In 1967, a rebellion began in the streets of Newark, New Jersey. Dismissed as a simple riot by many in positions of power, activists in the city believe the rebellion never really stopped. Key among these activists are the Baraka family. Many are already familiar with Amiri Baraka (Known in his younger days as LeRoy Jones) for his involvement in the arts and black nationalism.
His children carried on his tradition of combatting racism in American policy and politics. While some like his son Ras have seen success, others, like his daughter Shani (one of the first openly gay black activists) paid the ultimate price for their beliefs. Amiri Baraka’s surviving family members give lengthy interviews about their father and other family members, telling a family history that is key to understanding the struggle for racial justice in America.
If there’s one issue with this documentary, it’s overambition. At nearly two hours in runtime, Why Is We Americans is crammed full of information, but the organization of the film will leave those without background knowledge of the black nationalist movements of the 1960s confused at many points. With all the biographizing, it can be hard to tell what the subject of the documentary is as historical topics suddenly take over the conversation with archival footage interrupting the speaker, especially since the film doesn’t really follow a linear timeline.
These issues aside, Why Is We Americans makes some good points about how little has changed politically between the 1960s and today. A number of the same battles are still ongoing including racial justice, queer rights, environmentalism, and anti-war politics. Those studying Amiri Baraka will find the most use in this educational documentary, but those studying racial justice and American politics will find it interesting as well. Highly Recommended.
What type of college instructor would use this film?
Any professor addressing black nationalism or the various movements of the 1960s will find Why Is We Americans very useful.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Why Is We Americans belongs on biography, history, and racial studies shelves.
What is the retail price and/or Public Performance License fee?
DVD - $150.00 / DVD and PPR - $350.00