With the slap, Smith tarnished a night of pride for Black Hollywood — and his legacy

LOS ANGELES — In 2002, Halle Berry made history at the Oscars, becoming the first Black woman to win lead actress, for "Monster's Ball" — an achievement yet to be duplicated. It was the following year's Oscars, though, that jumped to mind Sunday during what's already being called "the slap heard around the world": Lead actor winner Adrien Brody bounded onstage, grabbed Berry — who was presenting the award — and bent her backward, delivering a deep smooch to the stunned actress. The moment bothered many people, including Berry; many argued that Brody had disrespected Berry, if not assaulted her. It was a troubling follow-up to Berry's milestone.

This year's Academy Awards should have been a victorious night for Black artists. There was so much to celebrate: two Black women among the trio