On this day in comedy on February 3, 2009 Diary of a Tired Black Man was released!
This independent film was the brainchild of talented writer/director, Tim Alexander. Using a documentary style Alexander tells his story of a black man in a long term relationship who finally grows tired of the constant drama and seeks happiness by making his exit. However, he finds out that leaving a drama-filled relationship does not end the drama. For instance, when he comes to his former opulent home to pick up his daughter for his visitation he is ridiculed by his ex-wife’s girlfriends for being a weak ni**a. He must remind them that in the 7 years he and his wife were together he never messed with white women and he is the one who bought the house and all the furniture in it and pays his alimony on time. So, he is not a weak man. He is a tired one. Then he points out that the complaint they all have is that all black men are weak yet none of them have any man.
Alexander’s mixing of comedy, drama and interviews makes for an interesting film. The theme is familiar, but seldom has it been played out so frankly and universally. The problems this man faced are not exclusive to black men and not exclusive to just men. There are many tired women of all races coming home to dysfunctional pairings and a film like this can wake up all viewers to cut your losses and seek happiness before it’s too late.
Diary of a Tired Black Man stars Jimmy Jean-Louis as James, the tired black man. Paula Lema plays is wife who is prone to go off and runs him off. The film also features Natasha M. Dixon, Kimmarie Johnson and Alexander as himself.
By Darryl “D’Militant” Littleton
Check out this clip:
