Aisha Hinds (Manny Carabel/Getty Images)
Last week, WGN America announced that it had canceled the critically acclaimed and riveting historical drama Underground. Allegedly moving in a more conservative, programming direction, the network is leaving behind a show that introduced millions of viewers to the relatively unknown network.
As the cast and crew confirmed and responded to the news, outraged fans#TeamNoalee, #TeamStine and #TeamTubmanimmediately responded with #SaveUnderground.
The push to find a new home for this show is largely due to its dynamism. The show is singular and remarkable in its approach to telling the stories about enslaved and freed black people in the 19th century. From its complex characters, stellar performances, breathtaking soundtrack and rich storytelling, each episode feels like a multitextured journey.
The liberties taken with historical accuracy do not compromise the integrity of truth telling and historical precision as it pertains to slavery and resistance. Pitting the notorious Patty Cannon against the Black Rose and one of the greatest heroines in American history, Harriet Tubman, was an incredible fictionalized remix of true stories of fugitive, formerly enslaved people and the inhumanity of slave catchers and owners. Its hard to imagine Wednesday nights without the resistive spirit and depths of ancestral pain that Underground has provided.
Although our nation is built upon white supremacy, this current era of anti-blackness and racial terror warrants as many sites of radical resistance and freedom dreaming as possible. Undeniably, Undergroundwith its unapologetic commitment to telling the truth about genocide, abolition and revolutionfills and exceeds that role.
In an exclusive conversation with Aisha Hinds, this seasons breakout performer in her role as Tubman, we discussed at length the significance of a television show based on black resistancespecifically against this contemporary sociopolitical landscapeand the centrality of black women to our freedom-fighter past and our futures.
Were still dealing with such oppression, and so I think that its necessary for Harriets spirit to revisit us and to remind us that there are Harriets within us, Hinds told The Root.
Shes come back to sort of give us the playbook on how to strategize, on how to pray, on how to be guided and how to prioritize whats necessary, and how to eventually take those selfless acts and be willing to die for the causes that are important to moving us forward, she continued.
Worth dying for, yes. Tubman believed that black lives, black bodies and black souls were worth fighting forworth dying for and worth living for. The Generals actual practice was #BlackLivesMatter, generations before the radical black women at the core of this movement would proclaim the same.
Underground is clear in its purpose: to expose the reality that when it comes to white supremacyand the ways in which black people have always resisted oppressionpast is often prologue. In many ways, Underground reminds us that the past is not even past. It encourages us to fight unrelentingly for radical black futures.
Over the last few years, I have spent a lot of time thinking, talking and writing about the war on
The shows creative team completed filming the second season prior to the election of Donald Trump. And yet, so many aspects of this season felt timely and passionately responsive to the current rise of fascism and the emergence of a more emboldened and explicit white supremacist political agenda. The battleground has changed, but white supremacy is indeed unrelenting and reinvents itself and its logics through new technologies and systems rooted in anti-blackness.
With the exception of the notable historical figures depicted on Underground, all of the characters are ordinary people who survive the unsurvivable and fight seemingly unwinnable battles. Their visions of freedom shift and expand in differing ways as they experience the breadth and ubiquity of white supremacy. Their ideas about liberation change as they learn more about themselves and about a country indebted to black suffering, labor and death. They are not perfect; nor do they have to be.
One of the first truths that [Harriet] speaks in the Minty episode is when she says, I was born and raised like a neglected weed, Hinds said.
The idea that this woman was an ordinary womanshe wasnt born into the amount of acclaim that she later went on to receive; she was born into circumstances that didnt even consider her humanso the fact that this ordinary woman was able to rise up against insurmountable odds and do this extraordinary thing ... spoke to me and encouraged me and inspired me, that in all of my ordinariness, there is something extraordinary that Ive been planted on this earth to do, Hinds continued.
The imperfections of the characters, coupled with their fluid and still-forming radical imaginations, are profoundly instructive to those of us organizing, mobilizing, teaching, writing, coding and creating in the era of the Movement for Black Lives. Not all will be on board with freedom work. Our visions of freedom work will vary. But an underlying theme of the show and of radical black liberation struggles is that freedom for all of us is nonnegotiable. We dont get to opt out; the stakes have always been too high.
We may have to make some sacrifices and be willing to be uncomfortable if were going to do something that is bigger than us, that goes beyond our own selfish desires, Hinds said. Ultimately, its true that nobody is free until all of us are free. We need to adopt that ideology because where we are right now ... were still very much in radical pursuit of liberty, even as the fullness of our existence remains compromised and in constant jeapardy.
The shows contemporary relevance is both haunting and enlightening, specifically because of its commitment to bearing witness to the horrors of white supremacy as well as the vitality of black resistance. Creative resistance is one of the many tools we have in combating oppression, something that Hinds became increasingly aware of as she moved deeper into her role.
As a person, as an actor, it truly has been transformative for me, Hinds said. It has elevated me as a human being. It has elevated me as an artist. It certainly has revealed to me how important it is that we as artists use our platforms purposefully. That is what our ancestors, our freedom fighters and truth tellers, risked their lives to dolived and loved and fought with purpose again and again.
#SaveUnderground matters because the shows cast and crew were and are unapologetically committed to telling our stories. From an artistic standpoint, Underground is phenomenal. The shows commitment to a radical, black, freedom-fighting imagination, though, is what makes it invaluable.
Underground is the show, the freedom-dreaming experience, the ancestral battle cry, that we didnt know we needed.
Treva B. Lindsey, Ph.D., is an associate professor of womens, gender and sexuality studies at the Ohio State University. She is the inaugural Equity for Women and Girls of Color Fellow at Harvard University. Follow her on Twitter.
