TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
interest, the late Tupac Shakur. “Higher Learning” turned its focus to a school with more than a passing resemblance to his alma mater , USC. Singleton transi- tioned into other genres, finding success in action films like “Shaft” and “2 Fast 2 Furious.” But his true pas- sion project was the 1997 historical drama, “Rosewood.” The story of an all-Black town razed by a mob of White racists in 1923 was a stark departure from his earlier efforts. However, it fit perfectly with his vision for narratives that had been ignored by history. In fact, Single- ton had prepared a script about the murder of Emmett Till, told from the perspective of his mother, Mamie. Former studio head Frank Price said that it was perhaps his best script ever. There are hopes that it will eventually see produc- tion. In recent years, Singleton had turned his focus to television, writ- ing and producing episodes of Bil- lions, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, and Empire. His greatest triumph, however, is the hit FX series Snowfall. The work tells the story of an ambitious, young Black man navigating the Los An- geles drug trade in the 1980s. Singleton collaborated with legendary crime writer Walter Moseley on the project which debuts its third season in July of 2019. Singleton was a mentor to aspiring cre- atives, but especially those in his home chapter. From musicians to actors and writers, he had an encouraging word. Grammy-nominee Montell Jordan (Beta Omega 1989) received some personal assistance from the director. “John was instrumental in my introduction into the music business. He financed my first official demo tape and without ‘Director J,’ there would possibly be no Montell Jordan.” Damon Hines (Lethal Weapon films, Scrooged), a 1994 initiate of Beta Omega said of his chapter brother, “When you reflect on John Singleton’s body of work, it’s clear he lived the principle of achievement. As an actor, I
In addition to a loving and supportive fa- ther to his seven children, Singleton was especially passionate about sailing. He spent much of his free time on his boat, J’s Dream, sailing up and down the Cali- fornia coast. His children related that he had drafted them to be part of his crew and that they have come to share his love of the sea. Ward; his father, Danny Singleton; and his children Justice, Maasai, Hadar, Cleopatra, Selensol, Isis, and Seven. In honor of his ground- breaking success with Columbia Pictures ® , Sony ® has renamed their premiere backlot screening room the John Singleton Theater. He was a beacon of achievement and exem- plary creative force that impacted the creative world with his passion and vision. Brother John D. Singleton is survived by: his mother, Sheila
was drawn to John’s truthful approach to storytelling. The richness of the charac- ters he created left no choice but for the Black actor to be taken seriously, and for that I am grateful.”
God Speed Brother Singleton to the Golden Shore.
Singleton was a fixture at chapter gather- ings and made himself available for events at USC. He fellowshipped with his Sands and all of Beta Omega at the chapter’s 70 th anniversary celebration in 2017. Later, he presented a film sympo- sium on campus as part of an undergrad- uate community service project. For his many career accomplishments, Singleton was recognized at the Centennial Grand Chapter Meeting in Indianapolis, IN where the 31 st Grand Polemarch Dwayne Murray presented Brother Singleton with a Life Membership pin. At Singleton’s Kappa Burial Service held in Los Angeles, CA, the 33 rd Grand Polemarch Thomas Battles presented a resolution to his fam- ily amidst a gathering of brothers, family, Hollywood celebrities, and friends. At his memorial, the family included a message encouraging everyone—but especially Black men—to find out more by visiting heart.org.
178 | 84 TH GRAND CHAPTER MEETING ISSUE THE JOURNAL
Publishing achievement for 105 years
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker