Research Guides: Videos on Class, Race, and Ethnicity: Films, Culture and the Arts

African American Culture and the Arts DVDs

August Wilson 2003

August Wilson, Kate Roth Knull, Bill D Moyers, Public Affairs Television (Firm), WNET (Television station : New York, N.Y.), WTTW (Television station : Chicago, Ill.), and Films for the Humanities & Sciences (Firm)

Bill Moyers interviews playwright August Wilson on the importance of the blues in Wilson's life and his writing. Also talks about finding an African-American cultural identity and what Wilson sees as the false portrayal of black Americans on television. 1 videodisc (30 min.)

MEDIA 10-643

Blacking up hip-hop's remix of race and identity 2010

Robert A Clift, Limbic Productions, Inc, WTIU (Television station : Bloomington, Ind.), Independent Television Service, and California Newsreel (Firm)

"Hip-Hop was created by urban youth of color more than 30 years ago amid racial oppression and economic marginalization. It has moved beyond that specific community and been embraced by young people worldwide, elevating it to a global youth culture. The ambitious and hard-hitting documentary Blacking Up: hip-hop's remix of race and identity looks at the popularity of hip-hop among America's white youth. It asks whether white identification is rooted in admiration and a desire to transcend race or if it is merely a new chapter in the long continuum of stereotyping, mimicry and cultural appropriation? Does it reflect a new face of racial understanding in white America or does it reinforce an ugly history? Against the unique backdrop of american popular music, Blacking up explores racial identity in U.S. society. The film artfully draws parallels between the white hip-hop fan and previous incarnations of white appropriation from blackface performer Alo mainstream artists like Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones and Eminem. It interweaves portraits of white hip-hop artists and fans with insightful commentary by African American cultural critics such as Amiri Baraka, Nelson George, Greg Tate, comedian Paul Mooney and hip-hop figures Chuck D., Russell Simmons, M1 of Dead Prez, and DJ Kool Herc"--Container. 1 videodisc (57 min.) :

MEDIA 10-2294

Color adjustment c2004

Marlon T Riggs, Vivian Kleiman, Ruby Dee, California Newsreel (Firm), and Signifyin' Works (Firm)

An analysis of the portrayal of African-Americans on American television from 1948-1988. Argues that earlier images were outright racist, and that later images have been overly biased towards prosperous blacks. 1 videodisc (80 min.) :

MEDIA DANA 10-2320 423 2-3685

Colored frames c2011

"A look back at the last fifty years in African American art, Colored Frames is an unflinching exploration of influences, inspirations and experiences of black artists. Beginning at the height of the Civil Rights Era and leading up to the present, it is a naked and truthful look at often ignored artists and their progenies"--Synopsis at boondogglefilms.net. 1 videodisc (56 min.)

MEDIA 10-4208

The edge of each other's battles the vision of Audre Lorde 2007

Jennifer Abod, Profile Productions, and Women Make Movies (Firm)

Documents black lesbian poet and activist Audre Lorde's (1934-92) social vision, using footage from the four-day conference: I am your sisters: forging global connections across differences, held in Boston in 1990. At the conference 1,200 men, women and young people from 23 countries examined the issues of the relations between race, class, gender and sexuality through Lorde's work. Interviews with the organizers of the conference are intercut with conference footage, including performances, controversies and speeches. 1 videodisc (59 min.)

MEDIA 10-1159

Electric boogie 2010?, c1983

Tana Ross, Freke Vuijst, Green Room Productions, and Filmakers Library, inc

Focuses on four teenagers, two Black and two Puerto Rican, who perform their pulsating, gyrating dance routines on the streets of New York City's South Bronx. Shows the group, which calls itself the Electric Boogie Boys, practicing, playing basketball, relaxing at home, and competing in local dance contest. Contrasts the youngsters' vitality, ambition, and talent with the grimness of their city surroundings. 1 videodisc (30 min.) :

MEDIA 10-2524

First breeze of summer 2003

Lindsay Law, Douglas Turner Ward, Kirk Browning, Moses Gunn, Frances Foster, Janet League, Hal Holbrook, Leslie Lee, Negro Ensemble Company, WNET (Television station : New York, N.Y.), Educational Broadcasting Corporation, Broadway Theatre Archive, and Kultur International Films

Deals with the conflicts between a stern, hard-working father and his two discontented sons. Also tells the story of the man's elderly mother who recalls, through flashbacks the romances of her youth with three different men who all abandoned her. 1 videodisc (90 min.)

MEDIA 10-994

From these roots a review of the "Harlem Renaissance" 1974

Uses still photographs and filmed sequences to recreate the social and political climate of the Harlem renaissance--a period of great artistic and cultural activity in the 1920's which had, and still has, a profound influence on black American art and self-awareness and life-style. 1 videocassette (ca. 30 min.)

MEDIA 10-4612

Furious flower II 2005

Judith McCray, Houston A Baker, Nikky Finney, Askia M Touré, and California Newsreel (Firm)

"This 3-part program provides the definitive teaching tool for exploring the world of today's black poetry. Providing a more focused, ambitious approach than its 1998 predecessor, Furious Flower II presents outstanding critical scholarship on black contemporary poetry's origins and trends, its conflicts and consonances. Throughout, notable authors share insights and offer inspiration to fledgling poets about the creative process, and about daily life as a published writer. Interspersed with these critical conversations are impassioned readings of the most representative poems of each poet. Viewers can watch as one of America's most exciting cultural movements evolves before their eyes and ears. Program I - Roots and First Fruits traces black literary traditions from African American folklore to the Blues Aesthetic to Hip Hop, and illuminates their impact on poetry. Program II - Cross-Pollination in the Diaspora reflects upon the reciprocal influence between black American poets and writers from the African literary Diaspora. Program III - Blooming in the Whirlwind locates black poets within their historic moment and contextualizes them within relevant political movements - Civil Rights, Black Nationalism, post-colonialism and multiculturalism."--Www.newsreel.org. 1 videodisc (ca. 180 min.) :

MEDIA 10-2504

Half past autumn the life and works of Gordon Parks 2006

A look at the African-American photographer, poet, novelist, composer and filmmaker Gordon Parks. 1 videodisc (92 min.)

