One, Two, Three, "Four Women"

Last year, film director Cynthia Mort announced the release of a movie on the life of Ms. Simone. In response to the announcement, a furor erupted over the casting of actress Zoe Saldana in the lead role. Although acknowledging her African roots, Ms. Saldana, born to a Dominican father and Puerto Rican mother, has been described by critics as being not sufficiently "Black" to play the role. Although pressure has mounted on Ms. Mort to recast the role with a more appropriately hued actress, she has resisted.

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Eunice Kathleen Waymon was better known by her stage name Nina Simone. The Black jazz singer and songwriter was also a classically trained pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist. Known as the "High Priestess of Soul," Simone synthesized the genres of jazz, blues, gospel, and folk to weave a mystical web of intoxicating musical incantations.

I first encountered Ms. Simone during my formative years lounging in the University dormitory. That encounter greatly hastened my journey into social and cultural consciousness. It transformed my worldview and provided a lens through which to examine the "knowledge" consumed in the classroom and in the media. "Mississippi Goddamn," "Trouble in Mind," "Strange Fruit," "Rags and Old Iron," "My Baby Just Cares For Me," "Feeling Good," "The Work Song," and an almost endless list of recordings that propelled me through my informal course on the "United States of Amnesia." Having adopted her as a mentor and role model, my admiration and respect for Ms. Simone is everlasting.

Last year, film director Cynthia Mort announced the release of a movie on the life of Ms. Simone. In response to the announcement, a furor erupted over the casting of actress Zoe Saldana in the lead role. Although acknowledging her African roots, Ms. Saldana, born to a Dominican father and Puerto Rican mother, has been described by critics as being not sufficiently "Black" to play the role. Although pressure has mounted on Ms. Mort to recast the role with a more appropriately hued actress, she has resisted.

As an observer of American history, I'm sympathetic to the critic's argument. We've seen "colorism" sitting comfortably at the table alongside racism and sexism eagerly consuming the great American feast. I'm aware that the weight of racism, colorism, and sexism (and their lingering effects on the American aesthetic) landed heavily on the backs of Black women. That being said, I am still somewhat uneasy with the "hater-ation" directed at Ms. Saldana.

The fact that slave ships deposited some enslaved Africans on the shores of Spanish-speaking countries should not necessarily sever their ties to other unfortunates who were dropped in English- speaking countries. We are all part of the historically despised, the disenfranchised, the dishonored, the diaspora scattered from mother Africa.

So, although I may have cast Lizz Wright or India Irie in the movie's lead role, my best wishes go out to Ms. Saldana. For the sake of Nina Simone's legacy alone, I hope she's nominated for an Oscar.

Zoe, just know that most of the criticism is delivered with sincere and pure motives. Know that we must be vigilant in exposing racism, colorism, and sexism in all its various guises. Recognize that to whom much is given, much will be required...so seize the moment and don't trifle with the legacy of a great African-American legend. Lastly, be inspired and find wisdom in the words of these four women:

Sojourner Truth - "And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?"

Zora Neal Hurston - "All my 'skin folk' ain't my kinfolk."

Josephine Baker - "Beautiful? It's all a question of luck. I was born with good legs. As for the rest... beautiful, no. Amusing, yes."

Michelle Obama - "One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don't invest any energy in them, because I know who I am."

Since encountering Nina Simone, I've been mesmerized by the song, "Four Women." It's my mental soundtrack as I consider the women in my life, and I've often employed it as a thought-provoking conversation piece. The number "Four," in numerology, represents strength and stability...explaining my love of this song, all women, and particularly Black women. Listen as Lizz Wright, "Simone," and Diane Reeves render a hauntingly beautiful rendition of the Nina Simone classic.

Until we rendezvous...

Peace!