Viewing turn-of-the-century African American history through the lens of cinema; Envisioning Freedom examines the forgotten history of early black film during the era of mass migration and Jim Crow. By embracing the new medium of moving pictures at the turn of the twentieth century; black Americans forged a collective--if fraught--culture of freedom. In Cara Caddoo's perspective-changing study; African Americans emerge as pioneers of cinema from the 1890s to the 1920s. Across the South and Midwest; moving pictures presented in churches; lodges; and schools raised money and created shared social experiences for black urban communities. As migrants moved northward; bound for Chicago and New York; cinema moved with them. Along these routes; ministers and reformers; preaching messages of racial uplift; used moving pictures as an enticement to attract followers. But as it gained popularity; black cinema also became controversial. Facing a losing competition with movie houses; once-supportive ministers denounced the evils of the "colored theater." Onscreen images sparked arguments over black identity and the meaning of freedom. In 1910; when boxing champion Jack Johnson became the world's first black movie star; representation in film vaulted to the center of black concerns about racial progress. Black leaders demanded self-representation and an end to cinematic mischaracterizations which; they charged; violated the civil rights of African Americans. In 1915; these ideas both led to the creation of an industry that produced "race films" by and for black audiences and sparked the first mass black protest movement of the twentieth century.
#60825 in Books Gregory Brad S 2015-11-16Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x 1.70 x 6.10l; .0 #File Name: 0674088050592 pagesThe Unintended Reformation How a Religious Revolution Secularized Society
Review
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. History; Ideas; ConsequencesBy BozemaniacThis one will make you think; reflect; and change some of your assumptions. It puts the modern world in context in a way I've not seen before; and I read considerable history. One of those brilliant books that re-thinks the past; and the present in light of the past; in a way that will make the reader re-think as well.6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Superbly insightfulBy TudorphileAn elegant work of scholarship. Non religious people may be put off by the title; but should not be; because this book gives insight into more than the religious reformation; but also into sociology up to and including present day western society.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Remarkable achievementBy PAUL PHILIBERTThis is a highly erudite; thoroughly documented tour de force--questioning the taken-for-granted basis of secular materialism that pervades our culture and patiently leading the reader back to see where our state of dysfunction came from. What can we do about it? Think!