A Prince Among Slaves
Black History Month has commenced and PBS is now airing African American documentaries that, irregardless of quality, it wouldn't consider airing any other month. I just caught an airing of the Mos Def narrated documentary "Prince Among Slaves." I've got some concerns with the title. First, there was never any such thing as a slave; there were the enslaved. Big distinction, that wasn't what some of my ancestors were, it was what they were forced to do. Second, titling the film "Prince Among Slaves" suggests an investment in a social order that position a prince above the institution of slavery. What of the peasant? Would you title a film "Peasant Among Slaves?" It's worth reminding that freedom is a birthright for the meek and mighty.
As to the film's narrative, I can't comment on the nitty gritty before commenting on the production. It was visibly low budget, which I can live with, if it doesn't affect the documentary's historical accuracy and while I have some questions I can't make a judgment in that area just yet. Call me petty, but what I can judge is the poor quality of Prince Abdul-Rahman's hairpiece. Not since "Unbreakable" have I seen a hairpiece so poor. The yaki 'pon the actor playing Prince Abdul-Rahman's head had me chuckling throughout the solemn story and I can only imagine how distracting it could be to elementary and secondary students who will no doubt be forced to watch this in the cursory nod to black history some of our public and private schools occasionally offer.
Content wise, I was especially engaged by the late Bebe Moore Campbell's commentary as to how difficult it was to love and maintain family under those circumstances yet many of our ancestors did just that, exercising will in bondage. Dollar out of 50 cents, haute cuisine out of weeds and offal: we are an industrious people.
Tags: Black History Month, Film
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