The American Negro (unfinished, R1, 1962)

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Presents a narrative about the diverse lives of African Americans, highlighting their contributions in various professions, including medicine, journalism, and social work. It emphasizes the ongoing challenges of segregation and discrimination faced by the community, despite significant advancements. The film showcases personal stories and family dynamics, particularly during Thanksgiving, while also addressing the deep-seated feelings of inferiority and frustration caused by societal inequalities. It concludes with a glimpse of a new wave of activism among young people fighting against segregation.

This unfinished civil rights-era film details how segregation affects the daily lives of African Americans, and includes portions of interviews with James Farmer, Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young, and Ralph Metcalfe. Farmer, Wilkins, and Young were considered to be among the “Big Four” leaders in the U.S. civil rights movement, along with Martin Luther King, Jr. The film also describes the strides and challenges faced by African Americans in the areas of voting, housing, and education. The film was written by Louis Lomax, produced by Willard Van Dyke, directed by Graeme Ferguson, and narrated by Charles Gordone.

Keywords
African American, segregation, Thanksgiving, professions, activism, inequality, family, community, history, diversity