BLACK NATCHEZ

(1967, Ed Pincus, David Neuman) “Tension’s been up since they been bombin’ and shootin’ us.” After the president of the Natchez, Mississippi NAACP branch is car-bombed, the local Black community continues to organize, amidst disagreements over tactics (“The quickest way to freedom is to meet violence with violence.” “The most effective weapon is the vote.”), and representation (“it’s these ladies who are really getting the job done.”), and between the NAACP (“We’re gonna tell you when to march”) and Freedom Democratic Party. Digital, courtesy Harvard Film Archive. Approx. 62 min.

I Am Somebody

(1970, Madeline Anderson) “There’s one thing that the white folks understand, and it’s the dollar.” In Charleston, 400 hospital workers (mostly Black women) strike for union recognition, a wage increase – and respect – with support from union, church, and Coretta Scott King. “With its weave of interviews and on-the-street scenes – and, notably, a female voice-over – I Am Somebody is an exemplar of a certain nonfiction” – Manohla Dargis, The New York Times. DCP. Approx. 30 min.