A. Philip Randolph: For Jobs And Freedom

I admit to both a fascination with unsung or under-sung heroes, and a weakness for documentary works that uncover eventful but obscure lives. Not surprisingly, this video knocked me out. A. Philip Randolph chronicles the life and work of one of the most noteworthy champions of African-American civil rights in this century, a life which has somehow been largely eclipsed by other leading lights in the movement. Using extensive archival footage and photographs, well-executed voice-over narration, and well-chosen interviews, the film describes Randolph's entry as a young man into the frequently rancorous sphere of black left-wing and nationalist politics in Harlem of the ‘teens and twenties. On the street corner and in the pages of his small magazine, The Messenger, Randolph took up the cause of the African-American worker, and issued a call for equality and a living wage through militant unionism. The video provides a riveting look into Randolph's seminal role in organizing the porters of the rabidly anti-union Pullman railway company, as well as his equally heroic battle to break through the "color bars" common in most industrial unions at the time. Through consummate bluffing, sharp political acumen, and an unwavering sense of mission, Randolph managed to showdown three presidents--FDR, Truman, and Kennedy--in order to push through groundbreaking social and economic legislation for African-Americans. In all of this, Randolph comes across as a man with unshakable vision, enormous integrity, and a backbone made of iron; he also comes across as a man who experienced as many disappointments as triumphs. This is a richly rewarding, highly recommended video which belongs in all libraries interested in the history of civil rights and labor history. Aud: H, C. P. Editor's Choice. (G. Handman)