I forgive Three-Six Mafia and Hustle & Flow

I still remember sitting in another RA's dorm room in the winter of 2006 watching the Oscars and for a few minutes, if you flipped to it, you would've thought it was another flashy MTV awards show.

   

Instead was Three-Six Mafia performing the song It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp from the movie Hustle & Flow, nominated in the best song category.  I may be speaking boldly, but in terms of African American representation in the public media, having former Oscar winners gracefully taking the gold statue such as Halle Berry and Denzel; to see short skirt hoes and chain-clad rappers singing about the life of pimps, I was not impressed, almost in awe (especially after Ludacris introduced them proclaiming not to judge a song by its name).  

Then, they won, giving the shout outs to their homies, etc... 

So this week, as I was prepping for my own premiere, I popped in Hustle & Flow.  I got to see Terrance Howard in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof on broadway, and can say I would think he wouldn't just take any job or in this case, play any pimp.  

And I can say that this just wasn't any ordinary street movie.  Shot entirely in Memphis it explored a city, a culture, and people who have aspirations beyond what you may think as you look at their drug laced pockets and sweat covered brows.  What impressed me the most, was that this movie which was made out of pocket by producer John Singleton who believed so much in the story and its director, who happens to be white, but a Memphis native, that the failed attempts to get money from studios would not stop him from making this film.  

The hard work and effort paid off, reaching critical acclaim, first and Sundance and then later rewarded at the box office, making well past the $750,000 it cost to make.  

As I sat thinking about what I would publicly talk about The Write Note, and what it meant that Arlington was so gracious in letting me invade it with cameras, there is a sense that we are all in the hustle and flow of life, and on a pathway towards success through creative means.  We all will have our battles to win, obstacles to fight through, and victories to be had, even if we can't see them coming, they could be right around the corner; a knock on a door, a hand shake at a store, or being at the right place at the right time.  

I'd like to personally thank all of those who have helped me on my way, either through support, monetary donation, or the giving of talent.  It's amazing what collaboration can create, and I look forward to many more in the future.