MEDIA 10-4131

Harlem a self portrait 2002

Bill Leonard, Tom Costigan, John Sharnik, William Greif, and Jane Bartles

This 1959 CBS News special offers a unique look at a city within a city, capturing the mood and teror of a community where police, not politicians, were the power and six out of seven officers were white. 1 videocassette (58 min.)

DANA MEDIA 1866 10-1452

The last angel of history 2010

John Akomfrah, Black Audio Film Collective, Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen, Channel Four (Great Britain), and Icarus Films

Explores the relationships between Pan-African culture, science fiction, space exploration, and computer technology. Examines science fiction elements in literature and music as metaphors for the Pan-African experience of forced displacement and cultural alienation. 1 videodisc (45 min.) :

MEDIA 10-2476

A litany for survival the life and work of Audre Lorde 2006?

Ada Gay Griffin, Michelle Parkerson, and Newsreel (Firm)

Audre Lorde, poet and lesbian-feminist talks about being lesbian and black in New York in the 1950s and her social/political activity. Includes conversations and readings by Lorde and comments by other writers and family members. 1 videodisc (52 min.)

MEDIA 10-787

Looking for Langston 2007

This self-described meditation on the life of Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes addresses the possible, possibly imagined, life of the author as a gay man. Both documentary and fantasy, it blends archival footage with black and white paeans to a life that might have been--a Harlem nightclub from the 1920s, a London nightspot from the late eighties, various dream sequences--foregrounding gay sexual desire, constructed of a mélange of materials. Looking for Langston is not a mainstream film, but a short film, an avant-garde film, a gay film, and a black British film. Indeed, the prospect of viewing the film can be an off-putting one, considering its competing narrative lines as documentary, reclamation of an aspect of black history, rumination on the AIDS crisis, or pure fantasy. 1 videodisc (45 min.)

MEDIA 10-3842

Mama C urban warrior in the African bush c2012

"Tells the story of Charlotte O'Neal--or Mama C as she is known-- poet, musician, visual artist, spoken word artist and ex-member of the Kansas City Black Panther Party. Mama C, whose life was formed growing up in the artistically and politically vibrant atmosphere of the African American community in Kansas City, has lived for more that forty years in the Tanzanian village of Imbaseni in the shadow of Mount Meru"--Container. 1 videodisc (54 min.)

MEDIA 10-4296

Paul Robeson here I stand c1999

Lou Potter, St. Clair Bourne, Chiz Schultz , Ossie Davis, WNET (Television station : New York, N.Y.), Menair Media International, and WinStar Home Entertainment (Firm)

Presents the life and achievements of Paul Robeson, an athlete, singer, scholar and champion of the rights of the poor, disenfranchised and people of color. 1 videodisc (117 min.)

MEDIA 10-229

The pursuit of happyness 2007

Todd Black, Will Smith, Steve Conrad, Gabriele Muccino, Jaden Christopher Syre Smith, Thandie Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen, Dan Castellaneta, Kurt Fuller, Takayo Fischer, Overbrook Films, Escape Artists (Firm), Columbia Pictures Corporation, Relativity Media, and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (Firm)

In 1981, Chris Gardner was a struggling salesman. His wife worked double shifts to support the family including their young son, Christopher. In the face of this difficult life, Chris has the desperate inspiration to try for a stockbroker internship where one in twenty has a chance of a lucrative full time career. Even when his wife leaves him because of this choice, Chris clings to this dream. The odds become more daunting by the day. Together, father and son struggle through homelessness, jail time, tax seizure and the overall punishing despair in a quest that would make Gardner a respected millionaire. 1 videodisc (ca. 117 min.)

MEDIA 10-1004

Rap, race & equality 200-?

Stephen Elliott, Grant Elliott, D. Chuck, Ice Cube, T. Ice, O. n. e. KRS, Latifah, Rakim, Molefi K Asante, Ralph McDaniels, Jon Pareles, Wayne Hyett, Tricia Rose, Russell Simmons, Naughty by Nature (Musical group), Elliott Productions Pty. Ltd, Burberry Productions, and Filmakers Library, inc

Documentary exploring the political and social context of rap music, including issues such as like sexism and censorship. Includes performances and interviews with Ice Cube, Ice T, Naughty by Nature, music journalist Jon Pareles and scholar Tricia Rose, among others. 1 videodisc (58 min.)

MEDIA. MEDIA 10-1932 10-1933

Say amen, somebody 2007

This film "documents the Golden Age of Gospel Music in its dying hour and pays homage to the music's pioneers in their extreme old age. Though Willie Mae Ford Smith, Thomas A. Dorsey and Sallie Martin lived years after 1980, they would never again be strong enough to both recall and embody the soul of gospel. In the language of the church, each of them had a charge to keep and a story to tell."--Guide. Also profiles Delois Barrett Campbell and The Barrett Sisters, The O'Neal Twins, and Zella Jackson. 1 videodisc (100 min.)

MEDIA 10-5642

That's black entertainment c2006

Walid Khaldi, Mario Van Peebles, Norm Revis, Revismedia, Inc, S'more Entertainment, Inc, and Starz Encore Entertainment (Firm)

"That's Black Entertainment" is a fascinating three-part series that showcases the groundbreaking work of African American talent during the early years of Black cinema. 3 videodiscs (ca. 420 min.)

MEDIA 10-865

Visions of the spirit 2005?

"This intimate and inspiring portrait of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker explores the compassion, insight and strength that have made her one of the most admired women in the United States. Filmed at Walker's California home, in her Georgia hometown, and on location with the film crew of The color purple, Visions of the spirit shows us Walker as mother, daughter, philosopher, activist and of course, writer. Featherston's videotape explores the roots of Walker's southern African American feminist consciousness through in-depth conversations with the writer and members of her family. African American feminist literary scholar Barbara Christian places Walker in the history of African American literature, archival footage of the civil rights movement provides background for Walker's political vision ..."--Distributor's Web site. 1 videodisc (59 min.)

MEDIA 10-4293

You can't sing it for them continuity, change, and a church musician Video follows Jonathan Q. Berryman, a "wisecracking, professionally trained Director of Music over the course of a year as he works tirelessly to revitalize his church's deteriorating choral program so that the entire breadth of African American sacred music can be sung. Because Messiah Baptist Church of Bridgeport, Connecticut is replete with animated and opinionated congregants and a new, charismatic minister, the film provides an entertaining but honest portrait of the life of a contemporary church musicians, while exploring the timeless topics of sacred repertoire, music education, religious calling, and personal and situational change"--Back cover. Includes interview and performance footage. 1 videodisc (68 min.)

