Cine16: Black and Proud in the 70s
Organizer: AFASL
Black and Proud in the 70s: Following the civil rights revolution of the 1960s, the next generation of African-Americans reaches out to its community and the nation.
Rhythmetron: Dance Theater of Harlem (1973) 40m, dir. Michael Fruchtman. Arthur Mitchell, the first African-American to become a permanent member of a major ballet company, created this dance company as an outlet for black ballet talent, although all races were welcome. At first we see him demonstrating ballet techniques to young people and later, members of his company performing sections of Fete Noire, Biosfera, and Rhythmetron, which he choreographed.
Meadowlark Lemon Presents the World (1978) 17m, dir. Rick and Ann Harper. The famed clown prince of the Harlem Globetrotters introduces basic map reading skills in this slightly banal yet highly effective educational film. We see an interesting mix of animation styles, live action, and Lemon’s superior sphere-spinning skills.
Growing Up Black (1974) 18m, dir. George Dibie. Ernie Barnes, artist and former Denver Broncos football star, recounts through his paintings elements of African-American culture and the positive aspects of ghetto life. He became best known for his painting, Sugar Shack, which appeared in the credits of the television series, Good Times.
Jesse Jackson and Carolyn Shelton: Pushing for Excellence (1978) 17m, Prod. CBS News. News correspondents Dan Rather and Sharon Lovejoy examine the work of the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Carolyn Shelton, one of the first African-American flight attendants. Jackson travels the country and Shelton returns to the ghettos of her youth, both teaching minority young people the importance of excellence in school and life beyond. Of interest are examples of Jackson’s powerful oratory, steeped in the tradition of his mentor, the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.
Location:
Missouri History Museum, corner of Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park, St. Louis
Directions: Directions and museum information: 314-746-4599 or www.mohistory.org/content/HomePage/GettingHere.aspx
