Sony Pictures held a pre-reception and advanced screening of “Journal for Jordan” at the Whitby Hotel in New York City on December 10,2021. Bevy Smith and Dana Canedy hosted the event to celebrate the highly-anticipated movie.The film is based on the memoir, “A Journal for Jordan: A Story of Love and Honor” by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Dana Canedy. It follows the real-life story of 1st Sergeant Charles Monroe King, played by Jordan, who writes letters to his newborn son, also named Jordan, while he’s deployed to Iraq.
Directed by Denzel Washington and starring Michael B. Jordan, the film “A Journal for Jordan” is powerful reminder of the importance of family. In the story Canedy (played by Chanté Adams) revisits the story of her unlikely, life-altering relationship with King and his enduring devotion to her and their child.
A Q&A moderated by Smith and Canedy followed the screening. Smith asked Canedy “What was it about Michael’s portrayal of Charles that really resonated with you?” Canedy said that Jordan and Chante both took the time to research the story, read the journal and spend time with the family they were portraying. “The first day I went to set I took a bag, that I wanted them to see,” “The first day I went to the set, I took a bag that I wanted them to see,” Canedy said.-“It included the actual physical journal, some of Charles’ medals, including his Purple Heart, his dog tags, and the outfit that Jordan wore to his father’s funeral. And I wanted them to see that. And [Michael B. Jordan] had to walk away and gather himself for awhile.” Michael B. Jordan wore the dog tags for the rest of the day.
“He as well as Chanté and Denzel brought their talent to it, but they also brought their hearts,” Canedy said. “It became very personal and we all became incredibly close and you can see that.” Smith agreed. “The connection is so very visceral.”
The film releases in theaters this Christmas.
Quintessential Harlem native, Award winner, Actress Bevy Smith is the host of Sirius XM’s “Bevelations” on Radio Andy. In addition she is the Author of BEVELATION #ItGetsGreaterLater. A pop culture and fashion expert, Bevy served as moderator of Bravo TV’s revolutionary “Fashion Queens,” and was a former co-host on the nationally syndicated “Page Six TV.” Bevy continues to be part of “The Wendy Williams Show’s Style Squad.”
Photographer: Jonathan Wallerson, J Fun Photography
