The controversy over same-sex marriage and its divisive effect among African Americans is the subject of Yoruba Richen's documentary, which begins with the 2008 passage of California's Proposition 8—prohibiting such unions in the state. Part of the campaign by supporters of the ban involved an appeal to black church leaders to mobilize their congregations to vote yes on the proposal, which some thought was a reflection of their religious conservatism but others saw as a rebuke to the LGBT community for the latter's portrayal of their struggle for marriage equality in terms of civil rights. Richen's primary focus, however, is on the campaign surrounding a referendum to ratify a same-sex marriage law passed in 2012 in Maryland, a state with a substantial African American population, which sparked intense debate when black LGBT men and women became active proponents of the measure even as most African American religious leaders opposed it. The passage of the referendum represented the first time that marriage rights had been extended to same-sex couples by popular vote in the U.S., marking a watershed moment for gay rights and indicating a shift in African American opinion that essentially parallels American society as a whole. Richen speaks with individuals on both sides, but there's little doubt that The New Black considers the Maryland vote to be a triumphant continuation of the struggle for civil rights, especially when considering the black LGBT activists who have been instrumental in changing many hearts and minds. Including both the full-length version and a 53-minute abridged edition, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
The New Black
(2013) 74 min. DVD: $49.95: public libraries & high schools; $295: colleges & universities. California Newsreel. PPR. Volume 29, Issue 5
The New Black
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