In the movie “Brother to
Brother,” written and directed by Rodney Evans, the main character, Perry,
meets a legendary Harlem gay poet, Bruce Nugent. Perry learns about himself,
his past and his heritage. He begins to understand about other poets from the Harlem
Renaissance, which took place seventy-five years ago, and gets a good insight
into their lives and the way of life for African-Americans. This story shows
examples of Negro heritage, pride, and racial identification that are still
relevant today.
Perry became more
interested in Nugent’s life story because he identified with him as an
African-American poet. Over time, Perry learns more about his own past than
just about the Harlem Renaissance. Nugent has settled into his lower class way
of life and accepted the results of his life, but Perry does not see why Nugent
did not fight to be acknowledged for his talents during the time. Perry thought
his work was moving, “so much happened, why didn’t you write about it?” Nugent
was convinced that it was not his destiny and responsibility to write about the
events of that time. He said, “it’ll live on.” He is referring to the struggles
of a black poet and living in the Harlem Renaissance.
Even though Nugent is homeless,
Perry feels a connection and a sense of pride because they are both black
African-American gay poets. Perry never criticizes or stereotypes the random
man on the street that is quoting some unknown poem him. When he realizes who
the man is, he is even more interested to understand and learn from Nugent.
Perry is inspired by Nugent, who does not intimidate.
When Nugent and Perry make a mutual
agreement to help each other they are showing examples of brotherhood and
racial identification. But as soon as Perry breaks the pact, Nugent is angry.
He is determined to get Perry back on his feet to make a difference. He thinks
Perry can make a difference and make a name for himself as an
African-Americans. In a way, he sees himself within Perry, a struggling black
poet in a community with little recognition and acknowledgment. He is inspired
to help Perry, and also change the meaning of the word “Negro” in the next
generation, Perry’s generation.
Nugent’s desire to reconstruct the
meaning of “Negro” has a negative stereotype for African-American men from the time
of Harlem. He has accepted the assumption that he is an insignificant minority
in society. Perry’s generation does not experience this stereotype as much as
previous generations.
Many poets in the film present, through words, their emotions and opinions of
society that reflect their desire to reconstruct the meaning of the word
“Negro”. The poetry slams that Marcus and Perry attend are mostly filled with
competitive artists trying to exploit their work to have the audiences
understand their thoughts. They have the pride in their own race. In the film
everyone is accepting, and no one seems to discriminate.
Marcus refers to the “black
brotherhood” in which Perry and him look out for each other. For example,
Marcus stood up for Perry when Perry was getting beaten up. Although Marcus
never directly says “black brotherhood,” he implies the caring gesture.
The film shows Harlem Renaissance themes are still relevant
seventy-five years later. The Harlem Renaissance poets’ messages will “live on”
in history and be remembered. Perry and Nugent’s relationship are an example of
Negro heritage, pride, and racial identification in the African-American
community during Harlem Renaissance and today.
