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Topic Guide

Black Representation and Black Consciousness in Film, Television and Theatre

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AARLProgram

Fulton County Library System

Staff-created list

As we honor the life and legacy of actor, director, filmmaker, author, activist, and icon Sidney Poitier, we do so in a way that highlights his and other Black celebrities' numerous contributions to positive CHANGE in the American cinema, television and theater industries. This Reader's Advisory List includes books and articles that discuss how Black actors and actresses have fought and continue to fight racism, racial stereotypes, and prejudice in film, television and theater through their works and activism.

By:

AARLProgram

Fulton County Library System

21 items

21 items

The Measure of A Man

The Measure of A Man

A Spiritual Autobiography

by Poitier, Sidney

eBook - 2009

In this luminous memoir, a true American icon looks back on his celebrated life and career. His body of work is arguably the most morally significant in c...Show more In this luminous memoir, a true American icon looks back on his celebrated life and career. His body of work is arguably the most morally significant in cinematic history, and the power and influence of that work are indicative of the character of the man behind the many storied roles. Sidney Poitier here explores these elements of character and personal values to take his own measure--as a man, as a husband and father, and as an actor. Show less

In this luminous memoir, a true American icon looks back on his celebrated life and career. His body of work is arguably the most morally significant in c...Show more In this luminous memoir, a true American icon looks back on his celebrated life and career. His body of work is arguably the most morally significant in cinematic history, and the power and influence of that work are indicative of the character of the man behind the many storied roles. Sidney Poitier here explores these elements of character and personal values to take his own measure--as a man, as a husband and father, and as an actor. Show less

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Cinema Civil Rights

Cinema Civil Rights

Regulation, Repression, and Race in the Classical Hollywood Era

by Scott, Ellen C.

Book - 2015

From Al Jolson in blackface to Song of the South, there is a long history of racism in Hollywood film. Yet as early as the 1930s, movie studios carefully ...Show more From Al Jolson in blackface to Song of the South, there is a long history of racism in Hollywood film. Yet as early as the 1930s, movie studios carefully vetted their releases, removing racially offensive language like the "N-word." This censorship did not stem from purely humanitarian concerns, but rather from worries about boycotts from civil rights groups and loss of revenue from African American filmgoers. Show less

From Al Jolson in blackface to Song of the South, there is a long history of racism in Hollywood film. Yet as early as the 1930s, movie studios carefully ...Show more From Al Jolson in blackface to Song of the South, there is a long history of racism in Hollywood film. Yet as early as the 1930s, movie studios carefully vetted their releases, removing racially offensive language like the "N-word." This censorship did not stem from purely humanitarian concerns, but rather from worries about boycotts from civil rights groups and loss of revenue from African American filmgoers. Show less

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Colorization

Colorization

One Hundred Years of Black Films in A White World

by Haygood, Wil

eBook - 2021

This unprecedented history of Black cinema examines 100 years of Black movies--from Gone with the Wind to Blaxploitation films to Black Panther --using th...Show more This unprecedented history of Black cinema examines 100 years of Black movies--from Gone with the Wind to Blaxploitation films to Black Panther --using the struggles and triumphs of the artists, and the films themselves, as a prism to explore Black culture, civil rights, and racism in America. From the acclaimed author of The Butler and Showdown . Show less

This unprecedented history of Black cinema examines 100 years of Black movies--from Gone with the Wind to Blaxploitation films to Black Panther --using th...Show more This unprecedented history of Black cinema examines 100 years of Black movies--from Gone with the Wind to Blaxploitation films to Black Panther --using the struggles and triumphs of the artists, and the films themselves, as a prism to explore Black culture, civil rights, and racism in America. From the acclaimed author of The Butler and Showdown . Show less

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The American Negro Theatre and the Long Civil Rights Era

The American Negro Theatre and the Long Civil Rights Era

by Shandell, Jonathan

Book - 2018

"Jonathan Shandell provides the first in-depth study of the historic American Negro Theatre (ANT) and its lasting influence on American popular cultu...Show more "Jonathan Shandell provides the first in-depth study of the historic American Negro Theatre (ANT) and its lasting influence on American popular culture. Founded in 1940 in Harlem, the ANT successfully balanced expressions of African American consciousness with efforts to gain white support for the burgeoning civil rights movement. Show less

