Fantastic & Feisty - What You Can Learn From The Black Women of Bond
This Friday, November 6, is the North American premier of the newest Bond movie, "Spectre", in which we see the return of Naomie Harris in the role of Moneypenny. To land a role in the Bond franchise is a huge accomplishment as these classic movies are not only timeless but transcend multiple cultures.
Timing the new movie release, Essence Magazine, along with the African American film critics association (aafca), held a tribute yesterday honouring the black women of Bond.
The iconic women who were honoured where Trina Parks (1971's Diamonds are Forever), Gloria Hendry (1973's Live and Let Die), Grace Jones (1985's A View to a Kill - Did not attend), Halle Berry (2002's Die Another Day), and Naomie Harris (2012's Skyfall, and 2015's Spectre).
Trina, Naomie, Halle, and Gloria at last night's red carpet - Image courtesy of Daily Mail
Naomie Harris also graces the cover of the December issue of Essence Magazine, and Cori Murray, the entertainment director for Essence magazine, pointed out that “With their presence in the Bond franchise, each of these five icons have transformed the way Black women are seen around the world. We’ve been so proud of Naomie and thrilled to have her on our cover. We look forward to seeing her star continue to rise” as pointed out by Rollingout.
Harris tells Essence that she always knew she was going to be an actress and began booking TV roles at the age of 9. However upon graduating from drama school, the harsh reality of an actors life hit home. Unable to book anything for 9 months, she finally got her break in "28 Days Later." 9 months doesn't sound that bad to me when you hear people who wait years and years for their breakthrough, but suppose it's different when you've been acting from when you were a child.
Photo Credit: Rachel Murray, Getty Images for THAurban via USA Today
Being black in Hollywood, from what I've heard and read, is hard, so to see black women represent strength, being fantastic and feisty is more than welcomed. Daily Mail quote Harris herself for saying of her role "I love that I’m representing a Bond woman to admire, not just t**s and a**."
Naomie as Eve Moneypenny - Image courtesy of Daily Mail
In aspiring to reach our goals and live out our purpose it is vital not to loose our integrity along the way. I'm quite intentional about the women I feature on here, and make it a point to feature women who I believe are positive role models. Sure, you can find dirt on almost anyone if you dig hard enough, but all in all, the black women of Bond, and the black women of Beyond A Little Black Dress, are women of dignity. As are you dear, "keep your heels, head, and standards high" ~Coco Chanel.
Be Blessed!