MEDIA 10-5229

Zora Neale Hurston jump at the sun c2008

Kristy Andersen, Sam Pollard, Kim Brockington, Marceline Hugot, S. Epatha Merkerson, Marian Hunter, Don Vappie, Bay Bottom News (Firm), WNET (Television station : New York, N.Y.), and California Newsreel (Firm)

A biography of African American author and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston, the first black woman to enter the American literary canon. 1 videodisc (83 min.)

MEDIA 10-1408

Culture and the Arts

African American art past and present 1992

Janus Adams and Tony Batten

Rare and historical photographs, beautiful reproductions of paintings, sculpture and crafts, and brilliant musical selections combine to make this an outstanding educational program for children and adults. 3 videocassettes (90 min.)

DOUGLASS. DOUGLASS. DOUGLASS 160 cassette 1 160 cassette 2 160 cassette 3

Against the odds the artists of the Harlem Renaissance 1994

Amber Edwards and Joe Morton

Documents the story of a group of black visual artists working during the 1920s and 1930s, who for the most part were unable to show their work in mainstream museums and galleries. Highlights the influential role the Harmon Foundation played in the development of African American art in the United States. 1 videocassette (57 min)

MEDIA 2-2568, 4002

Aida's brothers & sisters Black voices in opera 2000

Jan Schmidt-Garre, Marieke Schroeder, and Rosalyn M Story

Presents the history and current situation of African-American opera singers in America. Combines rare and contemporary footage of some of the greatest performers of the century and includes interviews with many notable black singers (including Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson, Leontyne Price, Kathleen Battle, Jessye Norman, Robert McFerrin, and members of Opera Ebony) as well as musicologists, directors, and historians. 1 videocassette (90 min.)

DANA 1819

Alex Haley a conversation with Alex Haley 1992

Alex Haley, Matteo Bellinelli, and Robert Lanchester

Alex Haley recounts the transformation of a college drop-out into one of America's most powerful non-fiction writers. 1 videocassette (50 min.)

MEDIA DANA 2-5980 369

Alice Walker a conversation with Alice Walker 1992

Alice Walker, Matteo Bellinelli, and Edwin A Moore

Alice Walker shares with us her remarkable spiritual journey from a sharecropping childhood in rural Georgia to the peace and creativity of her present retreat in Northern California. She reads from her poetry and discusses contemporary America with an anger and urgency rooted in an abiding optimism. 1 videocassette (30 min.)

DANA. MEDIA 389 2-1973

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 1986

Thomas Grimm, Knud Vissing, Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison, and Talley Beatty

Four short compositions performed by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, with an introduction by Alvin Ailey and commentary by each choreographer. 1 videocassette (140 min.)

DOUGLASS 177

As I remember it a portrait of Dorothy West 1991

Salem Mekuria and Dorothy A Gallagher

From the perspective of her 83 years, the still-active African-American writer Dorothy West relates her memories of growing up black, privileged and enthralled by literature. 1 videocassette (56 min.)

MEDIA 2-5032

August Wilson c1994

August Wilson, Matteo Bellinelli, California Newsreel (Firm), Schweizerische Radio- und Fernsehgesellschaft, Radiotelevisione della Svizzera italiana, and Films for the Humanities (Firm)

Playwright August Wilson talks about his roots in the black community, how his plays express the African-American experience, how the African heritage of Black Americans is both expressed and repressed in American society today, and the importance of blues as cultural expression. 1 videocassette (ca. 22 min.)

MEDIA 2-7461

August Wilson 2003

MEDIA 10-643

August Wilson a conversation with August Wilson 1992

August Wilson, Edwin A Moore, and Matteo Bellinelli

DANA. MEDIA 365 2-1974

Black conservatives 1994

Linda Davis Pizzico, Phil Donahue, and Bryan Russo

"In this specially adapated Phil Donahue program,, Armstrong Williams, Kevin Pritchett, Phyllis Berry Meyers, and Dr. Khalid Al-Mansor say that the existing welfare system has become just another form of slavry; that blacks should strive for self-empowerment and not depend on the Democratic Party, which takes their votes for granted; and that the traditional black leadership has been detrimental to African Americans."--Container. 1 videocassette (28 min.)

DANA 855

Black Indians an American story c2000

Chip Richie, Steven R Heape, Daniel Blake Smith, Charles Crosley, Dennis V Hazzard, Everett Dahlquist, Gabrielle West, Richard W Wilcox, Linda Coombs, Claudio Saunt, Thomas Doughton, Joanne Melish, James Earl Jones, and Rich-Heape Films

This video explores the issue of racial identity among Native and African Americans. This in-depth documentary examines the coalescence of these two groups in American history. 1 videodisc (60 min.)

DANA 153

Black is-- black ain't a personal journey through black identity 1995

Marlon T Riggs, Nicole Atkinson, and Christiane Badgley

American culture has stereotyped black Americans for centuries. Equally devastating, the late Marlon Riggs argued, have been the definitions of "blackness" African Americans impose upon one another which contain and reduce the black experience. In this film, Riggs meets a cross-section of African Americans grappling with the paradox of numerous, often contradictory definitions of blackness. 1 videocassette (88 min.)

ALEXANDER. DANA. MEDIA 424 424 2-2903

Black Israel 2003

Maurice Dorčs, Dominique H Masson, Films Esdés, and Filmakers Library, inc

Documentary presents scenarios of Africans and African Americans who live in the Jewish communities of Israel, and are Jewish by birth or by conversion. The positive and the negative ways in which people are affected by their heritage makes for a vibrant portrait of pluralistic 21st-century Jewish identities. 1 videocassette (88 min.)

MEDIA 2-6772

Black religion in the 20th century 1993

Eugene Williams, John Simmons, and Abdul Salaam

Dr. Simmons' lecture explores Black religion in the twentieth century and two prominent new religious movements, Black Muslim and Pentecostal. Also included is an interview by Dr. Simmons with Dr. Abdul Salaam of the Nation of Islam. 1 videocassette (60 min.)