"Jonathan Shandell provides the first in-depth study of the historic American Negro Theatre (ANT) and its lasting influence on American popular cultu...Show more "Jonathan Shandell provides the first in-depth study of the historic American Negro Theatre (ANT) and its lasting influence on American popular culture. Founded in 1940 in Harlem, the ANT successfully balanced expressions of African American consciousness with efforts to gain white support for the burgeoning civil rights movement. Show less

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Framing the South

Framing the South

Hollywood, Television, and Race During the Civil Rights Struggle

by Graham, Allison

Book - 2001

What patterns emerge in media coverage and character depiction of Southern men and women, blacks and whites, in the years between 1954 and 1976? How do po...Show more What patterns emerge in media coverage and character depiction of Southern men and women, blacks and whites, in the years between 1954 and 1976? How do portrayals of the region and the equal rights movement illuminate the spirit and experience of the South--and of the nation as a whole? In Framing the South, Allison Graham examines the ways in which the media, particularly television and film, presented Southerners during the period of the civil rights revolution. Show less

What patterns emerge in media coverage and character depiction of Southern men and women, blacks and whites, in the years between 1954 and 1976? How do po...Show more What patterns emerge in media coverage and character depiction of Southern men and women, blacks and whites, in the years between 1954 and 1976? How do portrayals of the region and the equal rights movement illuminate the spirit and experience of the South--and of the nation as a whole? In Framing the South, Allison Graham examines the ways in which the media, particularly television and film, presented Southerners during the period of the civil rights revolution. Show less

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Poitier Revisited

Poitier Revisited

Reconsidering A Black Icon in the Obama Age

Book - 2014

Poitier Revisited offers a fresh interrogation of the social, cultural and political significance of the Poitier oeuvre. The contributions explore the bro...Show more Poitier Revisited offers a fresh interrogation of the social, cultural and political significance of the Poitier oeuvre. The contributions explore the broad spectrum of critical issues summoned up by Poitier's iconic work as actor, director and filmmaker. Show less

Poitier Revisited offers a fresh interrogation of the social, cultural and political significance of the Poitier oeuvre. The contributions explore the bro...Show more Poitier Revisited offers a fresh interrogation of the social, cultural and political significance of the Poitier oeuvre. The contributions explore the broad spectrum of critical issues summoned up by Poitier's iconic work as actor, director and filmmaker. Show less

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The Complexity and Progression of Black Representation in Film and Television

The Complexity and Progression of Black Representation in Film and Television

by Moody, David L.

Book - 2016

Examines the intricacies of race, representation, Black masculinity, sexuality, class, and color in American cinema and television. Black images on the si...Show more Examines the intricacies of race, representation, Black masculinity, sexuality, class, and color in American cinema and television. Black images on the silver screen date back to the silent film era, yet these films and television programs presented disturbing images of African American culture, and regrettably, many early films and small screen programs portrayed Black characters in demeaning and stereotypical roles. Show less

Examines the intricacies of race, representation, Black masculinity, sexuality, class, and color in American cinema and television. Black images on the si...Show more Examines the intricacies of race, representation, Black masculinity, sexuality, class, and color in American cinema and television. Black images on the silver screen date back to the silent film era, yet these films and television programs presented disturbing images of African American culture, and regrettably, many early films and small screen programs portrayed Black characters in demeaning and stereotypical roles. Show less

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African American Cinema Through Black Lives Consciousness

African American Cinema Through Black Lives Consciousness

Book - 2019

African American Cinema through Black Lives Consciousness uses critical race theory to discuss American films that embrace contemporary issues of race, se...Show more African American Cinema through Black Lives Consciousness uses critical race theory to discuss American films that embrace contemporary issues of race, sexuality, class, and gender. Its linear history chronicles black-oriented narrative film from post-World War II through the presidential administration of Barack Obama. Editor Mark A. Reid has assembled a stellar list of contributors who approach their film analyses as an intersectional practice that combines queer theory, feminism/womanism, and class analytical strategies alongside conventional film history and theory. Show less

