This is part of a series of books that have been influential in my life, going back to grade and high school and on to the present. It would be nice if these posts started a dialogue–what books influenced you, the reader, and why or how? I was a senior in high school when …
Respect (2021)
The biopic covers the ups & downs of the life of Aretha Franklin from age 10 through her recording of her most popular album “Amazing Grace.”
John Lewis: Get in the Way (2020)
The story of CR leader turned US Congressman John lewis, from his sharecropping days through Sit-ins & Freedom Rides to his beating at Selma & years as the “Conscience of Congress.”
Selma, Lord, Selma (1999)
Screenplay by Cynthia Whitcomb, based on the book by Sheyann Webb & Rachel West Nelson, told to Frank Sikora. Cast & characters: Sheyann Webb – Jurnee Smollett; Rachel West – Stephanie Zandra Peyton; Martin Luther King, Jr. -Clifton Powell; Jonathan Daniels – Mackenzie Astin; Betty Webb – Ella Joyce; John Webb – Afemo Omilami; …
I am Not Your Negro (2016)
James Baldwin’s voice is as prophetic today as ever. Click the image to read my entire review.
The Rosa Parks Story (2002)
When Rosa Parks, sec. of the local NAACP, refuses to give up her bus seat to a white man, her arrest galvanizes Montgomery’s blacks, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to boycott the buses.
Selma (2014)
Prepare for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day by going to see this wonderful movie. Click the movie’s title to read my entire review.
Cesar Chavez (2014)
The true story of how Cesar Chavez organized grape pickers to form the UFW and how he triumphed over powerful enemies for better wages & conditions.
KING (1978)
This made-for-TV miniseries is a good, solid introduction to Dr. King’s life, and it’s available from Amazon and Netflix. CLICK on the film’s title to read my entire review.
AMISTAD (1997)
The story of how abolitionists brought about the freeing of captive Africans who revolted against their captors on the ship ironically named Amistad.