The internet has been ablaze this week talking about Black women. Most of the discussions surround the Super Bowl features of Jennifer Hudson leading the Sandy Hook Elementary choir in the pre-game show, Alicia Keys’ rendition of the National Anthem (She kept it low key and accompanied herself on piano.), and of course the infamous half-time show featuring Beyonce.
Yet there was other groundbreaking, (and in my personal opinion) much more important Black women’s history revealed last weekend—that’s when Lifetime made a bold move to reveal the world premiere of “Betty and Coretta.”
The movie tells the little known story of the friendship that developed between Dr. Betty Shabazz (widow of slain Civil Rights Activist, Malcolm X) and Mrs. Coretta Scott King (widow of slain Civil Rights Activist, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.). I write about their stories, justice work, and friendship at @UrbanFaith, noting the importance their legacies mean for all of us. Check it out here.
A SISTA'S JOURNEY 
How does the super bowl half time represent diversity?
Hi Arla, Many African Americans were celebrating the fact that three African American women were featured in the Super Bowl activities line-up. From a different diversity perspective, Beyonce and her message (with all girl band, etc) speaks to gender diversity-empowerment of women. Though I would have us consider (as many Christian writers have this week) whether or not the empowerment she displays is real empowerment or even the empowerment we want. Blessings, Natasha
I guess I always thought of gender diversity as being
both male and females. Instead of Diversity, perhaps a better term for you cause would be “Empowerment.” Thank you for your response. Praying.
Arla, Since football is a sport where men dominate (players, coaches, refs…), inviting women on the field to perform is a unique way to welcome gender diversity. 😉
Before Natasha & I watched this together, I didn’t know the film or the relationship depicted existed. As a caucasion woman, I confess to accepting the gloss-over that was given to me in my youth when it comes to African-American history. When our schools only give approximately 20 days per year to specifically teach Black History during the month of February, there is much to be lost. The movie was well made & I enjoyed how the actors embraced their characters so much that you didn’t see the celebrity, but the person he or she was portraying. But most importantly, it gave me a greater perspective of the history of Civil Rights. I found encouragement just as a woman that I can be a working mother, wife & return to school for higher education to benefit my community as a whole in the example seen by Dr. Shabazz’s life. I hope that many other caucasion women also watch this film and that it spurs us to become aware of the full history of our country and all of its people.
Thanks for drawing attention to this! I’ll check out your Urban Faith post tonight!
Enjoyed reading this! Thank you for letting us know about it.