Adam The Renaissance Nerd

“LANTERNS EPISODE 3: “Do you understand how unfair it is to ask a black man in America if he’s afraid?” ME: Black men who were already at the top of American society in 1996: Michael Jordan: By 1998, he was making about $34 million in salary alone, plus enormous endorsement income. Magic Johnson: By 1991, he said he was worth about $100 million and was earning roughly $5 million annually in endorsements. Denzel Washington: In 1996, the “Washington Post” called it the “Summer of the Black Male Actor” and singled him out among the era’s major stars. Will Smith: “Fresh Prince” TV star who became a massive movie star with “Independence Day” in 1996. Eddie Murphy: Estimated $246.5 million in earnings during 1991–1999 alone. Samuel L. Jackson: Major leading/supporting star of “Pulp Fiction,” “A Time to Kill,” “The Long Kiss Goodnight” and other major films. Morgan Freeman: A major star by the middle of the decade, with “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Se7en,” “Outbreak,” “Amistad,” etc. Wesley Snipes: Earned $37.9 million between 1996–2004, including $7 million for “The Fan” (1996), $10 million for “Murder at 1600” (1997) and $8 million for “Blade” (1998). Shaquille O’Neal: By 1996, Black NBA stars including Shaq, Alonzo Mourning and Juwan Howard were signing contracts around $100 million. Michael Jackson: At his peak in the late ’80s/early ’90s, he was reportedly making $50–100 million per year from music, touring, merchandise and endorsements. Bill Cosby: Earned roughly $4 million per “Cosby Show” episode, including production/backend participation. Johnnie Cochran: In 1999, Cochran said he was worth $5 million, excluding the value of his law firm. Colin Powell: “Forbes” reported in 2001 that Powell’s net worth was reportedly as high as $27 million, largely from speaking fees. These BLACK MEN weren’t hiding in the shadows. They weren’t cowering in fear of white people. They were MAKING MONEY OFF OF THEM. So by all means, HBO/Lindelof/Mundy/Kelly, please tell us all how bad the racism was for us in THE ’90S!