Black Nativity 2013

As the festive cheer of the holiday season gave way to the harsh reality of eviction, Langston found himself embarking on a journey from Baltimore to New York City, seeking refuge with his estranged grandparents. His trip was accompanied by poignant conversations, notably one with Isaiah about the pain of growing up without a mother. > “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” resonated deeply, marking the beginning of his challenges.

Arriving in the bustling metropolis, Langston’s enthusiasm quickly diminished when he was robbed of all he owned. A visit to a hotel in search of directions spiraled into chaos as he was mistaken for a thief and arrested. In the holding cell, he faced ridicule from other inmates, deepening his sense of despair.

Just when hope seemed lost, Reverend Cobbs appeared, coming to Langston’s aid and introducing him to Maria, a pregnant woman battling homelessness. They returned to the warmth of the Cobbs’ home, where Langston was struck by the stark differences between his life and that of his grandparents.

In an effort to bond with his grandson, Reverend Cobbs gifted Langston a cherished pocket watch, engraved with inspiring words from Martin Luther King Jr. That evening, amidst a peaceful ambiance, Maria and Jo-Jo graced their doorstep with a haunting performance of “Silent Night.” As night fell, Aretha, Langston’s grandmother, opened up about his mother’s absence, revealing the painful details surrounding Naima’s departure, which she attributed to Langston’s father.

Determined to understand more, the next morning, Langston attempted to pawn the valuable watch, only to be stopped by a pawnshop owner, a friend of his grandfather’s, who urged him to cherish the gift instead. Leaving the shop, he encountered the man from the holding cell, who was now distributing flyers and offering to help Langston acquire anything he needed.

In desperation, Langston turned to his grandmother about the reasons behind his mother’s exit, but she remained silent. Before heading to church, he bumped into the same dubious stranger, requesting a gun, which the man agreed to provide for their future meeting.

Despite their efforts, Aretha and the Reverend finally encouraged Langston to join them at church, where a powerful rendition of Black Nativity, written by Langston Hughes, was set to unfold. As the service began, his gaze met with familiar faces, including Maria, who played the Virgin Mary in a touching scene of “Sweet Little Jesus Boy.” However, as the worship experience faded into reality, Langston slipped away to meet the stranger from the jail.

In a tense exchange, the stranger handed over the gun he had yearned for. However, Tyson, Langston’s father—the truth revealed—robustly countered his demands, reciting powerful lines from A Dream Deferred, forcing Langston to challenge his own goals and dreams. Just as tensions escalated, a passing police officer intervened, but Tyson skillfully turned the confrontation into a theological discussion, claiming that Langston was merely trying to instill some religious fervor in him. To diffuse the situation, the officer drove them to the church, where they were joined by Naima.

Within the embrace of the sacred space, surrounded by family, Langston confronted his parents, yearning for clarity about the past. Tyson’s harrowing admission came forth: he had provided the money for Naima to leave him and Langston, believing she would reconcile with her family. When Naima discovered this betrayal, she took Langston and severed all ties. As tensions rose once more, Langston implored for forgiveness from Naima, and eventually, the family found unity, beginning the healing of their deep-seated wounds.