Mama C: Urban Warrior in the African Bush

Filmmaker Joanne Hershfield's Mama C serves up a portrait of Charlotte Hill O'Neal. An author, artist, and activist, Mama C grew up in Kansas City during the pre-civil rights era, moving to Africa in 1971. She recalls that while she hoped to fit in as an African rather than as an African-American, she tried too hard and "almost lost myself." Growing up, Mama C had no contact with white people until her junior high years, when she was bused to a school outside her black neighborhood. Her experiences drew her to the Black Panther Party, where she met Brother Pete. Although the pair initially clashed—due to Mama C's outspoken nature—irritation gave way to affection, leading to a marriage that continues to this day. When the couple left the country in 1969, they first lived in Algiers with Eldridge Cleaver and other party exiles before settling in Tanzania, where they felt at home and established the United African Alliance Community Center, which houses orphans and provides other services. A woman of many talents, Mama C talks about her art, poetry, music, and perspectives on race and culture. DVD extras include three poems read by Mama C. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)