I sat on the couch every night for a week with my mom in January of 1977. We watched a show together that taught me about American history and it also taught me about humanity.
We watched every minute of the groundbreaking mini-series, “Roots.” I cried and wiped my tears on my mom’s robe when “Fiddler” died.
Yesterday the actor who played the older slave that nurtured Kunta Kinte died, Louis Gossett Jr.
Last night I watched another strong performance that Mr. Gossett played in “An Officer and a Gentleman.”
It has been a minute since I watched this movie from 1982. Gunnery Sergeant Foley was the drill instructor that had some famous lines. This movie was definitely made before “MeToo” and the Woke Era.
When I watched this movie for the first time and probably the last, I was still in high school. The best part of the movie back then was seeing Debra Wingers nipples during a sex scene with Richard Gere.
Last night I saw the relationship between Gossett Jr and Richard Gere. Mr. Gossett’s performance won an Academy Award for best supporting actor. The first time a black man won the award.
Fiddler was sitting under a tree with Kunta Kinte when he died. Kunta Kinte, who was given the English name “Toby” started to cry when he realized his mentor passed away.
…. and he said, “Fiddler, now you know what it be like to be free, now you know Fiddler.”
Mr. Gossett…. Now YOU know what the freedom of eternal rest means.
Today starts out rainy, but gets warmer and should produce a smile on the sun.
Saturday is rugby day! The Chicago Blaze Rugby Club play out in Lemont today and the Chicago Hounds have a match in Bridgeview tonight.
Play well Gentlemen!
Saturday is also the birthday of a dear friend, George’s Godmother, Amy Weaver.
Happy Birthday Weavy!
Alright you glorious Chalkheads! Go out there and be astonished…. Put your smile on the sun and be kind.
