Why You Should See <em>From the Rough</em>

My fellow Virgo and Howard University Alum, Taraji P. Henson, sat down with me last week to have an early morning breakfast and a chat about her new film. Over eggs, bacon and coffee, we discussed (no kidding) the night before's airing of an episode of the Real Housewives of Atlanta featuring Porsha's now infamous hair pulling fiasco. Of Note: Taraji and I both agree, she was provoked -- by Kenya -- and should not be kicked off the show. (Attention: Andy Cohen)

When we did get down to business, it was to discuss her new film From the Rough. In it Taraji Plays Coach Catana Starks, an HBCU Professor "on a seemingly insurmountable journey to inspire a team of young athletes deeply enough to believe in themselves and become champions in their own lives."For more on that, please see my interview below.

Perhaps more important though is why we should all support this film -- because it stars an African American female actress classically trained at an HBCU playing a real life coach at an HBCU (the irony). If we don't support it, stories like these will be seen fewer and far more seldom. Stories about strong intelligent, talented, risk takers who dare to be different and who forge against the status quo for the greater good will go away. Because, in a summer blockbuster season filled with explosions, violence, special affects and comic book remakes, don't we all just crave a great story, and isn't that what a weekend film should boast? And wouldn't we like to see more women open films?

While this California girl loves a good block buster along with the rest, I for one could use a bit of inspiration from time to time. And From the Rough serves it up by the cupful.

My interview with Academy Award Nominee Taraji P. Henson is below. From the Rough is in theaters now. I urge you all to go see it.