View original post here:
#SaveUnderground: Aisha Hinds on Freedom Dreams and Revolutionary Art - The Root
- if democracy and freedom got in the way of making money in the USA would they be eradicated? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 1984 by George Orwell? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Propaganda in 1984 by George Orwell? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- If America supports freedom and democracy, why have we done the following? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Another fine example of Bush supporting freedom and democracy? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Do you think that people have the right to the freedom of thought without influence anymore? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Forrest Gump - Need a thesis relating to freedom and democracy? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 1984 by George Orwell’s statement? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- How do you spread freedom and democracy without being in contradiction with the terms? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- What’s the difference between democracy and freedom? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 3. The American Solution [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 4. Relating to Images [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 5. Representing Images [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 6. Exploring Images [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 7. Understanding Images [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 8. Acting Upon Images [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 9. The Paradigm Shift to Generativity [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 1. Totalitarianism and Variability [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 2. Freedom and Changeability [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 3. The Freedom Culture [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- New Web Special: China and 60 Years of Communist Party Rule [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Cuban Regime Intensifies Opposition Crackdown with Sham Trial [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Postponing Dalai Lama Meeting Sends Wrong Message [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Freedom House Sends High-Level Delegation to Egypt [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Detained Syrian Opposition Figure Must Be Immediately Released [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Activist's Upheld Conviction a Troubling Sign for Justice in Kazakhstan [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Tunisia's Electoral Process Severely Damaged by Pre-Election Rights Violations [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Lifting of EU Arms Embargo on Uzbekistan Sends Wrong Message on Human Rights [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Pakistan Assembly Urged to Reject Restrictive Amendments to Press Law [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Freedom House Launches Web Feature on Fall of Berlin Wall [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Resolutions on Defamation of Religions Do Not Belong at United Nations, Organizations Say [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Bloggers' Jailing Threatens New Media's Emergence in Azerbaijan [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Support Chinese Human Rights Activists, Freedom House Tells Obama on Eve of Visit [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- UN Should Pass Resolution Condemning Iran Human Rights Abuses [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Congress Urged to Lift Ban on U.S. Travel to Cuba [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Filipino Massacre Reflects Climate of Impunity [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Switzerland Vote Disappointing Blow to Religious Freedom [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Freedom House Launches Campaign to Defend Freedom of Expression [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Poll Shows Zimbabweans Want Elections and Democratic Constitution [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Clinton Speech Signals Greater Emphasis on Human Rights in U.S. Policy [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2009]
- The Prosperity Problem [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2010]
- Freedom in the World 2010: Global Erosion of Freedom [Last Updated On: January 12th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 12th, 2010]
- Freedom House Congratulates Memorial on Human Rights Award [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2010]
- Recent Blogger Arrests a Troubling Trend in the Middle East/North Africa Region [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2010]
- Freedom House Calls Upon the Government of Uzbekistan to Release its Jailed Activists [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2010]
- Citing Iran Crackdown, Freedom House Launches Net Freedom Initiative [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2010]
- Google Response to Chinese Cyber-Attacks Appropriate [Last Updated On: January 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 14th, 2010]
- Ombudsman Statements Reflect Culture of Intimidation in Chechnya [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2010]
- Bloggers Stifled Again in Egypt [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2010]
- Google Applauded for Stance on China Internet Censorship [Last Updated On: January 16th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 16th, 2010]
- Latest Convictions Reflect Crackdown on Freedom of Expression and Association in Vietnam [Last Updated On: January 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2010]
- Integrity of Elections in Sri Lanka Endangered, Says Freedom House [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2010]
- Freedom House Welcomes Clinton Speech on Internet Freedom [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2010]
- Group wants same military benefits for gay spouses - Washington Times [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Va. health bill could foil Obama proposal - Boston Globe [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- THE VA FIRST INTERNAL EVIDENCE OF CHANGE FOR GULF WAR VETERANS OF 1990-91 DOES ... - Veterans Today Network [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Freedom Driver System Receives Medical Device CE Mark - Today's Medical Developments [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- NxStage Announces New FREEDOM Data Showing the Positive Impact of its Daily ... - CNNMoney.com (press release) [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Phil Lewis: Coach fumbles lesson on freedom of the press - Naples Daily News [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Report: Prescription drug prices vary drastically in NY - Poughkeepsie Journal [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Bill Bell: Surgeon models success on international scale - Whittier Daily News [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Justin Trottier: Time to call time on homeopathy - National Post (blog) [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Voice of the Day Initiative would aid rights of patients - News-Leader.com [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Free Speech under Attack in Morocco [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Freedom House, Russian Rights Groups Announce New Partnership [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Egyptian Government Must Live Up To Its Human Rights Commitments in Geneva [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Global Human Rights Advocates Meet With President Obama on U.S. Human Rights Agenda [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Death of Political Prisoner in Cuba Exposes Systemic Prison Maltreatment and Torture [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- New Study Finds Gains for Women's Rights in the Middle East [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Egyptian Government Continues to Use Emergency Law to Crack Down on Freedom of Speech [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Human Rights Advocates Issue Plan of Action as Human Rights Council Meets in Geneva [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Sri Lankan Government Heightens Intimidation Campaign Against Voices of Dissent [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Nigerian and Indonesian Activists Challenge Repressive Measures in "Defamation of Religions" Debate [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Healing Healthcare: Restore Medical Freedom - Gather.com [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2010]
- Putting the "I" back in medicine - McGill Daily [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2010]
- Freedom House Calls on Kyrgyz Government to Loosen Controls on Media [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2010]
- Talking Points - FOXNews [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2010]
- The Battle Over Health Care At America's Medical Schools - FOXNews [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2010]
- News Article Ceremony Honors Fallen Medical Servicemembers - Department of Defense [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2010]
- Vietnam Temporarily Frees Prominent Catholic Priest - Christian Post [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2010]