HISTORICALLY BLACK: GEOFFREY S. FLETCHER



Geoffrey Shawn Fletcher
(born October 4, 1970)

Today's historically black feature again focuses on the African American contribution to the film industry. Today we will discuss Geoffery Fletcher, who is an African American screenwriter; film director, and distinguished professor at Columbia University-- as well as Tisch School of the Arts. Fletcher made history when he became the first African American to win an Academy Award for a his adapted screen play, written for the award winning film "Precious". Unlike the majority of my features, today's person of interest achieved greatness quite recently.

Often African American face opposition from their own people, primarily in the form of poor betrayal and representation. Not only did Fletcher so eloquently try to convey author Sapphire's "Push" ( the novel in with Precious is based ) message, but he also drew attention to the marvelous writing ability of African Americans working within the film industry. Geoffrey Fletcher is proof that even though no African Americans will win any awards this evening, we WILL be there next year. Fletcher is a commendable contributor  to the film industry--and our culture, which is why he is another reason black history should be celebrated year round(K*W)