Harriet over performs with $12 million opening weekend

By George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.Com

Debra Martin Chase, as well as the cast and crew of the Harriet Tubman movie, Harriet, all have reason to celebrate this weekend

Despite an online movement to hurt the films opening weekend Focus Features Harriet over performed and beat predictions of an $8 million opening weekend by opening with $12 million.

The movie opened in 4th place at the box office but with a budget of $17 million should wind up being very profitable. In comparison, Spike Lee's BlackKklansman had a $10 million opening and went on to gross $48.7 million.

The film boasts a rare A+ Cinemascore from audiences, signaling the historical drama could continue to benefit from positive word of mouth. Older female moviegoers drove inaugural sales: 62% were women, and 59% were over the age of 35. African Americans accounted for nearly 50% of ticket buyers.

Another factor helping Harriet going forward is that it’s doing well with older movie goers who tend not to come out on opening weekend, but in the following weeks. So the movie should do well next weekend as well.

Harriet has a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A+ CinemaScore from audience members which bodes well for the film’s future.

Air Force Academy airfield named in honor of Tuskegee Airmen commander

Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., the first African American general in the Air Force, once said, “I could have been a teacher. I could have been a doctor or a lawyer, if I wanted to, but I didn’t – I wanted to be a pilot.”

His journey, marked by excellence and overcoming institutionalized racial barriers, was celebrated at the Air Force Academy, Nov. 1, during a ceremony to name its airfield in his honor.

A mock up of the new airfield sign was unveiled in front of an audience that included Davis’ extended family, documented original Tuskegee Airmen, and high-ranking military members, civil servants and cadets.

“His story and legacy of indomitable spirit will forever be enshrined on this airfield and is going to serve as an inspiration for generations of cadets,” said Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein.

Davis is most widely known for commanding the 332nd Fighter Group and the Tuskegee Airmen in WWII, who earned a reputation for their skill while protecting American bombers. Prior to the war, Davis, and his father, were the only African American line officers in the Army. Neither were allowed to command or lead white service members.

His service, and the service of the Tuskegee Airmen, are linked to President Harry Truman’s decision to desegregate the Armed Forces.

Davis’ nephew, L. Scott Melville, said his famous uncle realized early in his career that protesting the system wouldn’t get him far, so he took a rather radical approach to the era’s rampant discrimination.

“His strategy would be to lead by example and eventually the others would follow,” Melville said. “It was a strategy that required a lot of determination and patience [but it worked].”

Melville said Davis adopted the strategy while still a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he finished in the top 15 percent of his class despite being ostracized by other cadets. He carried it with him throughout his 30 year career. Davis is linked to helping women gain access to the Air Force Academy.

One guest speaker, Gen. Charles Brown, Pacific Air Forces commander, said his career success is the direct result of Davis’ achievements.

“I would not be standing here today if not for Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., and the Tuskegee Airmen,” Brown said.

[SOURCE: USAFA]

NAACP statement on impeachment resolution

The NAACP releases the following statement after the House vote on the impeachment resolution

We encourage the House of Representatives to continue fulfilling its Constitutional duty to investigate fully the abuse of power, obstruction of justice and the litany of racist and xenophobic acts by this president. We look forward to public hearings.

Brianne L. Thomas is missing!

ST CHARLES, Missouri — The St. Charles Police Department is asking for the public’s help to find a missing 26-year-old woman.

Brianne L. Thomas was last seen around 8:40 p.m. on Oct. 26 leaving the 1200 block of Talbridge. She was supposed to return within the hour but has not returned or been in contact with anyone since she left.

She was seen leaving in a dark colored vehicle.

Police said Thomas has diminished mental capacity and requires medication.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the St. Charles City Police Department at 636-949-3300.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries on impeachment: No one is above the law

Rep Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY 8th District) who is the Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus spoke before the House voted on a impeachment inquiry resolution. Jeffries let it be known that no one including the President of the United States is above the law.

Watch his speech below:

House #ImpeachmentInquiry takes important step forward.

Trump abused his power and undermined our national security.

We will hold the President accountable.

No. One. Is. Above. The. Law. pic.twitter.com/ucCn0yujFm

— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) October 31, 2019