DANA 1456

Black theatre the making of a movement 1978

Woodie King, Joan Sandler, and Ed Pitt

The meaning of black theatre is discussed by accomplished playwrights, directors, producers and performers. Includes interviews with James Earl Jones, Amiri Baraka, Ed Bullins and others. 1 videocassette (114 min.)

DANA. MEDIA 359 2-1978

Black to the promised land c1992

Madeleine Ali, Renen Schorr, Shlomo Rogalin, Blues Productions, West Glen Films, and First Run/Icarus Films

A group of problem students from the Street Academy High School of Brooklyn are taken on a trip to Israel. They experience the everyday life of the Jewish community in a kibbutz. Both Jewish and Black youngsters seem surprised in finding that love, respect and friendship can grow in spite of ethnic differences and the color of their skin. 1 videocassette (97 min.)

MEDIA 2-6787

Blues masters history of the blues 2002

Son House, Leadbelly, Bessie Smith, Mamie Smith, Roy Milton, Jimmy Rushing, Ethel Waters, Big Bill Broonzy, Ida Cox, Billie Holiday, Big Mama Thornton, Muddy Waters, Joe Turner, Joe Williams, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Witherspoon, B. B King, City Island Entertainment (Firm), and Rhino Home Video (Firm)

Rare performances and historical footage tracing the development of American blues music. 1 videodisc (103 min.)

DANA 59

Bluesland a portrait in American music 1993

Keith David, Toby Byron, Richard Saylor, Ralph Meyers, and Ken Mandel

This video explores the blues-- with all its poetic irony and sly humor, its eroticism and timeless power. It traces its roots from the beginning of the 20th Century through the Mississippi Delta to Louisiana, Texas, Kansas City and Chicago. It includes music by: Son House, Leadbelly, Big Bill Broonzy, Bessie Smith, Count Basie, Louis Jordan, Jimmy Rushing, T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters, Dinah Washington and many others. 1 videocassette (ca. 85 min)

DANA 1561

Chester Himes the long climb 1996

Rex Barnett and Barbara Faison

A program on the life of novelist Chester Himes, who began writing while he was in prison and achieved fame for his detective stories. 1 videocassette (30 min.)

DANA 1255

Clementine Hunter American folk artist 1993

Clementine Hunter, Katina Simmons, and Christina Patoski

Presents the art of Clementine Hunter with interviews with the artist and commentary by collectors from Natchitoches, Louisiana. 1 videocassette (28 min.)

DANA 576

Culture shock 2000

Marsha Bemko, Ellen Barkin, Dion Graham, Rachelle Ferrell, Courtney B Vance, and John Lithgow

Series of four documentaries explores why particular works or forms of art became (and some remain) controversial, gives points of view on the effects of the arts on individuals and on society, and addresses censorship and education. Each also is a self-contained documentary that analyses the particular form or work and presents the cultural milieu in which it was created. 4 videocassettes (270 min.)

DANA. DANA. DANA. DANA. DANA 1527 cassette 1 1527 1528 cassette 2 1529 cassette 3 1530 cassette 4

Dancing on the edge, vol. 2 1992

Douglas Rosenberg

A collection of selected performance highlights form the American Dance Festival. 1 videocassette (45 min.)

DOUGLASS 169

Dignity of man and origins of African-American theatre 1991

Carol Bosley, John Scott, Yvetta, William Gentry, William H True, and Leslie Lee

Includes brief history of Black American performers, excerpt from Colored People's Time, by Leslie Lee. 1 videocassette (15 min.)

DANA 1369

The edge of each other's battles the vision of Audre Lorde 2007

Jennifer Abod, Profile Productions, and Women Make Movies (Firm)

MEDIA 10-1159

Emergence of the African-American performing arts 1991

Carol Bosley, John Scott, Yvetta, William Gentry, William H True, and Langston Hughes

Includes brief history of black American performers, and excerpt from Simply heavenly, by Langston Hughes. 1 videocassette (ca. 15 min.)

DANA 1370

Faith Ringgold 1991

David K Irving and Linda Freeman

"Share an insider's look at how one African-American woman, through patience, perseverance and education fulfilled her dream of becoming an artist....A painter by profession, she has moved away from traditional framed canvases to 'tankas,' paintings on quilted canvas with frames of quilted fabric."--Container. 1 videocassette (28 min.)

DANA. MEDIA 760 2-3177

Faith Ringgold paints Crown Heights 1995

Faith Ringgold, Linda Freeman, Robert Farris Thompson, and David Irving

Faith Ringgold details the creation of the quilt she created to represent the diverse cultures and traditions comprising the area of Crown Heights in New York City. 1 videocassette (ca. 28 min.)

DOUGLASS 163

Faith Ringgold the last story quilt 1991

Faith Ringgold, David Irving, and Linda Freeman

Faith Ringgold discusses aspects of her childhood, incidents from her life, and her art education. She talks about her artwork and shows it to the viewer. 1 videocassette (28 min.)

DOUGLASS 153

Fires in the mirror Crown Heights, Brooklyn and other identities 1993

Anna Deavere Smith, Cherie Fortis, and George C Wolfe

Nineteen theatrical portraits, interspersed with news photos and footage, convey the characters and feelings of the people who experienced the racial conflicts between African-American and Jewish residents of Crown Heights in 1991. Based on verbatim excerpts from interviews. 1 videocassette (80 min.)

MEDIA DANA 2-2043 1816

For my people the life and writing of Margaret Walker 1998

Judith McCray

Through interviews with writers, scholars, and Walker herself, this documentary examines the life and work of Margaret Walker,focusing on the influence that her writing had on Black women writers. 1 videocassette (28 min.)

DANA. MEDIA 1639 2-5981

Forever Ella a celebration of Ella Fitzgerald, legendary American singer 2000

Gene A Davis, Nancy Wilson, and Harry Smith

Chronicles the personal life and singing career of the well- known jazz artist and discusses her impact on contemporary music. 1 videocassette (100 min.)

MUSIC 438

Free to dance Go for what you know 2001

Madison Davis Lacy, Adam Zucker, and Blair Underwood

The history of African American dance; during the 1960s through the 1980s a dance explosion happens. There are more modern dancers, more dance companies. 1 videocassette (57 min.)

