I would totally recommend.
The world of Ava Duvernay is amazing!!!!