MORGAN ALSTON
Published Writing Samples
VP Kamala Harris gives remarks at National Action Network Convention
New York Amsterdam News - On April 14, the National Action Network (NAN) convention welcomed Vice President Kamala Harris to deliver a keynote speech to galvanize the fight to protect democracy.
Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of NAN, hosted the annual event, which was the largest in their convention’s history. Held at the Sheraton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, the convention kicked off on Wednesday, April 12, with the traditional ribbon-cutting with New York City and state elected officials. During the week-long event, the civil rights organization will bring together trailblazing leaders in entertainment, business, civil rights, education, and other fields as the nation confronts concerted threats to its democracy. Those figures include Harris and nearly a dozen Biden Administration officials, Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington, Magic Johnson, and more.
The room echoed with cheers as Harris, surrounded by Black civil right activists and other supportive members, prompted the hundreds of attendees to “stand and protect our democracy” from Republicans. She touched on topics condemning the stripping of African American history in school curricula, voting rights, reproductive rights, and the lack of gun laws, while justifying how Biden’s administration has supported Americans, including Black Americans.
“Extremists across our country attack the freedom to vote,” Harris said. “They ban books to attempt to erase America’s full history. They attack the ability of people to love openly and with pride. They attack the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body instead of the government. They attack medications that for 20 years the FDA ruled as being safe. Democracy means being heard. However, we are lacking at this.”
Harris recounted recent events that occurred in Tennessee, where Republican legislators removed two Black lawmakers from office after the men led a peaceful protest to reinforce stronger gun control measures after six people lost their lives to gun violence in Nashville. Along with a white third-party legislator, the two legislators—Justin Jones and Justin Pearson—have made headlines nationally that fueled the nickname the “Tennessee Three.” After gaining substantial, vocal support nationally, they were quickly reinstated.
Harris made it clear during her 34-minute speech that extremists cannot be allowed to silence people, and believers in social justice must be more vocal than ever about the social issues affecting the country. “Seven thousand students and parents continued to organize and march and raise their voices, and now Justin Jones and Justin Pearson are back in their seats,” she said as the crowd rose to their feet applauding. “The people spoke.”
Harris invoked the powerful legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., saying the struggle for civil rights includes a fight for economic justice for all: “As Dr. King made clear, freedom includes the ability of all people to fully exercise their rights—rights that generations of Americans bled and died for, rights that the people in this very room continue to march and fight for,” she said. “That is our nation’s freedom blueprint. And that is what we stand for.”
Forgiveness Unveiled: Unpacking the Complexity of Forgiveness in Titus Kaphar’s New Film ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness
Do we as humans have the ability to forgive and move on? Or is it something more complex? Titus Kaphar’s latest film, “Exhibiting Forgiveness,” stands out as a poignant exploration surrounding the idea of forgiveness, identity, and the transformative power of compassion. Kaphar, a renowned painter and filmmaker, delves into themes such as generational trauma, grace, and forgiveness that resonate deeply with audiences, pushing the boundaries of traditional narrative and visual art.
Kaphar, who is celebrated for his thought-provoking artwork that often confronts historical narratives and its relevance to today’s societal issues, Kaphar brings the same critical lens to the big screen. “Exhibiting Forgiveness” is not just a film; it’s an artistic statement that invites viewers to grapple with the complexities of human relationships and the capacity for healing in a divided world. This film was inspired by his 2016 short documentary, “The Jerome Project,” produced as a continuation of one of his best-known series of paintings that was based on his relationship with his estranged father, Jerome.
The film follows Tarrell (played by André Holland), a rising Black artist who finds his promising future at risk when his estranged father, La’Ron (played by John Earl Jelks) unexpectedly returns, hoping to mend their fractured relationship. As they attempt to reconnect, they soon realize that forgiveness is just the beginning of a challenging journey toward healing and understanding.
Kaphar weaves a narrative that is both intimate and expansive, balancing personal stories with larger social themes.
Through a series of flashbacks and poignant dialogues, the film explores how deeply ingrained trauma can hinder our ability to connect, empathize, and influence who we ultimately become.
“Exhibiting Forgiveness” doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable realities of forgiveness. It asks profound questions: What does it mean to forgive? Can we truly let go of past grievances? Kaphar’s portrayal of forgiveness is not about erasing the past, but rather about acknowledging it, allowing for personal and communal healing.
The dialogue is sharp, often challenging, as characters grapple with their biases and confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and society. This exploration of empathy is timely, offering a much-needed lens through which to view current social dynamics.
As audiences leave the theater, many find themselves reflecting on their own experiences with forgiveness and the complex nature of human relationships. Kaphar’s ability to spark such introspection speaks to the power of cinema as a tool for important conversations and social change…”I hope that this film opens up space for dialogue, for conversation that allow people to get into deeper stuff that may be harder to talk about without a conversation starter like this” Kaphar explains.
Titus Kaphar’s “Exhibiting Forgiveness” is more than just a film; it’s a conversation starter, a piece of art that challenges us to confront our biases and embrace the possibility of forgiveness. As it continues to make waves in the film festival circuit, one thing is clear: Kaphar has firmly established himself as a visionary filmmaker, using the medium to inspire empathy and understanding in an increasingly fractured world.
Prepare for a cinematic experience that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll—“Exhibiting Forgiveness” is a must-see for anyone seeking depth and meaning in film. Exhibiting Forgiveness hits theaters on October 18th.
​Historic Black fencing olympian is adding diversity to the world of fencing
New York Amsterdam News - Peter Westbrook is breaking down boundaries and creating a fencing dynasty in the city.
Westbrooks, a 13-time national fencing champion, Olympic bronze medalist, and the first African American to win an Olympic fencing medal is showing the world to chase their dreams—no matter how big or small they are.
“I grew up in the housing projects. No one ever said anything good about me. Only thing I heard was from my mother,” Westbrook said. “As soon as I got involved in the sport was the first time I ever heard positive things about me in my life.”
Westbrook’s hard work landed him a scholarship to attend NYU and take his fencing career to the next level. He said he was given the opportunity to be trained by a Hungarian master and was able to represent the United States in a sport that lacked diversity. Now, he wants to teach others how to leave their mark, too. For the past 30 years with the Peter Westbrook Foundation, he’s been dedicated to changing the narrative that the African American community doesn’t fence. Westbrook believes that his job is to show the country—everyone else who watches the program—that no matter who you are, even people of color who have not been exposed to fencing, the Black community can excel. Since 2000, his program has sent 16 athletes to the Olympics. Two secured silver medals at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and one brought home the bronze at the Rio Olympics in 2016, showing the world there is no obstacle we can’t overcome.
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