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Black History: Take Action Pack

Published on January 20, 2009

Twelve Months, Twelve Films, Twelve Issues.

Here at MediaRights.org and Media That Matters, we decided to crew up and give you a fresh, focused, all-in-one package of brand new short films, background information, resources, tips and activities on each of the topics covered in the eighth annual Media That Matters Film Festival.

The mission of the festival is to take the concept of “audience” a step further and use short-form, big issue media as a tool to educate and inspire activism.

This month, our Take Action Pack celebrates Black History Month, which is especially resonant this year. The first black President in the U.S. brings hope that our next generation will grow up with a positive recognition and respect for multiculturalism and race; becoming more active members of the global community. By using our film A Loud Color as a jumping off point, this guide will help provide information about the issues surrounding racial equality and provide helpful tools that you can use to take action in your own community.

The Issue

Image by discoverblackheritage via Flickr

February is Black History Month in the United States and Canada: a time to focus on and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of men and women of African descent. Black History Month functions as an opportunity to not only recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of individuals like President-elect Barack Obama, but to also honor the historically important role that the black community has played in the construction of America’s identity. Black American neighborhoods have long been plagued by redlining, protective covenants, housing discrimination and poverty, and yet strong, tight-knit and supportive communities have managed to emerge from these difficult conditions. Many of our most famous black leaders credit their success in large part to the support of a close and nurturing community.

New Orleans, Louisiana is a city with one of the most dense black populations in the United States. On August 29, 2005 the landscape of New Orleans was changed forever when Hurricane Katrina crashed into the city, flooding the levees and destroying countless homes and business. The hurricane’s worst damage was to predominantly poor, African-American areas of the city; places where residents did not have the resources to vacate the city after the initial flood warnings. The initial event, as well as the slow rescue response and aftermath of Katrina, is often cited as the most glaring contemporary example of the remaining racial inequity within the United States.

While Obama’s presidency reminds us that great strides have been made towards equality, many black neighborhoods in New Orleans have yet to recover, more than three years since the disaster. Rebuilding not only houses, but entire communities is a challenge currently facing the black New Orleanians who have remained in their city while gathering and preserving history is a large part of that project. The Media That Matters’ film celebrates Black History Month with the story of one extraordinary man who is struggling to recover the past and build the future of his community in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward.

The Film

A Loud Color follows 72-year-old Louis Harding as he tours his mostly deserted neighborhood and discusses his mission to rebuild the community center he opened just one month before Hurricane Katrina hit. Winner of the Legacy Award, the film conveys Harding’s deep sense of hope that, despite the hurricane’s enormous setbacks, he will be able to re-open his center and give black youth in New Orleans a place to come together and learn about their shared history. Both a charismatic storyteller and knowledgeable historian, Harding recounts the contributions of notable African Americans to New Orleans culture, as well as sharing his views on heroes and self-esteem in the black community.

Producer and director Brent Joseph says of the film: “My intended audience comprised of people who cared about the struggle for education in minority neighborhoods as well as those interested in post-Katrina New Orleans. In the end, the film was made as a grassroots effort to inform people of the courage and determination of New Orleanians to strengthen their community.”

We are extremely fortunate to be able to present an update on Louis’ situation in New Orleans. The Director sent us a couple of special updates that are included on the eighth annual Media That Matters DVD’s special features as well as streaming on our website.

Other films to check out from our MediaRights database include PBS’ Frontline: The Two Nations of Black America, and the collection of the first ever black-produced and controlled network television series, Black Journal.

The Action!

Educators

Learn more about African American history, business and culture from this extensive source of documents, articles and links.
Help make government more responsive to the concerns of Black America! Select an issue and send out letters to your senators through Color of Change.
Are there seniors in your family or community that should be recognized for their contributions? Do a little research and nominate a “visionary’ whose history can be recorded by the National Visionary Leadership Project.
A Loud Color was produced by the New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC.) Visit their website to see some more great work and learn about their many programs for artists and supporters.
Use one of the above mentioned films as the jumping-off point for a lesson or unit on racial justice, History or the African diaspora, as well as the fiscal and political policy implications surrounding these issues. Download our free Discussion Guide that includes activities and discussion questions that can be adapted for any film.

For Families

President Barak Obama pitches in by painting a house in New Orleans.
Image by Barack Obama via Flickr

Listen to remarkable oral histories, or record your own story through the Storycorps Griot Initiative. Inspired by the tradition of the griot-or storyteller-from West Africa, this project works to preserve and honor the stories and voices of Black Americans.
Declare your support and become a Friend of New Orleans! Find people across the globe dedicated to the building efforts and learn what else you can do to assist the city.
Interested in helping to rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward? Give a donation today, or volunteer your own time to Common Ground Relief. Common Ground is a cooperative dedicated to rebuilding New Orleans by offering “assistance, mutual aid, and support”.

For Youth Leaders

Contribute your time and skills to help a New Orleans family get a new home. Check with Habitat for Humanity affiliate to find out about volunteer opportunities.
Is there an issue in your community that needs attention? Community organizing might be the best approach.
Learn about and help to preserve the rich history of New Orleans. Visit the Preservation Resource Center, part of Rebuilding Together New Orleans.
Want to raise money in your community and make a donation directly to Louis Harding’s youth center? Go to the film’s website for Louis’ mailing address.

In Conclusion

We invite you to search around both the Media That Matters and the MediaRights sites to find others films, organizations and articles relating to cultural identity and racial justice.

Good luck, and let us know what you are doing to encourage awareness or change on these issues! Publish an announcement on MediaRights to encourage others to join you, or send us an email with any news or feedback!

More Take Action Packs:

This article is available for noncommercial use under a Creative Commons license. It was originally published on MediaRights.org, a project of Arts Engine, Inc. This notice must accompany the article at all times.