A Stroll Down Memory Lane with "Cooley High"

From the gritty streets of Chicago emerged a vibrant gem of cinema in the 70s that not only made its mark, but also challenged the essence of story-telling in Hollywood. Hello, “Cooley High.” The film debuted on June 25, 1975, in two prominent Manhattan movie houses, known for their penchant for Blaxploitation movies, the Cinerama in Times Square, and the RKO Twin on 86th Street.

Also vying for attention was “Cornbread, Earl and Me,” another exploration of Black teenage life. Known for being Laurence Fishburne III’s breakout role, this film created a bittersweet cinematic experience, especially when paired with “Cooley High” at the Pix Theater, Jersey City's secondary theater.

Reflecting on these classic gems evokes memories of the late John Singleton’s masterpiece, “Boyz N The Hood.” Although I cannot prove Singleton, who was just two years older than I, also witnessed the compelling narratives of “Cornbread” and “Cooley” together, the compelling themes of both films seem to ripple through “Boyz N The Hood.”

Beloved characters from “Cooley High” like Preach, masterfully played by Glynn Turman, are imbued with sensitivities that are also echoed in Cuba Gooding Jr.’s Tre Styles in “Boyz.” These layered characters traverse harsh realities using humor and toughness as shields, something quite relatable to characters in neighborhoods beyond the screen.

What's special about "Cooley High?" This film, entertaining as it is, challenged the narrative structure of its time by focusing on Black teenagers, an underrepresented demographic in cinema. It wasn’t a color-swapped version of a popular White film but a heartfelt glimpse into Black adolescence, a tale rarely told with sincerity in Hollywood's earlier years.

“Cooley High” didn't just build a nostalgia-infused setting; it substantively infused the everyday reality of Black youth with memories and experiences that touched the heart. Unlike a myriad of films before and after it wholly focused on the trauma of the Black experience, this work balanced joy with struggle, relatability with shock.

And who can forget the notably humorous scene in “Cooley High” when the guys bunk off and venture to the Lincoln Park Zoo, resulting in a rather hilarious, albeit unfortunate, incident involving monkey poop? Relatable, real, rib-tickling. Or the sobering moment when Preach’s teacher, Mr. Mason, played by Garrett Morris, asked him the existential question, “What do you want?" To which, Preach memorably replied, “To live forever.” Such instances reflected the nuances of teen life, the ludicrous alongside the profound.

“Cooley High,” a cultural phenomenon, paved the way for nuanced Black narratives in Hollywood and inspired upcoming creators such as Eric Monte. The film went beyond just popularity as certain aspects, like the film’s song "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” were even incorporated into my eighth-grade graduation ceremony, a decade before Boys II Men sang it in "Cooleyhighharmony."

Though "Cooley High" had been heralded as the Black version of ‘American Graffiti’ - a semi-autobiographical snapshot of George Lucas' adolescent years - it stood on its own merit, weaving together elements of youth, struggle, success, love, and optimism in a manner never witnessed before. The film, indeed, is "the Black 'American Graffiti'”, minus the cliché and flavored with authenticity.

As I stroll down this memory lane with "Cooley High," my conclusion is clear. Although Preach might not be able to live forever, "Cooley High" is certainly a film that will always remain in our hearts and minds.