Black Indians: An American Story

Pointing out that black Indians are the ultimate survivors in America's difficult struggle with racial and cultural difference, this fascinating video takes a look at people of mixed African and Native American ancestries (and sometimes European as well). Narrated with consummate skill by James Earl Jones, the program includes numerous interviews with historians and ethnologists as well as people who describe what it's like to be multiethnic. Some interviewees' observations and concerns are universal to many bi-ethnic households, such as whose traditions are honored at what season and in what manner, while others are more specific, such as the deeply hurtful situations that arise when members of one group (either Native American or African-American) shun the black Indian because he or she isn't "pureblood." Not so long ago, when a child's race was identified on a birth certificate depending on skin tone at birth--termed "pencil genocide" by one interviewee--the result in many families was that brothers and sisters were listed as separate races. However, because both groups are marginalized by white America, there are matters unique to black Indians that are not a problem for, say, a Korean Christian married to a New York Jew. An altogether fascinating look at ethnicity and identity in America, this is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Reagan)