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Black Excellence
A MAN OF DIGNITY By Max Jefferson
Sidney Poitier, the trailblazing black male actor who transformed mainstream racial culture forever, passed away on January 6, 2022. His story is one of a true underdog. Born of Bahamian farmers in Miami, Florida, on February 20, 1927, Poitier wasn't even expected to survive after being born three months premature. In dodging certain death as a newborn, Poitier set into motion his chosen purpose as a dignified presence in a world that was largely hostile towards black empowerment and success. Long before his iconic acting roles in films like Lilies of the Field, Guess Who's Coming To Dinner, and In the Heat of the Night, Poitier struggled to make ends meet in Jim Crow America after moving back to his country of birth at the age of 15. The vicious racism that he experienced in the United States was a culture shock for the young Bahamian teenager. Moving back to New York City, after obtaining a discharge from the U.S. Army following an unpleasant stint serving at a Veteran's hospital in Long Island, New York, coincided with Poitier's rising acting aspirations. Adversity struck once more when he was turned away from the American Negro Theater because of his thick West Indian accent and speech mishaps. This reflected his general lack of basic education up to that point in his life. A determined Poitier powered through unfulfilling work, most notably as a dishwasher. However, during this grim period of Poitier's life, to his surprise he realized that he had allies who were willing to offer some help and guidance. One of which was an elderly Jewish man who committed himself to helping Poitier overcome his educational shortcomings with literacy. Such instances of random care and guidance for a struggling youth instilled profound depths of humility within Poitier.
