HOLLYWOOD, California -- Forest Whitaker is bringing a hush-hush issue that happens at historically Black colleges and universities to the big screen. According to reports, the famed filmmaker is teaming up with Django Unchained producer Reginald Hudlin to write and direct a new feature film that sheds light on extreme hazing on Black campuses. The drama, titled “Underground,” will center around a student enduring harsh hazing conditions while trying to pledge a fraternity at a HBCU campus. The project is bound to spark a good debate, and as a Black college alum and member of a Black Greek Letter Organization, I think this topic deserves the attention of a national stage now more than ever.
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According to the StopHazing research campaign, the practice is defined as “any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them regardless of a person’s willingness to participate.” Although hazing is not exclusive to HBCUs, it’s became a custom of acceptable violence on Black campus as right of passage or way to gain respect in almost every kind of group, including fraternities and sororities, marching bands, athletic teams, academic clubs and resident advisors.
I say, it’s about damn time ...
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