Staff Picks: Movies

Staff-recommended viewing from the KPL catalog.

Eyes on the Prize

Ever since I stumbled across the Autobiography of Malcolm X as a high school senior, I’ve been interested in the Civil Rights Movement. There is no better way to understand this rich and important part of United States history than by watching the PBS documentary Eyes on the Prize. Recently converted to DVD, this award-winning series explores this fascinating history from the 1950’s through the 1970’s. The visceral images of brave civil rights leaders, the inspirational mass marches, and the violent brutality that sought to continue Jim Crow will shock many of those born after much of the civil rights movement had ended. This is a must see for anyone interested in the history of the United States.

 

Movie

Eyes on the prize [videorecording] : America's civil rights movement
PBSEYES700D

 

 

RyanG

Comments

Having grown up in the deep south in the 80s, I missed most of the REAL civil rights era. However, seeing first-hand the racial tension that exists in the south (even in the 80s and 90s), I can only imagine what it must have been like for African Americans on the forefront of such a monumental battle for equality. Although I don't live my small southern hometown anymore, when I go "back home" (to visit relatives) it seems that nothing has changed: African Americans are passed over for the better jobs (despite college degrees), and reduced to working as fast food cooks, clerks and busboys. At the same time, the "good-ole boy" network is in full swing, and whites are given jobs they are unqualified for (because of who they know). Although we have come a long way when it comes to civil rights, we still have a long way to go (yes, even in 2010, as President Obama sits in the White House).

By Miranda Jenkins, 03/19/2010

Thanks for the informations

By lucien, 04/24/2010