The Oscar winner, Morgan Freemanknown for his roles in Escape dream and the trilogy of The Dark Knighthas openly criticized the Black History Month. In a recent interview with VarietyFreeman shared his thoughts on this celebration, which takes place in February in the United States and commemorates the history and achievements of African Americans.
“I hate the very idea of this.”he claimed. “Are you going to give me the shortest month of the year? And are you going to celebrate ‘my’ story? This idea makes me grind my teeth. Is not correct”, said the 87-year-old actor. Freeman has reiterated his position on several occasions, describing Black History Month and the term “African American” as an “insult.”
In a previous interview with the magazine The Sunday Times’s Culture, the actor stated: “Two things that I can say publicly that I don’t like. Black History Month is an insult. Are you going to relegate my story to one month?”
Freeman also questioned the use of the term “Afro-American”, stating: “I do not subscribe to that title. “Black people have had different titles since the beginning with the ‘n’ word, and I don’t know how these terms take hold, but everyone uses ‘African American.’”
The actor added: “What does it really mean? Most black people in this part of the world are mixed race. AND you say ‘Africa’ as if it were a country when it is a continent, like Europe.” Freeman also shared his agreement with an opinion from actor Denzel Washington: “I’m very proud to be black, but that’s not all I am.”
Freeman’s review coincides with his work as executive producer of the new Civil War series, “The Gray House,” which premiered at the Monte Carlo Television Festival, where Freeman received the Crystal Nymph Award.
During the conversation about his new project, Freeman reiterated his blunt opinion on the whole matter: “My story is American history. It’s the only thing in this world that interests me, besides making money, having fun and getting enough sleep.”.
Black History Month was recognized as a national holiday in 1976, when President Gerald Ford formalized the celebration that had begun decades earlier as a week of recognition created by Harvard historian Carter G. Woodson and Minister Jesse E. Moorland. .
The February election was due to the birth dates of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Ireland, also celebrate Black History Month, although in October.
Debate over the relevance and impact of Black History Month has been ongoing in the United States and elsewhere. While some argue that it is an important tool for education and recognition of the contributions of African Americans, others, like Freeman, believe that it segregates and limits history to a single month.
Among Freeman’s other less serious, but equally striking, speeches was the one he gave for actress Nicole Kidman when she was honored at the 49th AFI Lifetime Achievement Award Gala. At that time, a few months ago, Morgan gave a speech notable for its humorous tone.
The tribute included the veteran actor reminiscing about his own 2009 awards show and had a few words for Kidman: “I’m here to say that I sat in that chair, and I know exactly what’s going through your mind… you’re thinking, ‘Is he American Film Institute? The highest honor for a career in film? I?’. And you’re also thinking, with that beautiful smile, ‘Damn, huh!’”.
The interpreter’s words sparked laughter among those in attendance, while Kidman smiled and covered the ears of her daughter, Sunday Rose, 15 years old.
