In 1972, Black voices from across the political spectrum met in Gary, Indiana. Available for the first time in its full form, this film lets us watch history unfold during this momentous gathering.
The National Black Political Convention of 1972 brought 10,000 black politicians, activists and artists to Gary, Indiana, to forge a national unity platform in advance of the Republican and Democratic presidential conventions.
The delegates included a wide array of political thinkers—Black Panther co-founder Bobby Seale, Pan-Africanist Amiri Baraka, PUSH founder Jesse Jackson—plus key women in the fight for racial equality—Coretta Scott King, Betty Shabazz, Fannie Lou Hamer and Queen Mother Moore (who was arguing for reparations). Entertainers Harry Belafonte, Dick Gregory, and Isaac Hayes lent their star quality and entertained the crowds. Sidney Poitier & Harry Belafonte narrate the film.
Considered too “militant” at the time, the director’s original 90-minute version was never released. Found in a Pittsburgh warehouse in 2018, the 48-year-old negative was painstakingly restored. It re-emerges at a time when the Black Lives Matter movement is galvanizing support across the nation. NATIONTIME is a must-see for all who care about ending racist attitudes and practices in this country, once and for all.
This free film event is offered in-person only.
Event link: https://events.iu.edu/iusbcivil/event/842570-nationtime-crhcfilm
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 | 6-8pm
In-person only: Civil Rights Heritage Center
Indiana University South Bend
1040 W. Washington