For Love of Liberty: The Story of America's Black Patriots

While previous films such as Edward Zwick's Glory have paid tribute to the contributions of African-American soldiers, For Love of Liberty covers considerably greater historical ground—from the Revolutionary War through the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Opening with historian Edward A. Johnson's quote, “Let it be said that the Negro soldier did his duty under the flag, whether that flag protected him or not,” this two-part documentary narrated by Avery Brooks—with an introduction by Colin Powell and onscreen comments from Halle Berry—begins in the 1770s, when George Washington initially barred blacks from service but eventually relented; even so, many of those early veterans later returned to their plantations (they could fight for their country's freedom, but not their own). While the Emancipation Proclamation marked a step in the right direction, inequities continued to persist and the military did not become fully integrated until the 1950s. For Love of Liberty covers the Civil War, post–Civil War Buffalo Soldiers, Harlem Hellfighters of World War I, Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Emmy-winning director Frank Martin (MGM: When the Lion Roars) combines readings from letters, diaries, and other documents with paintings, photographs, and reenactments, while the voice talent includes stars such as James Garner (Abraham Lincoln) and Ruby Dee (Harriet Tubman), along with others who have since passed away, such as Roscoe Lee Browne, Ossie Davis, and Isaac Hayes. DVD extras include deleted scenes, bonus archival footage, and a music video. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (K. Fennessy)