My favorite superhero is Captain America. I have thoroughly enjoyed Marvel’s live action dive into the lore of Steve Rogers and his universe. The live action movies have been grittier and more realistic than some of the other movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has been no exception and an excellent entry in the series. Spoilers are below so if you have not seen the season or episode 5, please do not continue to read.
Episode 5, "Truth" particularly sat with me long after the credits appeared on the screen. Throughout this season, we learn that the American government, in it’s quest to create more Steve Rogers, secretly created Black Super Soldiers.
The Black Super Soldiers were sent into battle, experimented on (similar to the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment), and at one point were slated to be killed by the same people who created them. The last remaining Black Super Soldier, Isaiah Bradley, was jailed for 30 years and subjected to experimentation until he was able to be declared dead and escaped his captors. Isaiah has been living out his life hiding out in Baltimore.
At the end of Avengers: Endgame, Steve Rogers gave Sam Wilson (Falcon) his shield, anointing Sam as the next Captain America. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier picks up shortly after and Sam is having trouble with not only recovering his life and his family’s lives after falling victim to the “Blip,” but also with the responsibility "Cap" gave him.
In "Truth" Sam sits down with Isaiah and learns about the experiments and Isaiah tells Sam that, "No self respecting Black man should want to be Captain America." A line delivered with a relatable and heartfelt intensity.
Later in the episode Sam decides to assume the the mantle of Captain America and even tells Bucky Barnes that the legacy of Captain America’s shield is "complicated." As a veteran, Sam has a duty to his country, but also understands what it can mean to be a Black man in America. For example, In an earlier episode, Sam is harassed by officers until they realize he is the hero Falcon.
"Truth" stuck with me because I like many other Black people have a complicated relationship with America. I’m not a veteran but I am the son of an Active Duty Naval servicemember. I have friends that are veterans, officers, and take up other positions in American defining public safety roles. Positions often seen as upholding the institutions of America. I honor their courage and sacrifice tremendously.
Quite simply, I unabashedly love my country. It is my home. I feel a never ending drive to help America live up to all of its ideals and promises. I also know that there are forces in this country that will only see me as a Black man and any attempt to fight for equality and equity will be met with with closed minds and closed hearts.
I understand Sam Wilson. I also understand his decision to finally assume the role as Captain America. Isaiah Bradley told Sam Wilson that, "America will never let a Black Man be Captain America."
Sitting on the sidelines will not help make America better for my children. Deciding to stay out of the fight will not make America live up to its founding principles. I understand that if I don't stand up, the wrongs of the past can't be corrected. Maybe to Sam Wilson, a Black Captain America, is exactly what the world needs.
