Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange has described the legendary actor Sidney Poitier as “Hollywood’s first Black star”.
Grange, in her tribute to Poitier who died on Thursday, January 6 at age 94, noted that he “created history while portraying on-screen black people as talented, strong and articulate.” She highlighted that he had the ability to change the portrayal of black people on screen and that he “sought to counter the prevailing, negative views on persons of African descent”.
Grange said Poitier’s “dignified roles helped audiences of the 1950s and 1960s envision black people not just as servants but as doctors, teachers and detectives”.
“He made a conscious decision to reject roles that were not consistent with his values or that reflected badly upon his race,” the minister stated.
She said that with Poitier becoming Hollywood’s first black movie star and the first black man to win the Best Actor Oscar award, “we remember with fondness and respect films such as To Sir With Love and A Raisin in the Sun”.
Grange also pointed to Poitier’s success at the box office, noting that he was the first black director whose film grossed more than US$100 million.
“Sidney Poitier provided for us a living example of black excellence. He was truly a trailblazer and an inspiration for black people the world over. Most deservedly, he was awarded the United States’ highest civilian honour — the Medal of Freedom by President Obama — and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.”
“We in Jamaica express condolences to the loved ones of Sir Sidney Poitier and to the people of The Bahamas and the United States. We join in honouring the memory of this great man and I have conveyed this to the Honorary Consul for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in Jamaica, Mrs Alveta Knight,” Grange said.
