A couple of weekends ago, my mom and I went to an evening screening of the classic film at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. This “Diana Ross-chic” event was hosted by Joy Sewing, Fashion & Beauty Editor of the Houston Chronicle. I could tell Sewing wanted an immersive experience for the audience, so it was a delight to watch Ms. Chloe T. Crawford give a performance of Ross' "Do You Know" and watch it gracefully fall right in line with the Mahogany theme. It was not only a great tribute but a great start to the evening’s screening of the movie.

So, Mahogany (1975), is an illustrious ride, that also stars Billy Dee Williams (Brian Walker) and takes the viewer on a tumult of excitement, angst, worry, and romance, from navigating the bustling slums of Chicago to the fashion-forward areas of Rome.

We start out with a look at what appears to be a beautiful, astute event put on by Tracy Chambers (played by Diana Ross), but those of us watching this on the large museum screen, become due for finding out what's happened on the way to what looks like so much success for Chambers.

We later learn that she is an aspiring fashion designer determined to make it despite odds that lie in her path...but we do see that a path -- as many paths go -- can become so unbelievably rocky. Sometimes we try to dodge the rockiness, and sometimes we unknowingly do things that drive us right into it, so to speak.

Sometimes, our emotions get set into overdrive during life’s various twists and turns as we try to figure out what we want out of life. Whether a person is on the road to achieving goals or trying to figure out what he or she even desire to get out of life, it can present a whirlwind of good and bad consequences.

The favorable and unfavorable moments as we navigate our world can be found in absolutely any situation-- and sometimes it’s as complex and variating as a Rubix cube -- whether it’s an academic fall or success, positive or negative career outcomes, healthy and unhealthy romance...et cetera.

This movie teaches us some important lessons about (1) drive, (2) success, (3) choice of words and (4) forgiveness. The ‘movie buff’ in me would love to know what you think of the movie and what you learn from its story.

So, do me a favor. Watch Mahogany, look for the parts of the story that speak to you and parts that you feel relate to those four points. I’m always open and ready to discuss the depths of stories in movies that intrigue me. If it interests and intrigues you too, share the article on any of your social media channels, leave a comment! Let's talk.