Rep. Waters Statement on the Death of John Singleton
Rep. Waters Statement on the Death of John Singleton
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) issued a statement on the death of Oscar nominated director and highly acclaimed filmmaker John Daniel Singleton who died at the age of 51:
"My heart is heavy with the news that one of the world's greatest directors and storytellers and one of South Los Angeles' most beloved sons -- John Daniel Singleton -- has died. There is perhaps no other filmmaker in history that has so artfully chronicled the story and spirit of South Los Angeles as John Singleton, and I am among the millions of people around the world who are mourning the loss of this iconic and once in a generation creative talent. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to his parents, children, relatives, and friends.
"John Singleton's genius transcended genres and mediums. His creativity knew no bounds. John made history as the first African American and youngest person in history to receive the coveted Academy Award nomination for Best Director for his groundbreaking and norm shattering cinematic work, ‘Boyz N the Hood.' Time and time again, John drew upon his unique life experiences as a South Los Angeles native to skillfully showcase the African American experience in his highly acclaimed roster of films, which include ‘Higher Learning,' ‘Poetic Justice,' and ‘Baby Boy.' John forced our country to reckon with the ills of our troubled history with the issue of race in ‘Rosewood.' He brought new awareness to the realities and pain our community faced at the height of the crack cocaine epidemic with his latest FX television series ‘Snowfall.' All the while, John paved the way for future African American directors and filmmakers, and created opportunities for scores of young African American actors who might have otherwise been overlooked by Hollywood, including Ice Cube, Tupac, Regina King, Janet Jackson, Taraji P. Henson, and Tyrese Gibson.
"While John touched the lives of millions of people through his artistic work, I am among those who had the privilege of calling him a dear friend for more than two decades. John was passionate about our community, and whenever there was a need in South Los Angeles, I could count on John to be there. He would regularly visit with me in my office, and I will cherish the many memories we shared over the years.
"My dear friend John Singleton: a true creative genius and one of the greatest directors of all time. Though he is no longer with us, his work and his impact are larger than life, and his legacy will live on forever."
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