Say it Loud!
Promotes having a “Plan B.” When dreams of becoming a
professional athlete, rapper or superstar fall short of the goal,
having an education is more than just something to fall back on.
The film also addresses what is called the “Fourth Grade
Syndrome.” A point educationally, where many African-American
boys lack the basic skills to perform on or above grade level, so
many give up and become behavioral problems.
Jordan Coleman
is a spectacular young man with an infectious personality, and enough
wisdom for a lifetime. This ambitious young filmmaker is well on his
way to greatness.
Move over
Spike Lee! Make room for Jordan Coleman!
The Jordan Coleman Interview
BMIA: I understand you’ve been traveling to cities across the country
screening the film. What has that been like?
Jordan: Yes. And I actually just came back from a seven city tour
around the United States. I had some of my friends come on the tour
with me, we explored different things, I signed autographs, met new
people and just hung out. It was fantastic!
BMIA: Where did you get the idea to do a film on African-American boys
and education?
Jordan:
Um from school. I felt a little bit that in school boys don’t really
care for school, they just want to be the next basketball or football
star. They want to be a rapper or the next superstar. They don’t know
that school plays an important role in being a superstar.
BMIA:
I see that you interviewed quite a few celebrities. What was that
like?
Jordan:
It was great! I mean my eyes and my mouth opened actually when I saw
the celebrities in real life. I actually interviewed Kobe [Bryant]
in Los Angeles during the seven city tour. He sent me and my brother a
pair of sneakers. That was pretty cool.
BMIA: How have your peers received the film?
Jordan:
They loved the film. And they want to be in my next film if I make
another one. But they just love it. They ask me questions all the time
about it.
BMIA: Why do you personally think boys blow off their education and
think that it’s not important?
Jordan:
I personally think they blow off their education because they’re kind of
lazy in a way. They don’t want to work as hard as other boys do. They
just want to play sports, hang around, play video games, go to the mall
and do stuff like that.
BMIA: What motivates you for education?
Jordan:
My mom. She’s a hard knock. She loves school, and she pushes me hard
to do well in school.
BMIA: What is your favorite subject?
Jordan:
My favorite subjects are Math and Science.
BMIA: What do you like to do when you’re not working or in school?
Jordan:
Ahh man...when I’m not in school and not working, I’m usually at
football practice. I love football. It’s my favorite sport. I eat,
drink, sleep, go to school, work, and play football. Me and my dad talk
about football all the time. And I like to go to the movies, hang out,
go to the beach and play video games.
BMIA: What are your plans for the future?
Jordan:
I want to be a sports broadcaster. That’s my biggest dream and to play
college football.
BMIA: Do you realize how special you are?
Jordan:
Yes, I do. (Modestly said)
BMIA: Do you have plans for any more movies?
Jordan:
Yes. Actually I made a reality show treatment for television.
Hopefully I’m making another movie coming out about sports.
Interviewer’s Notes:
Say It Loud!
was featured as part of AMC Theatres 2008 Summer Movie Camp.
Jordan is the first independent filmmaker to partner with the national
movie chain. The film was screened in New York City, Washington DC,
Kansas City, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami.
When I asked Jordan who his favorite interviews were with, he said,
“Kobe Bryant, definitely. He was the best.” Kobe played basketball
with Jordan and even sent him and his brother, Justin, a pair of
snickers. Jordan also enjoyed his interview with Michael Strahan.
“He was a lot of fun. He was hilarious,” says Jordan. After the taping
the two talked football.
With the
Say It Loud! Film, Jordan may have stumbled upon the key
ingredient in reaching our youth as he encourages and relates from a
child’s perspective.
If you missed the screening, the Say It Loud!
Book is available free online at
www.sayitloudfilm.com
with a $15 donation. You can also make donations on the Web site and
book private screenings for your church or school. Jordan’s goal is to
show his film to 100,000 people by the end of the year.
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