Aug 15 2008
HBO Documentary Series Presents: “The Black List, Volume I”
Wednesday night I attended a screening of the new documentary film “The Black List, Volume I” which premieres as part of the highly acclaimed HBO Documentary Film Series, August 25, 2008 at 9pm EDT.
“The Black List” is the creation of Grammy award winner Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and renowned film critic, TV and radio host, and interviewer Elvis Mitchell. The film debuted earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival and was later picked up by HBO. This wishful optimist takes note of HBO’s small but significant addition of “Volume I” to the title. I can’t wait for Volume II…
“The Black List, Volume I” manages to capture self-portraiture through personal voice and narrative. The collection of voices act as a single ‘leading character’ to seamlessly carry the story of ‘what lies at the heart of experience’. A blend of prominent and up-and-coming African-Americans from all walks and disciplines comprise “The Black List” including Toni Morrison, Louis Gossett, Jr., Thelma Golden and Colin Powell. Faye Wattleton’s narrative took my breath away; and the Rev. Al Sharpton showed a side I had never seen, as he offers a cogent history of Black male identity formation throughout 20th and into 21st Century America.
“The Black List, Volume I” is important. It is important because it challenges us to see ourselves as one people sharing common heritage through diverse circumstance. It is my hope that most Americans want and seek unification. It was my experience Wednesday night, during the Q & A with Greenfield-Sanders and Mitchell that some do and some just don’t get it… Like I said, hopefully there will be a “Volume II”.
Ms. Thelma Golden:
