“Only the colored people themselves can determine their political, social and economic future.”
William Monroe Trotter
This course surveys a hidden canon of African American film while also uncovers the roots of representational injustice in Hollywood and the secret, but cardinal role Woodrow Wilson played in the production and distribution of Griffith’s “The Birth of a Nation” that led to the rebirth of the KKK. Wilson’s policy of segregation was adapted by Hollywood as a self-censoring industry regulation of representation. Black people could only appear on screen as subservient and marginal characters, never as equals, partners or leaders. This industry code, Wilson’s legacy, has become second nature to Hollywood.
Federal troops remained in the South long after the end of the Civil War to protect the rights of Black voters. These new American citizens were threatened with violence over their new political and economic rights.
Federal troops remained in the South long after the end of the Civil War to protect the rights of Black voters. These new American citizens were threatened with violence over their new political and economic rights.
Website concept and design: Erika A. Kiss & Sabi
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