Today, September 26th, is #NationalBlackMenDay. On this day, The Koalition is celebrating the unique journey and success of black men across America.
National Black Men Day celebrates the unique journey and success of black men in America. This journey includes the beginnings of slavery, to modern times. Black men have fought to be free, equal, and honored. This day will also highlight prominent black men in entertainment. We will also honor current black men of stature to encourage future generations.
Today we are highlighting three black men Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jamie Foxx and Morris Chestnut – all of whom are using their platform to help make a difference in how black men are seen on and off screen.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II / Aquaman the Lost Kingdom
From Candyman to Ambulance to his latest role as DC’s ultimate villain The Black Manta in the newest sequel, Aquaman The Lost Kingdom; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is kicking ass and taking names. Paving a way for himself in Hollywood, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is becoming a force to be reckoned with on both the big and small screens. Yahya’s spot on our Black Men Day list is well deserved as he strives to take on roles and tell stories that need to be told; as well as advance inclusion behind the scenes through his recently launched production company, House Eleven10.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is an American actor who portrayed David Kane, the Black Manta in the DC Extended Universe Aquaman films and Bobby Seale in the Netflix historical legal drama The Trial of the Chicago 7. For his portrayal of Cal Abar in the HBO limited series Watchmen, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. He also starred in an episode of The Handmaid’s Tale and Black Mirror. Abdul-Mateen portrayed incarnations of Morpheus and Agent Smith in The Matrix Resurrections and can be seen in DC’s latest film, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
About Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom
Director James Wan and Aquaman himself, Jason Momoa—along with Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Nicole Kidman—return in the sequel to the highest-grossing DC film of all time: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from irreversible destruction.
All returning to the roles they originated, Jason Momoa plays Arthur Curry/Aquaman, now balancing his duties as both the King of Atlantis and a new father; Patrick Wilson is Orm, Aquaman’s half-brother and his nemesis, who must now step into a new role as his brother’s reluctant ally; Amber Heard is Mera, Atlantis’ Queen and mother of the heir to the throne; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is Black Manta, committed more than ever to avenge his father’s death by destroying Aquaman, his family and Atlantis; and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, a fierce leader and mother with the heart of a warrior. Also reprising their roles are Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus and Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin.
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents An Atomic Monster / A Peter Safran Production of A James Wan Film, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, set to open in theaters internationally beginning 20 December 2023 and in North America on December 20, 2023; it will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Jamie Foxx / The Burial
In Amazon Studio’s latest film, Jamie Foxx plays Willie E. Gary, a smooth-talking attorney who helps funeral homeowner Jeremiah O’Keefe save his family business. The film is an inspiring triumphant story exposing corporate corruption and racial injustice. The multi-award-winning acclaimed Actor has left his indelible mark in Hollywood with inspiring films such as The Soloist, Just Mercy, and Disney’s Soul. A true philanthropist at heart, Jamie Foxx has established the Jamie Foxx Foundation that supports health, education, and equity and inclusion. Jamie, thank you for pushing boundaries and opening doors for the generations of actors to come.
About the Burial:
Directed by Maggie Betts, Story by Doug Wright and inspired by true events, when a handshake deal goes sour, funeral homeowner Jeremiah O’Keefe (Academy Award winner Tommy Lee Jones) enlists charismatic, smooth-talking attorney Willie E. Gary (Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx) to save his family business. Tempers flare and laughter ensues as the unlikely pair bond while exposing corporate corruption and racial injustice in this inspirational, triumphant story.
Based on The New Yorker article by Jonathan Harr, The Burial’s screenplay is by Doug Wright and Maggie Betts. Cast includes Tommy Lee Jones, Jamie Foxx, Jurnee Smollett, Mamoudou Athie, Pamela Reed, with Bill Camp, and Alan Ruck.
Morris Chestnut / OWNs Rebuilding Black Wall Street
Own’s latest docuseries, Rebuilding Black Wall Street,’ stars host, Morris Chestnut. A renovation docuseries focused on equity, and redefining the black narrative – the series chronicles the ongoing reconstruction of the Greenwood District of Tulsa, which was destroyed in the 1921 massacre. Chestnut earns our number 3 spot on the #NationalBlackMenDay list for his work in showcasing his efforts to help rebuild the community and uplift black businesses.
OWN’s Rebuilding Black Wall Street:
Oprah Winfrey Network will premiere a six-part docuseries, Rebuilding Black Wall Street, hosted by Morris Chestnut (The Best Man, Rosewood, Boyz n the Hood), who will trace the century-long impact of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre and chronicle the resilient community rebuilding on Friday, September 29 at 9PM ET/8PM CST.
As the host of Rebuilding Black Wall Street, Morris Chestnut has enjoyed tremendous critical and commercial success as a film and television star for more than two decades. He is best known for his memorable roles in films such as Boyz n the Hood and the commercially and critically acclaimed The Best Man and its successful sequel, The Best Man Holiday. This year he earned his second NAACP Image Award reprising the role of Lance Sullivan in the Peacock limited series, The Best Man: Final Chapters. Starring in FOX’s series, Rosewood and other credits in his illustrious career resulted in the honor of receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Motion Picture category in 2022.
