Being able to capture someone’s attention isn’t just the job of an entertainer. Activists also have to use creative ways to create positive change. The athlete is creative mentally and physically while the activist is exceptionally mentally. Activism uses the real world to get the spectator’s attention while the athlete just uses his or her body. Entertainers are more influential and reach more people. But are they reaching the right people and with the right message? Let’s explore Malcolm x fighting idol worship in Regina King’s One night in Miami.

Why aren’t more entertainers consistent with activism? What does it say about our society that entertainers are the most revered? That we don’t like our blue-collar workers, teachers? We don’t respect discipline, hard work, and value how something makes us feel instead. One night in Miami features four of the best men in their respected craft during this time, all in the same room.

Malcolm, as an orator, Jim as a football player, Ali as a boxer and the voice of Sam Cooke. These men were and still are legends in the African American fight for inequality. This is a time when oppressed black people lived through the success and fame of entertainers. And Malcolm saw the value in this, to use their voice as a platform.. But can entertainers ever truly “crossover” into activism.

Sure it’s been done, but very rare. This goes back to our Disney’s Soul review. The issue is it being done consistently or just an artistic phase that will pass? The artist mainly wants to use his talent for material reasons, money, status, and women. Like Sam Cooke, Ali, and Brown would remind us several times in the film.

In fact, this is why Entertainers actually make the activist job harder.

Entertainers distract the very people activists want to wake up. Perhaps if Sam, Jim, and Alie realized this early in their career, Malcolm may have had less frustration. Malcolm puts on a Bob Dylan record showing a softer side to his militancy If music could move Malcolm it can move anyone.

But history tells us most people are sheep and don’t think for themselves. Which creates a conflict of interest for true activism in the entertainment field. This conflict would represent the plant-based protein and cauliflower of Regina King’s One night in Miami. Malcolm tries his best to persuade the other three into the value of their potential reach and above all, not to waste it. On shucking and jiving.

One night in Miami should prompt viewers to rethink their role in consuming entertainment. Are we supporting artists with real messages that are also talented or artists who produce very little substance? If it’s an athlete, are they doing various things off the court with their influence and power? If politicians, police officers, and everyone has to make their voices heard at the polls are held accountable so should entertainers.

Malcolm X warned us about the pitfalls of Black celebrities as leaders

But the people determine the standard by which the artist becomes “successful”. This brings us back to the paradox. The most artist is bad businessmen, yet they want to make a “living” of their talent. Or perhaps the success of an artist is a reflection of the culture and standards of that society. The activist is always trying to lift the standards but can fall on deaf ears sometimes. But entertainers always have the attention of the people. This is why Malcolm is so necessary as a spiritual mentor/guru.

Malcolm manages to help transition Ali into the early stages of Islam. Ali would channel his gift of gab into a nation of Islam rhetoric. We’ve never seen an elite athlete of his caliber hold firm to his rebellious principles since then. Perhaps the potential money is too big to pass up, after all, is anyone going to risk doing something controversial and it may fall on deaf ears? So athletes become less controversial but more philanthropic, like Jim Brown.

Brown expresses his eagerness to embrace Hollywood and be on the big screen. He felt he was a black hero in his western film, despite being killed halfway through. Perhaps fame is a sought after potion to heal the black experience. Brown would go on to implement gang violence initiatives in California and all over the country..

This shows the Impact of this one night. Sports wasn’t as popular and financially lucrative as it is now so players may have been more humble back then. I don’t know any elite players that have “Spiritual advisors” today. It could be that there’s too much information, too much money being made to listen.

What’s the use of a spiritual advisor who is lesser-known and risks alienating my audience may explain the lack of spiritual mentees.

Although entertainers have more power and information than before they are by no means, spiritual advisors. At the very least one night in Miami is a message that all black entertainers have some form of responsibility to insert consciousness in their entertainment.

In conclusion, Are entertainers willing to put their message in front of the fame and the glory they seek? Malcolm saw the optimism in entertainment giving joy to the racism at the time. But he also saw its vanity. Imagine if some of the most influential young artists of the day had the guidance of Malcolm or MLK. Perhaps this is too much power and not what the system wants.