Filmmakers Anne Lewis and Mimi Pickering rescue the legacy of a forgotten heroine of the Civil Rights movement: Anne Braden (1924–2006), a Southern white journalist/ social advocate whose challenge to the Jim Crow laws made her an enemy of the segregationist politicians of the 1950s and '60s. Archival footage and stills illustrate this story, much of which is recounted by Braden herself in a series of interviews over the years. Braden's landmark 1972 essay “A Letter to White Southern Women” boldly challenged its readers to fight against the prevailing status quo and rethink their racial and gender attitudes (the essay is included as an extra). Braden and her husband, Carl, were indicted for sedition for purchasing a home in a “white” suburb of Louisville, KY, for a black family (the house was repeatedly attacked and eventually bombed). As the editor of The Southern Patriot newspaper, the far-left Braden was the subject of criticism that crudely questioned her patriotism. Needless to say, time proved to be her ally. While Braden is modest in discussing her work here, the film also offers input from Cornel West and Angela Davis, among others, on the value of Braden's pursuit of social equality in a hostile and violent environment. Also included is the rare 1961 short documentary “Wasn't That a Time.” Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Anne Braden: Southern Patriot
(2012) 77 min. DVD: $24.95: individuals; $49.95: public libraries & high schools; $195: colleges & universities. California Newsreel. PPR. Closed captioned. Volume 28, Issue 1
Anne Braden: Southern Patriot
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