“I’ve always had ambition, and the acting was successful and put my name on the map, but it was never the plan to stop there.”

– Idris Elba

Earlier today, it was reported on the Urban Intellectuals fan page that world renowned actor Idris Elba would be starring in a new British television series called Ascension. Our A-List star isn’t only bringing another positive image of black life to the television landscape, he’s also contemporizing the character of Egyptian master academic Imhotep. The conscious crowd is incredibly excited for the fact that we’ll finally get an accurate portrayal of Egyptian life in a major production. However, I’m elated for several reasons.

Idris Elba is the man. Let’s not get things twisted! This brother isn’t sitting around and waiting for the next Tyler Perry movie casting call. He’s taking his destiny into his own hands and creating his own projects. We should wish Idris Elba much success and support this endeavor in any way we can.  If anything, he’s setting a powerful precedent in the sub-sector of the community we call “black Hollywood”. How? Let me break it down for you!

 

1)   Idris Elba Is Doing Something With His Knowledge Of Self

“Without education, you are not going anywhere in this world.”

-Malcolm X

It isn’t a secret that Idris Elba is a conscious brother. He may be one of the most knowledgeable brothers in the industry. However, he isn’t using what he knows for intellectual masturbation. No, Idris is using the knowledge that he knows and making in applicable to his current circumstances. That’s where many in the conscious community fail miserably!

I’ve seen brothers break Scandal fans down when it comes to the topic of if Olivia Pope is a “negro bedwench” on Facebook and Twitter. However, what are those same brothers doing to make something as compelling and interesting as Scandal? Who is Shonda Rhimes’s competition? We know so much yet do so little to improve our circumstances. We’d rather complain than create our own. It’s cool to have provocative discussions but let’s put our words into action!

 

2)   Idris Elba Is A Modern Renaissance Man/Jack Of All Trades

“Whether it’s music or acting, that creativity all comes from the same source.”

-Idris Elba

Has anybody noticed that Idris Elba is never desperate for work? Even when he’s not in a major motion picture, you see him doing his own thing. Like I said above, he’s not sitting around waiting for Tyler Perry or the Akil Family to give him a new role. He’s taking his fate into his own hands. This is why he’s one of the best out now!

I know of a lot of folks getting frustrated that there’s a double standard in the  movie industry when it comes to predominately black productions. It’s not a new  phenomenon. Idris Elba isn’t complaining though. He’s making his own way. For  Ascension, he’s putting on his writers and executive producer hat. How many  actors have the ability to write a grade A script?

 Desire and Ambition are the cornerstones of success. If you set a goal for yourself  and you hustle hard enough to get it, you will be a success! I’m a witness of that!

 

3)   Idris Elba Created Something Unique And Interesting

“Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.”

-Edward de Bono

The reason why shows like Scandal and Being Mary Jane are so popular is because they are incredibly interesting. Let’s not act like Shonda Rhimes and Mara Brock Akil don’t put on a compelling production! If you want to make something positive that goes against the grain, it has to be just as compelling as what the competition has out. Idris Elba may have such a project on his hands.

Just look at the concept of the show! The fact that they’re going to be connecting the story of Imhotep to a character that lives in the distant future is incredibly intriguing in my eyes. Folks need to realize that in business if you don’t have a quality product that keeps customers coming back for more, you’re losing. If it’s not about money, what are you really talking about?

I expect for Ascension to be a hit whenever it’s picked up on a T.V. station in Brittan. Who knows, the show could even go up for syndication in the United States just like Luther did if it has enough of a following. We need to make sure we check for our brother and support him in any way we can. Positive images of black life are slowly, but surely, being made! Who’s complaining now?

 

Do you have any questions, comments or concerns? Was I right or wrong on this issue? I would love to hear from you! Contact me directly at:

Email: [email protected]

Ask.Fm: @YoungandGiftedBooks

Twitter: @AuthorRandallB

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randall.barnes.501

 

Check out a preview of my forthcoming Young Adult novel The Diary of Aaliyah Anderson on Wattpad!

http://www.wattpad.com/story/6314747-the-diary-of-aaliyah-anderson