redman Posted February 19, 2003 Share Posted February 19, 2003 From the Fayeteville Observer Online James Earl Jones: 'We have to work together'By James Locklear Staff writer PEMBROKE - "I have one announcement to make: Princess Leia, I am your father." Staff photo by Cindy Burnham James Earl Jones spoke at the Givens Theatre Tuesday as part of the ’Distinguished Speaker Series.’ With those words, James Earl Jones began an hourlong talk at the Givens Performing Arts Center on Tuesday night. Jones, the deep voice behind Darth Vader of "Star Wars," was part of the Distinguished Speaker Series at UNC Pembroke. Jones talked about his battle to overcome a speech problem, the life and accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr. and the impending war with Iraq. He also had some fun. Minutes into the speech, the crowd erupted in laughter as a UNCP student near the front waved a sword like the one used by Vader in the "Star Wars" films. Jones declined several requests to impersonate the infamous Vader and Mufasa, the character voice he portrayed in the "The Lion King." Rather, Jones talked about a need for societal change; the responsibilities of every American, regardless of ethnicity; and the importance of equality and freedom. He frequently quoted the works of King. "Let us remind ourselves tonight it's better to light the candle than curse the darkness," Jones said. "We all know the roots of prejudice. We have to work together. We have to fix that which we are responsible for, accept the part that is ours and move on. Dr. King found the courage to fight for it. He gave all, including his life. In doing so, he touched all our lives." Jones, a former Army officer, drew perhaps the biggest round of applause after the subject turned to America's showdown with Iraq. He said that war is sometimes necessary. "All people have to be prepared," Jones said. "If we are going to be the police, we also have to be the guardians. We can no longer play games. I was not against the war in Bosnia. I was against it taking so long. I was not against the war in Somalia. Again, it took too long, and we didn't finish the job. We should've stayed and finished the job. About this pending war, I just think we should've finished that war the first time." Jones, who turned 72 on Jan. 17, was born in poverty to sharecroppers in Arkbautla, Miss. He moved with his grandparents to Michigan after his father, an ex-prize fighter, abandoned the family. As a child As a young man, Jones stuttered when he spoke. From age 6 to 14, he refused to talk. One of his English teachers coaxed Jones out of silence by persuading him to read a poem that Jones had written. He corrected the speech impediment and worked his way through college at the University of Michigan. He served in the Army before becoming an actor. "I'm trying to get around (stuttering)," Jones told the audience. "I have a better vocabulary now because I have to find better words that I won't trip on." Jones has appeared in almost 200 movies and television shows. He made his screen debut in 1964 in the film "Dr. Strangelove," but returned to the stage. He starred in a few feature films, but hit it big with "Star Wars" in the late '70s. The Rev. Euphema Mack of Lumberton brought her 4-year- old grandson, Brandon Shaw. She said she was impressed by Jones' candor. "It's been so long since I heard a person address the issues and not pitty-patter around them," Mack said. Dolores Jones of Rowland said, "I thought he was very enlightening. I've always admired his contributions to the arts and his beliefs. He is a role model not only for blacks, but everybody. He represents people in general." Staff writer James Locklear can be reached at locklearj@fayettevillenc.com or (910) 738-9158. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
codeorama Posted February 19, 2003 Share Posted February 19, 2003 It's too bad Darth Vader can't take care of the problem for us, He would use the Force to choke Saddam's sorry a$$. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EagleSteve Posted February 19, 2003 Share Posted February 19, 2003 Originally posted by codeorama It's too bad Darth Vader can't take care of the problem for us, He would use the Force to choke Saddam's sorry a$$. Then turn to the French and say "I now alter the oil bargain. You get none. If you're nice, I may even let you keep Paris." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
codeorama Posted February 19, 2003 Share Posted February 19, 2003 Originally posted by Blazers21 Then turn to the French and say "I now alter the oil bargain. You get none. If you're nice, I may even let you keep Paris." :laugh: :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redman Posted February 19, 2003 Author Share Posted February 19, 2003 Originally posted by Blazers21 Then turn to the French and say "I now alter the oil bargain. You get none. If you're nice, I may even let you keep Paris." "Pray I don't altar it again." :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EagleSteve Posted February 20, 2003 Share Posted February 20, 2003 Originally posted by redman "Pray I don't altar it again." :laugh: :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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