DOUGLASS 236

Free to dance Steps of the gods 2001

Madison Davis Lacy and Blair Underwood

The history of African American dance; examines the early history of Black dance that began when Katherine Dunham returned from the Caribbean Islands and taught her approach to movement that became known as the Dunham technique. 1 videocassette (57 min.)

DOUGLASS 235

Free to dance. What do you dance 2001

Madison Davis Lacy, Adam Zucker, and Blair Underwood

The history of African American dance; examines the early development of modern dance set against the background of the Harlem renaissance, racial segregation and the great depression. 1 videocassette (57 min.)

DOUGLASS 234

The freedom you will take 1999

Denise A Greene, Sheila Curran Bernard, and Vanessa Williams

In reaction to the narrow depiction of African Americans, the contemporary culture landscape has been transformed by the power of African-American film, dance, rap-music and spoken-word scene. 1 videocassette (60 min.)

MEDIA 2-4295

From these roots a review of the "Harlem Renaissance" 1974

William Greaves and Brock Peters

MEDIA 2-1703

Furious flower : conversations with African American poets 1998

John Hodges, Joanne V Gabbin, Elizabeth Alexander, Thomas Sayers Ellis, Kevin Young, Sharan Strange, Major Jackson, Vera L Beatty, and John Keene

A four part video anthology of African American poetry from the 1940s to 1995 offering intimate portraits of leading poets reading and discussing their own works. Part 4 highlights the younger poets of the 1990s who represent the promise and diversity of Black poetry as it develops into the 21st century. 1 videocassette (27 min.)

DANA. MEDIA 1638 2-3767

Furious flower : conversations with African American poets 1998

John Hodges, Joanne V Gabbin, Rita Dove, Toi Derricotte, Dolores Kendrick, Sherley Anne Williams, Gerald W Barrax, E. Ethelbert Miller, and Michael S Harper

A four part video anthology of African American poetry from the 1940s to 1995 offering intimate portraits of leading poets reading and discussing their own works. Part 3 looks at the poetry that followed the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s, which was marked with a broadened scope. While retaining the same political commitment, the poets extended their vision into new regions, exploring personal, sometimes taboo subjects and imbuing traditional forms with a contemporary intensity. 1 videocassette (114 min.)

DANA. MEDIA 1637 2-3766

Furious flower : conversations with African American poets 1998

John Hodges, Judith McCray, Imamu Amiri Baraka, Haki R Madhubuti, Kalamu ya Salaam, Sonia Sanchez, Eugene Redmond, and Nikki Giovanni

A four part video anthology of African American poetry from the 1940s to 1995 offering intimate portraits of leading poets reading and discussing their own works. Part 2 examines the poets of the Black liberation movements of the 1960s. Their works defined a strong Black cultural identity and waged a war for literary self-determination. Here these veterans read from works which stirred a generation and discuss the achievements and unfulfilled hopes of their movement. 1 videocassette (114 min.)

DANA. MEDIA 1636 2-3765

Furious flower : conversations with African American poets 1998

John Hodges, Joanne V Gabbin, Samuel W Allen, Mari Evans, Naomi Cornelia Long Madgett, Alvin Aubert, and Pinkie Gordon Lane

A four part video anthology of African American poetry from the 1940s to 1995 offering intimate portraits of leading poets reading and discussing their own works. Part 1 introduces poets who laid the groundwork for today's Black poetry renaissance and mentored many of the younger voices represented in this series. These writers, many of whom began writing during the 1940s provided the wisdom and strong literary voice which brought Black verse to competence and maturity. 1 videocassette (114 min.)

DANA. MEDIA 1635 2-3764

Furious flower II regenerating the black poetic tradition 2005

Judith McCray, John L Hodges, Joanne V Gabbin, James Madison University, and California Newsreel (Firm)

A three part video anthology of African American poetry offering intimate portraits of leading poets reading and discussing their own works. 3 videocassettes ( 214 min)

MEDIA 2-7350 - 2-7352

Garth Fagan's Griot New York 1995

Garth Fagan, Wynton Marsalis, Martin Puryear, Margaret Selby, Matthew Diamond, Steve Epstein, Jamake Highwater, Norwood Pennewell, and Natalie Rogers

Following brief interviews with Garth Fagan and Wynton Marsalis, the program includes a complete performance of Griot New York. The concept of a griot, a West African storyteller who keeps the cultural heritage of a people alive, is used to depict the non-European culture of New York City, and particularly the African and Caribbean backgrounds of some of its residents. 1 videocassette (85 min.)

DOUGLASS 181

Gloria Naylor a conversation with Gloria Naylor 1992

Gloria Naylor, Edwin A Moore, and Matteo Bellinelli

Writer Gloria Naylor speaks on the influence of other black women writers, the influence of a southern background, early involvement with religion, learning to articulate one's experience, writing in different voices, and writing to explore one's beliefs. 1 videocassette (21 min.)

DANA. MEDIA 390 2-1971

God's trombones a trilogy of African-American poems 1994

James Weldon Johnson, James Earl Jones, and Dorian Harewood

Features three inspirational sermons of the old-time black preachers taken from James Weldon Johnson's book of poetry titled: God's trombones. 1 videocassette (25 min., 45 sec.)

DANA 1843

Culture and the Arts Cont'd

Gordon Parks visions : the images, words and music of Gordon Parks 1996, 1986

Avery Brooks, Roscoe Lee Browne, Joe Seneca, Shep Morgan, John Carter, and Gordon Parks

He's been a waiter, a train porter, and a piano player in a brothel. He gained world-wide recognition as an award-winning photographer for Life Magazine, the first Afro-American to hold such a staff position. He wrote the acclaimed best selling novel, "The Learning Tree," and became the first Afro-American to direct a major Hollywood motion picture with this much praised film adaptation. 1 videocassette (60 min.)

DANA. DANA 1154 1154

The green pastures a fable 2006

Marc Connelly, William Keighley, Rex Ingram, Eddie Anderson, Hall Johnson Choir, and Warner Home Video (Firm)

A series of biblical stories are told from a black perspective. Unlike many Hollywood biblical epics, this sensitive, thoughtful film brings to the scriptures a profound level of understanding. Featuring the joyful gospel sounds of the Hall Johnson Choir. 1 videodisc (ca. 93 min.)

