Business in the Black: The Rise of Black Business in America

An important subject—the history of African American businesses in the United States—is treated in a scattershot, even chaotic manner in Anthony Brogdon’s well-intentioned but amateur-ish documentary. Brogdon wants to encourage black entrepreneurism, and—by extension—the revival of blighted urban areas such as his native Detroit by showing how many African Americans prospered in the 19th and early 20th centuries through ingenuity and determination, starting businesses and often building substantial fortunes through innovation and dedication. But rather than offer an organized argument with supporting data and illustrations, Brogdon mostly presents anecdotes and numbers, read from prepared scripts by ordinary people (some apparently the filmmaker’s relatives) who often stumble through the texts. Along the way, some interesting historical information is presented about how some slaves were taught to read, some freedmen managed to attend college, and many black urban areas were subject to horrendous assaults by angry white mobs. And some individual stories about successful black businessmen leave a lasting impression—especially those told by relatives reminiscing about fathers and grandfathers, or locals describing their own childhood experiences hustling newspapers or candy to make a little money. Occasional illustrations and archival footage are added to round out these stories. An ambitious production that ultimately falls short, this is an optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)