Milwaukee College Prep decided to turn the #OscarsSoWhite discussion into an opportunity for their students to celebrate black achievement throughout history.
The ‘alternative Academy Awards’ was a direct response to the fact there are no black actors being in consideration for this year’s Oscars.
Students and parents were invited to attend the event in their “red carpet best,” according to an excellent report from Milwaukee Public Radio’s Rachel Morello. Administrators even pretended to be paparazzi.
–Last Night’s Episode of Black-ish Should Be Watched by Every American–
The school is 99 percent African-American. Everyone gathered in the auditorium to celebrate actors and actresses left out of the Oscars race over the years. There was no time limit to the awards, either, with Cicely Tyson being heralded for her 1978 portrayal of Harriet Tubman in A Woman Called Moses.
The awards also honored musicians like Stevie Wonder and Prince as well as cultural icons, ranging from President Barack Obama to Will Smith.
–Black Hollywood Stars Skipping Oscars to Attend #JusticeForFlint Benefit–
Awesome end to program @MilwCollegePrep :36th St that pd tribute to Blacks that should have been nominated 4 Oscar. pic.twitter.com/JudMWa9dN3
— Robert Rauh (@67seconds) February 25, 2016
Principal Kristen Foster said that the program, aside from being a lot of fun, was meant to give kids back their confidence.
–Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant Declares April ‘Confederate Heritage Month–
“We want our kids to know that they can be the change in Milwaukee, and their influence can influence other people,” Foster said. “Regardless of how old they are, they actually can change what’s happening and celebrate things that maybe aren’t celebrated like they should be.”
