The great Ava DuVernay’s interpretation and take of A Wrinkle in Time was incredible. As I watched, my eyes watered at every turn. I forgot where I was. I struggled with accepting Meg Murray’s reluctance to believe and understand the power she had. I realized that we all have to play tug-of-war with darkness and light. Like Miss Storm Reid, it is imperative that we continue tugging towards the light.

Greatness occurs when the sun shines brightly over the Earth. Traveling in time throughout the film allowed me to grasp the fact that all energies are cultivated in the universe. We determine which ones to harvest.

And to think this magic was made by a black woman blew my mind. I am a pretty optimistic person, yet the many forms of blatant injustices and means of oppressing blacks has a tendency to temporarily cloud my mind. Kodak Black once said that they don’t wanna see me winning so I gotta keep that tunnel vision. In one way or another, I have found ways to pivot from the negativity in pursuit of my life goals.

Towards the end of the movie, Meg Murry realizes the power of her words. The gift of sight translates into profound understanding. Sometimes seeing is the only way to make the unbelievable, believable. Her timeless determination supported her along her journey. When Meg finally made it home, I experienced another victory for team melanin, which made me cry uncontrollable tears of joy.

DuVernay exceeds her responsibility to use her platform to give a little black girl a chance. She reminds young women that there is something in the universe for us — all we have to do is go and get it.

And how fitting was it to witness this journey on International Women’s Day?

A Wrinkle in Time actress, Storm Reid, had the opportunity of a lifetime. She should never stop dreaming. In her role, Reid received advice about loving herself and admiring the skin she is in. Young women, particularly young black women, have such high expectations juxtaposed with many social limitations. Each day we break barriers, but that ain’t nothing new. I charge us women to be woke, stay woke and continue to take charge of our queendom.

Critics say that the movie will be a flop in the box office. For the time being, forget abotthe money. This is a chance for everyone to recognize the potential of the fearless queens of tomorrow.

I just hope the message comes across as Ms. DuVernay intended. I wipe my tears one more time so that I can put on my Black Panther attire and shoot for the moon. A Wrinkle In Time moved me. I’m encouraged to step out on a limb and take more calculated risks, and I won’t stop until I reach the stars.

Jo_WritesTruth

Writing since April 2017 · 2 stories contributed