Betty Shabazz – ALLIANCE OF WOMEN FILM JOURNALISTS

Melissa Haizlip on MR SOUL! and Ellis Haizlip’s Mega Legacy – Jennifer Merin interivews

August 25, 2020August 26, 2020 Jennifer Merin 0 Comments african american tv show, alvin ailey, Amiri Baraka, Betty Shabazz, documentaries, ellis haizlip, james baldwin, malcolm x, melissa haizlip, mr. soul!, nevella nelson, nikki giovanni, public broadcasting, shomberg center

Melissa Haizlip’s documentary, Mr. SOUL! mines a treasury of archival material to illustrate the scope and range of the legendary African American television show that was the focal point of Black culture from 1968-73. The film is also a tribute to SOUL!’s influential producer, Ellis Haizlip, Melissa Haizlip’s uncle.

Reviews

MR. SOUL! – Review by Marilyn Ferdinand

August 25, 2020August 28, 2020 Marilyn Ferdinand (Archived Contributor) 0 Comments african american tv show, alvin ailey, Amiri Baraka, Betty Shabazz, documentaries, ellis haizlip, james baldwin, melissa haizlip, mr. soul!, nikki giovanni

I knew nothing about Soul! or the estimable Ellis Haizlip before watching this documentary. I am so happy to have been introduced to both, and I hope that one day soon a show as intelligent, exciting, and unapologetic as Soul! was will return to the airwaves. Meanwhile, I’m very glad we have this documentary.

Reviews

NATIONTIME, GARY – Review by Lana Wilson-Combs

June 25, 2020June 25, 2020 Lana Wilson-Combs 0 Comments AFI docs, Amiri Baraka, Betty Shabazz, Bobby Seale, Coretta Scott King, documentaries, harry belafonte, indiecollect, Jesse Jackson, National Black Political Convention, nationtime gary, sidney poitier, william greaves

The documentary vividly illustrates how many of the same issues Blacks fought to overcome during the 1960s and 1970s–like systemic racism and economic injustice–are still being addressed today. Nationtime, Gary is a stark reminder of how important it is for African Americans to not only document and preserve black history, but to never forget the journey and sacrifice that goes along with it.