By Deidre Montague
On January 28th, 2021, Black Hollywood lost an iconic trailblazer, Ms. Cicely Tyson, whom we have been mourning her divine presence from now through eternity.
I was first introduced to Ms. Cicely Tyson in 2005, as a high school freshman in the Tyler Perry film, “Diary of A Mad Black Woman.” She played the role of Helen’s mother, Myrtle, who helped to encourage and strengthen Helen to remember to tap into the strength that God gave her, in order to move forward from a devastating divorce from her toxic husband. One of the most poignant scenes from this movie was when Helen, played by Kimberly Elise, told Myrtle that she was not strong like her, when looking for advice on how to move forward. Her mother (Ms. Tyson) responded back saying, “Sure you are, you got the strength God gave us women to survive! you just ain’t tapped into it yet.” Seeing it then, I could not appreciate how powerful this particular scene was or how it would mirror into my true life years later. As I struggled with the transition from college to adulthood, I had this same conversation with my mother. She is helping me with the transition of taking her place as the lady of the house, and when I told her that I could not fill her shoes, due to fear of failing, she reminded me that I have the power and authority by God to fill my own shoes of adulthood, just like Ms. Cicely Tyson. To see her channel the strong love of my mother is so moving to me, and I am sure many others who share that Black mother love bond and experience.
The second time I saw Ms. Cicely Tyson shine on screen was in the 2006 Tyler Perry film, “Madea’s Family Reunion.” While I originally saw this movie for the laughs from Madea, I walked away with a call to action by Mrs. Cicely Tyson herself. In reprising her role as Myrtle, she walks with the matriarch of the family in order for her to see all of her family members during the reunion. After watching the younger family members bicker, fight, and wilding out, Myrtle (Mrs. Cicely Tyson) gathers her family all the way together, reminding them and the Black audience of our worth, individually and collectively, with the following speech “Family reunions are about uniting the family, bringing together the young and old. Singing and dancing and thanking God, giving Him the glory. Thanking Him for getting us over. As we marched up the road this afternoon, what we saw were young men gambling, fighting, cussing. Women with no clothes on gyrating all over on this land. Do you see this shack. The man and woman we were born here gave birth to this generation. They were slaves. They worked this ground, but they bought it from the widow of the slave owner and that’s the kind of blood we have running though our veins. That’s the stock we are made of. What happened to us? What happened to us? Who are you? Do you know who you are? What happened to the pride and the dignity and the love and respect that we had for one another? Where did it go? And how, how do we get it back? I’ma tell you. Young Black men, take your place. We need you. Your sons and daughters need you. Did you understand what I just said. You were sold off and had no choice, yes, but now it’s time to stay. Take your place. Now. Starting now. Starting now. Young black women, you are more than your thighs and your hips. You are beautiful, strong, powerful. I want more from you. Take your place. I want every single one of you, young man, young woman, turn to the next person standing alongside of you. Grab them and hug them and tell them that you love ’em. Tell them, As ‘If you need anything, come to me.’ ‘If you need somebody to talk to, come to me.’ ‘I’ll give you the shoulder, I’ll give you the hug. I’ll feed you, I’ll clothe you if you need it. That’s how you start from this moment. When you leave this reunion today, you take that with you.”
Seeing Ms. Tyson deliver that call to action made me understand, from that age until now, that we, as Black people, have worth and value, despite society’s attempts to diminish it. This monologue that Ms. Cicely Tyson performed demonstrated her oath to make sure that she would only commit to playing roles that uplifted and benefited the Black community in a positive light. Whether it be in the roles she took or the philanthropy projects she took on, such as partnering and supporting her namesake performing arts school, Cicely Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts, Ms. Cicely Tyson reminds the Black community that we have a responsibility to uplift and benefit one another, within our respective fields. For me, as a Black Journalist, I will honor Ms. Cicely Tyson’s legacy and call to action by always making sure that I am an advocate for the Black Community, and making sure that we are seen beyond the ugly narratives that are often created about us. I pledge to showcase the faith, beauty, entrepreneurship, and the divine in us all, every opportunity I am given to write about US.
Mrs. Cicely Tyson, thank you for showing us how FAITH IN GOD is to be LIVED OUT every day. Thank you for breaking barriers and showing society the complexities of Black women. Thank you for showing our style, strength, and beauty to the world. As your soul has now ascended into the Presence of Jesus, we know that you are at peace with Our Creator. You are the ultimate embodiment of Divine Feminine, and we are so grateful to God that He graced us with your presence. You will be greatly missed and loved. Rest in Power, Ms. Cicely Tyson.