DANA 266

Hair piece a film for nappy-headed people 1985

Ayoka Chenzira, Carol Jean Wheeler, and Women Make Movies (Firm)

An animated satire on Black consciousness from the perspective of hair styling. 1 videocassette (10 min.)

MEDIA 2-7811

Harlem a self portrait 2002

Bill Leonard, Tom Costigan, John Sharnik, William Greif, and Jane Bartles

DANA MEDIA 1866 10-1452

Hidden heritage the roots of Black American painting 1990?

Andrew Piddington, David C Driskell, and Maureen McCue

Traces the work of Black American artists from the American Revolution to World War II. Places the artists' individual achievements in the context of social change, abolition of slavery, Jim Crow laws, racial violence and segregation. 1 videocassette (52 min.)

MEDIA 2-2231

Horace Pippin there will be peace 1998

Linda Freeman, Horace Pippin, David K Irving, Brock Peters, Joshua Stone, Tom Campbell, and Judith E Stein

This video profiles the artist Horace Pippin. A self-taught artist, Horace Pippin's paintings reflect his own life and concerns. Film clips, still photographs and Pippin's paintings illustrate the film. 1 videocassette (ca. 28 min.)

DANA. MEDIA 899 2-3176

Hughes' dream Harlem 2002

Jamal Joseph, Jad Joseph, Darralynn Hutson , Ossie Davis, and Donald Cogsville

Langston Hughes was one of the most prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance and is often referred to as Harlem's poet laureate. This film shows how Hughes successfelly fused jazz, blues and common speech to celebrate the beauty of Black life. 1 videocassette (61 min.)

MEDIA 2-5999

Identifiable qualities a film on Toni Morrison 1990, 1989

Margaret Busby and Sindamani Bridglal

Interview with Pulitzer Prize-winning black novelist Toni Morrison. She addresses the events of the Sixties which led her to write her first novel The Bluest Eye; the use of personal experiences as sources for her strong, black female characters; and the advantage to publishers of placing black writers in the mainstream. 1 videocassette (26 min.)

MEDIA 2-1270

In motion Amiri Baraka 1989?

St. Clair Bourne, Lou Potter, Imamu Amiri Baraka, and Carvin Eison

Documentary covering Baraka from his early days in Greenwich Village to his present (1982) literary and political activities. Focuses on the final 2 weeks before his sentencing at federal court on the charges of resisting arrest. 1 videocassette (60 min.)

MEDIA 2-2243

Jacob Lawrence the glory of expression 1993

Jacob Lawrence, David Irving, Linda Freeman, and Ossie Davis

"A documentary about the life and work of one of America's great living painters, the first African-American to be represented by a New York gallery. Emphasis is placed on the epic narratives he painted about the struggles of the African-American people."--Container. 1 videocassette (28 min.)

ART. DANA. MEDIA 2 761 2-3180

Jamaica Kincaid 1993

Jamaica Kincaid, Larry Shapiro, Maya Angelou, and Hendrik Hertzberg

Jamaica Kindcaid was born and educated in St. John's, Antigua, in the West Indies. Her stories have appeared in the New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and the Paris Review. She is the author of the critically acclaimed novel Lucy. 1 videocassette (30 min.)

DANA 788

James Baldwin the price of the ticket 1989

Karen Thorson

Opening with the funeral of James Baldwin, this film traces the life history and accomplishments of this great black writer. Includes interviews with friends and colleagues, including Maya Angelou, Amin Baraka, his brother David, and his mother Berdis. 1 videocassette (ca. 87 min.)

DANA. MEDIA 363 2-997

Jean-Michel Basquiat an interview 1989

Jean Michel Basquiat, Paul Tschinkel, and Marc H Miller

A rare interview with the 21 year old Basquiat in his studio on Crosby Street in 1981 by art historian-curator, Marc H. Miller. Basquiat describes his working process and comments on his art world persona. 1 videocassette (34 min.)

DANA 1611

John Wideman a conversation with John Wideman 1992

John Edgar Wideman, Matteo Bellinelli, and Edwin A Moore

Wideman candidly discusses the dilemma of the committed African American intellectual torn between the urban underclass and a predominantly white, middle class literary audience. He writes because "African Americans have to carry alternative versions of reality in our heads and the model for doing that exists in art.". 1 videocassette (26 min.)

DANA. MEDIA 366 2-1975

Langston Hughes his life and times 2003

Bruce R Schwartz, Alice Walker, and Arnold Rampersad

Thought-provoking interviews with Alice Walker and Hughes biographer Arnold Rampersad. 1 videodisc (31 min.)

DANA 27

A litany for survival the life and work of Audre Lorde 2006?

Ada Gay Griffin, Michelle Parkerson, and Newsreel (Firm)

MEDIA 10-787

Lorna Simpson 1996

Lorna Simpson, David L Bowden, and Henry M Sayre

Lorna Simpson explores the ambiguous ways words and images function together to create meaning. 1 videocassette (25 min.)

MEDIA 2-6044

Lorraine Hansberry the Black experience in the creation of drama 1992

Lorraine Hansberry, Claudia McNeil, Robert Nemiroff, and Ralph J Tangney

Traces the artistic growth and vision of the black playwright Lorraine Hansberry, largely in her own words and in her own voice. Describes the author's childhood in Chicago, student days at the University of Wisconsin, work as a journalist in Harlem, life as a housewife in Greenwich Village, and success on Broadway. 1 videocassette (35 min.)

MEDIA 2-2612

Mahalia Jackson the power and the glory 1997

Jeff Scheftel, Grazka Taylor, Michael Singh, and Paul Winfield

Biographical video of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, featuring the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Brother John Sellers and historian Studs Terkel. 1 videocassette (89 min.)

DANA 1050

Mama Flora's family 1998

Cicely Tyson, Blair Underwood, Mario Van Peebles, Latifah, Alex Haley, and Peter Werner

Based on the epic story by 'Roots' author Alex Haley, this star powered miniseries is the sweeping chronicle of one family's unforgettable journey through the tragedies and triumphs of the 20th century. 1 videocassette (140 min.)

