The Black Panthers were often mired in controversy during their heyday in the mid-20th century. However, they were also agents of social change who tried to improve the environment around them. The First Rainbow Coalition details the Chicago Black Panther Party allying with other minority groups in 1969.
Veteran documentarian Ray Santisteban presents an illuminating story here. The Black Panthers ally with the predominantly Puerto Rican Young Lords as well as the disillusioned Southern Whites of the Young Patriots. The film deftly combines archival footage with interviews from former members of these groups in order to tell the story of how these 3 disparate groups found unity during turbulent times. Santisteban eschews a narrator, instead letting those who lived during this partnership tell the story. It is an eye-opening tale and one that, until this documentary, flew under the radar.
Letting those who lived through the Chicago 1960s speak—an era marked by poverty and police violence—gives the film a heightened sense of authenticity. The film clocks in at under an hour at 55 minutes, but you could easily listen to stories from the people who lived during that time for much longer. The First Rainbow Coalition is an engaging film, and perfect for any history buff. Aud, C, P.