Morgan Freeman Says ‘Black History Month' and 'African American' Are Insults
Morgan Freeman’s sentiments about the annual celebration of Black History Month may stun you.
In a new interview with The Sunday Times, while promoting his performance in his latest drama, A Good Person, the Academy Award winner expressed his grief over the holiday, telling the reporters there are “two things I can say publicly that I do not like.”
The Hollywood veteran said boldly, “Black History Month is an insult. You’re going to relegate my history to a month.”
The 85-year-old also felt that the term “African American” is an insult, sharing, “I don’t subscribe to that title.” The Driving Miss Daisy star added, “Black people have had different titles all the way back to the n-word, and I do not know how these things get such a grip, but everyone uses ‘African American.’”
He continued, “What does it really mean? Most Black people in this part of the world are mongrels. And you say Africa as if it’s a country when it’s a continent, like Europe.”
Freeman’s sentiments echoed those of fellow actor Denzel Washington who was once quoted saying “I’m very proud to be Black, but Black is not all I am.” The actor shared he was in “total agreement.,” adding, “You can’t define me that way.”
However, Hollywood icons are not the only celebrities who feel a new approach should be taken to celebrating Black history. Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green told reporters last February that he didn’t want the teaching of his history to be limited to a 28-day celebration.
“Teach my history from January 1 to December 31, and then do it again, and then again, and then again, and then again. That's what I'd like to see,” he said.