DANA 1840

Marian Anderson 1991

Marian Anderson, Dante J James, Juan Williams, and Avery Brooks

A biography of Marian Anderson, a black classical singer. 1 videocassette (58 min.)

DANA 499

Marian Anderson 1998, 1991

Dante J James, Juan Williams, and Avery Brooks

A biography of virtuosa Marian Anderson from the time she sang spirituals as a child at the Union Baptist Church in Philadelphia to the beginning of her classical career in Europe in the 1930's, her return to the United States, her eventual appearance at the New York Metropolitan Opera in 1955 (the first black person to perform there), to her retirement in 1965, "a national treasure". 1 videocassette (60 min.)

DANA 1655

Marian Anderson the story of the voice that broke barriers 1998, 1991

Dante J James, Juan Williams, Avery Brooks, and Marian Anderson

DANA 1055

Maya Angelou 1989

Maya Angelou

Angelou recites poetry, talks about the ability of the human spirit to rise up in the face of adversity, and reads an extract from "Singin' and swingin' and Gettin' merry like Christmas.". 1 videocassette (31 min.)

MEDIA 2-2094

A meditation on Langston Hughes (1902-1907) and the Harlem Renaissance with the poetry of Essex Hemphill and Bruce Nugent (1906-1987) 1992

Isaac Julien, Nadine Marsh-Edwards, Ben Ellison, Matthew Baidoo, Akim Mogaji, Bruce Nugent, Essex Hemphill, and James Baldwin

A surreal dramatization, including documentary film clips, of Langston Hughes' milieu in the Harlem of the 1930's. The voice-over narration is from the poetry and prose of James Baldwin, Essex Hamphill, Bruce Nugent, and Hilton Als. 1 videocassette (45 min.)

DANA 865

Midnight ramble Oscar Micheaux and the story of race movies 1994

Bestor Cram, Pearl Bowser, Pamela A Thomas, Clyde Taylor, Bruce Johnson, Caleb Sampson, Paul Deare, Ed Goff, Toni Cade Bambara, Robert Hall, Herb Jefferies, James Avery, and David G McCullough

A documentary recounting the history of the independent film industry that produced close to 500 "race movies" for African-American audiences between 1910 and 1940. Focuses especially on the work of Oscar Micheaux, a controversial filmmaker who wrote, produced, and directed over 40 features. 1 videocassette (60 min.)

MEDIA 2-4052

Music and comedy masters 1996

Cab Calloway, Hamtree Harrington, Bessie Smith, Mantan Moreland, Lionel Hampton, and Nat King Cole

Minnie the moocher / Cab Calloway -- Jittering jitterbugs / Hamtree Harrington -- Heavenly choir / Bessie Smith -- St. Louis Blues / Bessie Smith -- Showtime at the Apollo / Mantan Moreland, Lionel Hampton, Nat King Cole -- Hi de ho / Cab CallowayA collection of comedy, jazz and musical shorts featuring the greatest names in Afro-American entertainment in some of their earliest filmed performances. Includes Cab Calloway, Bessie Smith, Lionel Hampton and other performers. 1 videocassette (75 min.)

MEDIA 2-6193

Negroes with guns Rob Williams and Black Power c2005

Sandra H Dickson, Churchill Roberts, University of Florida, Documentary Institute, and California Newsreel (Firm)

Documentary "of Robert F. Williams, a Civil Rights fighter who dared to advocate armed self-defense against the racist terrorism of the Jim Crow South."--container. 1 videocassette (53 min.)

MEDIA 2-7259

The "New Negro" arts movement 1998

Wanda M Corn

Between WWI and WWII nearly 2 million blacks migrated to Harlem making it an exciting and culturally rich neighborhood. Although there was still much bigotry directed towards blacks it was the first time that America saw the potential for major art to come out of a great black community. 1 videocassette (60 min.)

MEDIA 2-5111

Paul Robeson 1988

Phillip Hayes Dean, Lloyd Richards, James Earl Jones, and Burt Wallace

A videotaped play portraying the actor/singer Paul Robeson, whose political beliefs led to his passport being revoked by the U.S. government and his concerts being cancelled, virtually ending his career. 1 videocassette (118 min.)

MEDIA 2-1248

Paul Robeson here I stand c1999

Lou Potter, St. Clair Bourne, Chiz Schultz , Ossie Davis, WNET (Television station : New York, N.Y.), Menair Media International, and WinStar Home Entertainment (Firm)

Presents the life and achievements of Paul Robeson, an athlete, singer, scholar and champion of the rights of the poor, disenfranchised and people of color. 1 videodisc (117 min.)

MEDIA 10-229

Paule Marshall 1994

Paule Marshall, Michael Silverblatt, and Dan Griggs

"Paule Marshall, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, has said that the source of her art is the expressive talk she heard as a girl among the West Indian women in her mother's kitchen. Ms. Marshall...has written four novels and two collections of stories. On April 12, 1994, she read from Daughters and talked with Michael Silverblatt in Los Angeles."--Container. 1 videocassette (60 min.)

DANA 726

Porgy and Bess an American voice 1999

Nigel Noble, James A Standifer, George Gershwin, Ruby Dee, and Ira Gershwin

"A center of controversy over its portrayal of African-Americans since its debut, Porgy and Bess has thrived amidst a changing social climate for more than 60 years. This extraordinary program, narrated by Ruby Dee, chronicles the history of George and Ira Gershwin's uniquely American folk opera, set against the backdrop of America's turbulent struggle to resolve its racial inequities. Academic experts address the still-volatile racial aspects of the work, while octogenarian Anne Brown, the original Bess, and other illustrious alumni and noted literary figures including Leontyne Price, William Warfield, Diahann Carroll, and Maya Angelou are featured in interviews and eloquent performance clips."--Container. 1 videocassette (84 min.)

DANA. DANA. MUSIC 1405 1405 441

Power of the African-American playwright 1991

Carol Bosley, John Scott, Yvetta, William Gentry, William H True, Lorraine Hansberry, Ossie Davis, and George C Wolfe

Includes excerpts from Raisin in the sun, Purlie Victorious, and The colored museum. 1 videocassette (15 min.)

