Films with: Lewis, John

American blackout

Examines the contemporary tactics used to control our democratic process and silence political dissent. Chronicles the patterns of voter disenfranchisement from Florida 2000 to Ohio 2004 while following the story of Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney.

DVD 12241

Arc of justice the rise, fall and rebirth of a beloved community /

Traces the remarkable journey of New Communities, Inc. and the struggle for racial justice and economic empowerment among African Americans in southwest Georgia. NCI was created in 1969 in Albany, Georgia by leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, including Congressman John Lewis, and Charles and Shirley Sherrod, to help secure economic independence for African American families. For 15 years, NCI cooperatively farmed nearly 6,000 acres, the largest tract of land in the United States owned by African Americans at the time, but racist opposition prevented them from implementing plans to build 500 affordable homes as part of their community land trust. Unable to secure government loans to cope with the impact of successive years of drought, NCI lost the land to foreclosure in 1985. But 25 years later it was given new life as a result of a successful and little-known class action lawsuit brought by hundreds of African American farmers against the U.S. Department of Agriculture for loan discrimination. With the settlement, the original founders purchased a 1,600-acre plantation once owned by the largest slave owner and richest man in Georgia. NCI is now growing pecans and using the antebellum mansion on the property as a retreat and training center, still committed to its original mission of promoting racial justice and economic development.

DVD 12210

Modern Jazz Quartet, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra Dizzy Gillespie Quintet, Julian "Cannonball" Adderley Quintet, Muggsy Spanie

DVD showcasing the talents of the most important bands of the twentieth century on live American TV programs from the 1960s.

DVD 8512