Blog Archives

Movies expose racism/discrimination

These are 10 movies that need to be seen and discussed. 

Ten of the most powerful movies that deal with the issues of slavery, racial discrimination and overall hatred in America. Some of these clearly demonstrate the struggle black Americans have faced as they have sought equality and justice in American society. Persons wishing to learn about this part of American History, should take time to view these movies throughout the year.

Hidden Figures (2016)
This movie related the story of extra-ordinary female African-American mathematicians who played a key role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program and faced all forms of discrimination and racism.

Selma (2015)
It is based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

12 Years A Slave (2014)
Solomon Northup, a New York State-born free African-American man who was kidnapped in Washington, D.C., in 1841 and sold into slavery. He worked on plantations in Louisiana for 12 years before his release. He was assisted by a member of the Quakers.

#41 – Story of Jackie Robinson (2013)
Story of the racial integration of American professional baseball player Jackie Robinson, whose jersey was number 42. Details the history of racism that he paid to integrate baseball in America.

The Butler (2013)
Movie about Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker), chief Butler for 8 presidents. As a child he witnessed the rape of mother and the killing of his father in America’s cotton fields.

Red Tails (2012)
A historical perspective of the famous Tuskegee Airmen during WWII. Forced into a segregated unit, these incredible Black pilots became one of America’s best fighter unit.

The Help (2011)
Life stories of Black maids in the South. The movie tells the narrative from the point of view of the maids who serve white families.

Crash (2004)
This movie about racial and social tensions in Los Angeles, California. A self-described “passion piece” for Haggis, Crash was inspired by a real-life incident, in which his Porsche was carjacked outside a video store on Wilshire Boulevard in 1991

 

Remember the Titans (2000)
Depicts the true story of Herman Boone, African American coach, played by Denzel Washington, and follows Coach Boone as he tries to introduce a racially diverse team at the T. C. Williams High School in the city of Alexandria, a suburb of Washington, D.C. in 1971

Road to Freedom: The Vernon Johns Story (1994)
Minister at Ebenezer Church who was replaced by MLK, Jr. Deacons let Johns go for a less radical preacher.

The Rosa Parks Story
Story of Rosa Parks, seamstress, whose peaceful defiance led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the end of in the south.

Developed by Idali Feliciano, 2018

KKK is still KKK

Really, a new and improved KKK?  Then change the name and change the attitude! See this article.

http://madamenoire.com/488386/huh-one-chapter-ku-klux-klan-wants-black-people-join/#sthash.RQNfD4Iq.gbpl

Private Felx Longoria, refused burial in local Cemetery

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, I offer this photo of the grave marker of Private Felix Longoria, a Mexican American, who fought in World War II.Image

I first learned about him from The Shadows of Hate, a documentary produced by Teaching Tolerance (Southern Poverty Law Center).

This simple man, did his duty, went to war and died for his country.  But, when his wife tried to bury him in the local cemetery in Three Rivers, Texas, she was basically told that “the whites might not like it.” The news reached Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson, (our 36th President)who arranged for Longoria to be interned at Arlington National Cemetery.

I visited D.C. (in 2004) and set out to find Mr. Longoria’s grave site.  All I had was a name, no date of death or birth.  With the help of the employees, we managed to find the site.  That day, I must have walked about 3 miles to the site, and it must have been the hottest day of the summer, almost 95. When I finally found the grave marker, I shed tears, and apologized to Mr. Longoria for the hatred that had existed in his home town.

I wanted a photo of the marker, to show that I had paid my respect, but no one was around to take my photo.  That day, I became creative, and took a  pic of my passport next to the grave marker.