DANA 1371

Praise house 1991

Julie Dash, Gina Harrell, Angelyn DeBord, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Laurie Carlos, Viola Sheely, Terri Cousar, Ayodele Martin Aubert, and Carl Riley

The visual images presented in this film illustrate "spirituality and the gift of artistry in three generations of African-American women"--Prologue. 1 videocassette (28 min.)

MEDIA 2-5068

Present and future direction of African-American theatre 1991

Carol Bosley, John Scott, Yvetta, William Gentry, William H True, August Wilson, and George C Wolfe

Includes excerpts from the plays Fences and The colored museum. 1 videocassette (ca. 15 min.)

DANA 1372

Rap, race & equality 200-?

MEDIA. MEDIA 10-1932 10-1933

Richard Wright, black boy 1994

Madison Davis Lacy and J. A Preston

The life and influence of writer Richard Wright are shown through interviews with his biographers and critics interspersed with dramatic scenes from his life and writings. 1 videocassette (86 min. 40 sec.)

DANA. MEDIA 447 2-2620

Richard Wright writing is his weapon 1995

Rex Barnett

Discusses the life, work, and ideas of the black American novelist Richard Wright. 1 videocassette (25 min.)

DANA. DANA 557 557

Robert Colescott the one-two punch 1992

Robert Colescott, David Irving, and Linda Freeman

Robert Colescott's artwork is viewed and discussed. Robert Colescott discusses aspects of his life as well as his artwork. Gallery owner Phyllis Kind, two art historians and an editor of ARTS Magazine discuss Colescott's artwork also. 1 videocassette (ca. 28 min.)

ART 1

Sharing the dream Brian Lanker photographs Black women who changed America 1992

Brian Lanker and Brian Lanker

Pulitzer prize-winning photographer Brian Lanker shares the elements of his two-year project photographing 75 great Black women. The program details how he obtained grant funding, gained access to his subjects and guided the work into both a book (I dream a world) and a show at the Corcoran Gallery. 1 videocassette (45 min.)

MEDIA 2-2297

Sizwe Bansi is dead 1978

José Ferrer, John Kani, Winston Ntshona, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, William Hindman, Andrew Martin, John Davies, and Athol Fugard

Discusses stylization, avant-gardism, black theatre, and realism using Athol Fugard's play Sizwe Bansi is dead. 1 videocassette (60 min.)

DANA. MEDIA 558 2-1762

Sonia Sanchez 1991

Sonia Sanchez, Lewis MacAdams, and John Dorr

Sonia Sanchez, poet, teacher, and activist, reads from her books Homegirls and Handgrenades and Under a Soprano Sky, talks to students at Georgetown University, and is interviewed by poet Lewis Mac Adams. 1 videocassette (60 min.)

DANA 727

Sonia Sanchez wear the new day well! 1991

Sonia Sanchez, Tom Vitale, and Bruce Burger

Sonia Sanchez, poet, teacher, and activist, reads from her books and tells about her life. The impact on her of the civil rights movement in the 1960s and the MOVE incident in Philadelphia is discussed. 1 videocassette (ca. 30 min.)

MEDIA 2-3046

St. Louis blues 198-?

Alfred N Sack, Dudley Murphy, and Bessie Smith

A gambling, philandering husband cheats on his long-suffering, loving wife, and takes her money. 1 videocassette (15 min.)

MEDIA D-252

Swing 199-?

Cora Green, Oscar Micheaux, Hazel Diaz, Carmen Newsome, Dorothy Van Engle, and A. Burton Russell

A musical with plot built around the music which is performed from Alabama to New York (Harlem). 1 videocassette (ca. 70 min.)

MEDIA 2-2738

Culture and the Arts Cont'd

That's black entertainment c2006

Walid Khaldi, Mario Van Peebles, Norm Revis, Revismedia, Inc, S'more Entertainment, Inc, and Starz Encore Entertainment (Firm)

Performer Note: Host: Mario Van Pebbles
Contents: Disc 1: Actors -- Disc 2: Westerns -- Disc 3: Comedians"That's Black Entertainment" is a fascinating three-part series that showcases the groundbreaking work of African American talent during the early years of Black cinema. 3 videodiscs (ca. 420 min.)

MEDIA 10-865

Toni Morrison a conversation with Toni Morrison 1992

Toni Morrison, Edwin A Moore, and Matteo Bellinelli

This video introduces one of the most widely acclaimed contemporary American writers--Toni Morrison. A leading figure in the in the movement for a new multicultural American literary canon, she explains that "American literature is incoherent without the contributions of African Americans.". 1 videocassette (25 min.)

DANA. MEDIA 388 2-1972

Toni Morrison a writer's work 1994

Toni Morrison, Bill D Moyers, and Gail Pellett

In this interview with Bill Moyers from the New York Public Library, Morrison discusses the characters in her work, the people in her life, the power of love, and how the invented world of fiction connects to life. 1 videocassette (52 min.)

MEDIA 2-2965

Uncle Tom's cabin 1987

Harriet Beecher Stowe, Stan Lathan, Jeffrey A Nelson, John Gay, Avery Brooks, Kate Burton, Bruce Dern, Paul Kelly, Phylicia Rashad, Kathryn Walker, Edward Woodward, Albert Hall, and Jenny Lewis

Film adaptation of Stowe's novel about slavery in the antebellum South that fueled much of the abolitionist debate. 1 videocassette (108 min.)

MEDIA DANA 2-3833 1030

Visions of the spirit a portrait of Alice Walker 1988

Elena Featherston

Explores the roots of Pulitzer Prize winning author Alice Walker's Southern Black feminist consciousness through in-depth conversations with the writer and members of her family. 1 videocassette (58 min.)

MEDIA 2-712

Voices of power 2000

Michael J Schmiedeler, Gus Gnorski, Bell Hooks, Alice Walker, Martha L Wharton, and Valerie Lee

This program examines the emergence of African-American women as popular and powerful voices of social conscience. 1 videocassette (29 min.)

MEDIA 2-5308

Zora Neale Hurston jump at the sun c2008

A biography of African American author and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston, the first black woman to enter the American literary canon. 1 videodisc (83 min.)

MEDIA 10-1408

Videos on Class, Race, and Ethnicity

African American Culture and the Arts DVDs

Culture and the Arts

Culture and the Arts Cont'd

Culture and the Arts Cont'd

African American Culture and the Arts - New This Year