Under the baobab: Latest ‘Star Wars’ film brings back memories of the great James Earl Jones
Happy Memorial Day, Sisters and Brothers. We take time to reflect on those ancestors who sacrificed so that we as a people could have a chance to maintain our Republic and water the tree of liberty.
Congrats to Bulgaria for winning the Eurovision competition, the most viewed event in the world. And goodbye, Stephen Colbert. You are missed already.
As of this writing our country is in day 86 of an unconstitutional war in Iran, undeclared by Congress.
Disney’s summer blockbuster, “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” recently premiered. It has been nearly 50 years since the first film of the series came into theaters. Since the 1977 movie there have been sequels, prequels and a TV series.
As we sat through the fist fights, car chases and aerial dog fights, I couldn’t help remembering my friend and mentor, James Earl Jones. He was our neighbor in Dutchess County, New York. He used to tell a story. While he was filming in Europe, he was approached about doing some voiceover work for a children’s film. It paid a little over scale, not anywhere near Jimmy’s quote, so he didn’t bother contacting his agent. When he returned stateside, his agent hit the ceiling. The “incidental” work he had contracted for was the voiceover for Darth Vader. Jimmy’s voice became half of one of the most infamous villains of all time. The physical body work was done by another actor.
Fortunately, the story does not end there. Jimmy had the last laugh. His contract was for only one film. Work on subsequent films still had to be negotiated. It was for a lot more than scale.
As we watched the 13th episode, I teared up. The movie was OK but missing something — Jimmy. Jones was one of the finest actors of our times. His Mississippi-bred iconic voice and theatrical dexterity transformed the characters he played, bringing a godlike yet a distinctly human quality to them, whether they were heroes or villains. We recognize a depth of humanity in them because it resonates with those characteristics within us.
Around town
In the community, the One Hand Foundation (OHF) sponsored a free Middle Eastern dinner at the Friends Meeting House in State College. OHF originated from the shared vision of three friends: Mohamed Shaheen, Wael Jabr and Hitham Hiyajneh. They were committed to showing how communities could positively connect and care for each other.
Working through three strategies — literacy, health and food security — OHF’s vision is to help create an inclusive, supportive and thriving community where every individual has access to the resources and support needed to thrive. They work toward this goal daily by providing vital services and advocating for policies that promote equity and justice.
At dinner we had an opportunity to talk with Subu Vedam’s niece Sophia, here visiting her uncle. Subu, though exonerated from the charges after serving 42 years is still being held by U.S. immigration officials while his appeal against deportation is being reviewed. Free Subu.
The formation of the Penn State Climate Consortium (PSCC) stimulated by the Institute of Energy and the Environment, just concluded a three-day symposium at the Penn Stater. The mission of the PSCC is to accelerate discovery through collaboration, empowering actionable solutions for a just and thriving planet. Officials of PSUCC include director/founder Erica Smithwick and associate directors Jacqueline O’Connor, Janet Swim and Christine Kirchho. Sarah Potter is research project manager. Three dozen faculty/staff serve on advisory committee.
The resistance continues. During the recent PA primary, people came to the polls even though there was little to contest on the ballot.
Protesters crowded in front of the Allen Street Gates, joining others from around the country. We will gather again this Saturday. With war, inflation, many are despairing. Many of us have survived even worst times. As long as we care for each other, we are not alone.
Charles Dumas is a lifelong political activist, a professor emeritus from Penn State, and was the Democratic Party’s nominee for the U.S. Congress in 2012. He is a Lions Paw honoree. He lives in State College with his wife and partner of over 50 years.