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@Pioneer1 Yes. I heard about the book first - I have many sources but if I had to point to one source I'd say it was my google alert that is set to "Black Women" . so yes, I had the pleasure of hearing about Margot Lee Shetterly's book before I heard of the movie. Old Journalist tricks are hard to break and I'm a information junkie. BTW, I disagree with your assessment about general public, and academia - it's usually individuals with a specific interests or out of necessity that make the breakthrough and bring information into the mainstream. I even read the flint water crisis was brought to light by a homeowner , a woman named " Leeanne Walters"

@Pioneer1 why not just get personal gain from the secular? Cut out the middleman.

These "demonstrations" are self explanatory, as is their aim of "making a statement". That is their intent and the publicity derived from demonstrations making a statement have an impact because they generate publicity, and agitate their foes. These tactics are examples of individual acts of passive resistance and are part of the weaponry in the arsenal of dissent. Yes, black professional athletes and entertainers often stoop to conquer in the hope that the end will justify the means when it comes to enriching their bank accounts. Uncle Tomism is frequently synonymous with expediency. And, it is common knowledge that Donald Trump is thin-skinned. He, himself, says he doesn't like people who aren't nice to him - because he obviously craves approval. Finding ways to bug him is what being a "creative nuisance" is all about. Obviously our opinions on this subject differ; so be it.

Mel Yep this is exactly why I gave up casting for personal gains sometime ago. I began working on raising my vibrations instead. Thank you, though! Now my focus and goal is getting others to raise their vibration so that we can shine bright in this world... What you just said about not wanting to do it for personal gain is one of the reasons much of religion (I won't say "all" of it) has been such a turn off for me. Most people think it's some how WRONG to ask for or want personal gain from the divine. ....but secretly they really WANT more blessings and personal gain in their life! .....but they feel it's wrong to directly ask for it or that it's somehow sinful or selfish, so they pray for "humanity" or sacrifice and give charity trying hard NOT to think of getting anything in return for their good deeds....all the while in the back of their mind hoping to be divinely blessed. ....but turn around and get angry and confused if they do all these "good things" and feel their blessings haven't come as a result. I no longer come from a religious point of view although I'm a strong believer in God and the spirit realm....and I've never got a message telling me it's wrong to ask for personal gains like more wealth, more sex, better health, ect.... I've read MAN MADE MATERIAL like scriptures and books telling me this, but nothing from the divine realm directly. So I guess my question is, EXACTLY WHAT'S WRONG with asking for personal gain as long as it's not done to hurt others?

I wish I had something positive to contribute to this discussion. I am, however, encouraged that all y'all's broad views of the grim future have not dulled your optimism, and that you are motivated by the challenges that show no signs of dissipating. To me, the current political situation is a sign that the tide has turned, - as it inevitably does. The Pandora's box of Trumpism has been opened and emptied and the old rules don't apply. If this can be described as a teachable moment one lesson would be that truth has become a very elusive entity that language imprisons by holding "reality" captive. So those in control can manipulate words to describe a scenario of their choice, and since the word "reality", itself, is trapped in the confines of 7 written symbols, or 4 spoken syllables, who can effectively invoke "reality" as a defense against alternate "facts"? What is reality?? Is it actually a state of flux where we create our own truths? This is the growing trend black folks must try and navigate, figuring out a way to make white folks believe lies we make up. BTW, I don't agree with the pundits who claim that Trump's base has eroded. I even think he is gaining converts from the ranks of wimps who, since their vote couldn't whip him, are simply joining him. Meanwhile, his opponents react more than act. Progressives and Liberals are standing around diagnosing Trump's mental health and pointing out how untrue and illogical his rationales are, ferreting out obscure laws in an attempt to thwart the Republican majority, while making idle threats of impeachment and filibusters. I am very disappointed in how The Press seems to be so in awe of the office of the Presidency that they allow Trump to publicly mock the news media. The idea of simply calling him an outright liar seems unthinkable to reporters. So here I sit, watching how the lines are being drawn, hoping that those who recognize the signs of this country becoming a dictatorship will be able rally enough supporters to ward off the threat. I watched Bill Maher's interview with Milo whose diarrhea of the mouth was probably contracted from blowing diseased penises. He can be dismissed as a "guilty pleasure" because he attacks icons using sly humor and a savvy persona to say what others think, taking full advantage of the mean-spiritness that Trump has popularized. I would simply describe Milo's position with the publishing industry as a mutually beneficial "69".. Bill Maher is, first and foremost, a stand-up comedian. I appreciate how he not only takes obnoxious bigoted Conservatives to task but also calls out Liberals for being smug, do-gooders. He is not a particularly skilled debater but he fortifies his views by inviting articulate people of his persuasion to keep the Republican apologists in check. This alone makes his show worth watching. Elsewhere, this Pop Culture Vulture is motivated to put on her Milo hat because she is sick of BEYONCE who, thanks to the slavish devotion of her social media "Beehive", thinks that having a big belly full of twins has not only obligated her to parade around and show off her bloated abdomen, but has also elevated her to the realm of Earth Mother - a goddess to be held in awe and worshiped by all who look upon her! Her appearance at the Grammys, looking like a latter day Cleopatra with a stomach tumor, was a yawner. She needs to go somewhere and sit down and hope Jay-Z's genes aren't stronger than hers. I'm also sick of seeing a frolicking Obama's grinning face plastered all over the internet, as he has embarked on an extended vacation, immersing himself in a lifestyle where the troubles of the world will never again intrude upon his carefree existence. He may be better off as result of his presidency but I'm not so sure about the rest of the black people who put him in office.