Freedom Man

Ossie Davis turns in a quietly dignified performance as Benjamin Banneker, the first black American man of science. Based on a true story, this NEA recommended drama opens in 1797 New England, where Banneker is on his way to a printer in Baltimore with the manuscript for the new edition of his yearly almanac (a successor to Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanac"). Traveling with his sister Molly and her son, the free trio meet up with a pair of runaway slaves, and advise them to seek out the Baltimore printer-an abolitionist-for manumission papers. At the printer's, Banneker receives a severe blow-local pressure and boycotts have resulted in hard times for the printer, who cannot print Banneker's almanac any longer. As he reflects on his setback, Banneker reviews his life's work (told in flashback): his self-taught mastery of the astronomer's art; his assistance in surveying the area for Washington, D.C.; and his work with the Underground Railroad. Exceptional achievements, which are extraordinary given the barriers that Banneker had to constantly overcome. Banneker continued to write-but never again publish-his almanac through 1802, and he died in 1806. An inspiring story, well-filmed. Highly recommended. (Available from: Network Home Entertainment, 1140 S. Robertson Blvd., Suite 4, Los Angeles, CA 90035.)