African American Cinema through Black Lives Consciousness uses critical race theory to discuss American films that embrace contemporary issues of race, se...Show more African American Cinema through Black Lives Consciousness uses critical race theory to discuss American films that embrace contemporary issues of race, sexuality, class, and gender. Its linear history chronicles black-oriented narrative film from post-World War II through the presidential administration of Barack Obama. Editor Mark A. Reid has assembled a stellar list of contributors who approach their film analyses as an intersectional practice that combines queer theory, feminism/womanism, and class analytical strategies alongside conventional film history and theory. Show less

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The Poitier Effect

The Poitier Effect

Racial Melodrama and Fantasies of Reconciliation

by Willis, Sharon

Book - 2015

The Poitier effect, in Willis's account, is a function of white wishful thinking about race relations. It represents a dream of achieving racial reconciliation and equality without any substantive change to the white world. The Poitier effect, in Willis's account, is a function of white wishful thinking about race relations. It represents a dream of achieving racial reconciliation and equality without any substantive change to the white world. Show less

The Poitier effect, in Willis's account, is a function of white wishful thinking about race relations. It represents a dream of achieving racial reconciliation and equality without any substantive change to the white world. The Poitier effect, in Willis's account, is a function of white wishful thinking about race relations. It represents a dream of achieving racial reconciliation and equality without any substantive change to the white world. Show less

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Life Beyond Measure

Life Beyond Measure

by Poitier, Sidney

Audiobook CD - 2008

Poitier reflects on this amazing life in Life Beyond Measure, offering inspirational advice and personal stories in the form of extended letters to his gr...Show more Poitier reflects on this amazing life in Life Beyond Measure, offering inspirational advice and personal stories in the form of extended letters to his great-granddaughter. Writing for all who admire his example and who search for wisdom only a man of great experience can offer, this American icon shares his thoughts on love, faith, courage, and the future.--From publisher description. Show less

Poitier reflects on this amazing life in Life Beyond Measure, offering inspirational advice and personal stories in the form of extended letters to his gr...Show more Poitier reflects on this amazing life in Life Beyond Measure, offering inspirational advice and personal stories in the form of extended letters to his great-granddaughter. Writing for all who admire his example and who search for wisdom only a man of great experience can offer, this American icon shares his thoughts on love, faith, courage, and the future.--From publisher description. Show less

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Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks

Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks

An Interpretive History of Blacks in American Films

by Bogle, Donald

Book - 2016

Since the previous edition of Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks (2001), the relationship between African American performers and Hollywood has de...Show more Since the previous edition of Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks (2001), the relationship between African American performers and Hollywood has developed further, calling for another examination. Every year since 2001, at least one African American performer has been Oscar-nominated; some years, there have been two or three. And even as some black directors delve into African American history-Steve McQueen ( 12 Years of Slave ) or Lee Daniels ( The Butler ) , for example-others like F. Gary Gray ( The Italian Job ) and Tim Story ( Fantastic Four ) are becoming mainstream in their interests, making films that do not involve African American themes. Show less

Since the previous edition of Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks (2001), the relationship between African American performers and Hollywood has de...Show more Since the previous edition of Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks (2001), the relationship between African American performers and Hollywood has developed further, calling for another examination. Every year since 2001, at least one African American performer has been Oscar-nominated; some years, there have been two or three. And even as some black directors delve into African American history-Steve McQueen ( 12 Years of Slave ) or Lee Daniels ( The Butler ) , for example-others like F. Gary Gray ( The Italian Job ) and Tim Story ( Fantastic Four ) are becoming mainstream in their interests, making films that do not involve African American themes. Show less

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Footnotes

Footnotes

The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way

by Gaines, Caseen

Book - 2021

The triumphant story of how an all-Black Broadway cast and crew changed musical theatre--and the world--forever. The triumphant story of how an all-Black Broadway cast and crew changed musical theatre--and the world--forever. Show less

The triumphant story of how an all-Black Broadway cast and crew changed musical theatre--and the world--forever. The triumphant story of how an all-Black Broadway cast and crew changed musical theatre--and the world--forever. Show less

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Black Hollywood

Black Hollywood

From Butlers to Superheroes, the Changing Role of African American Men in the Movies

by Fain, Kimberly

Book - 2015

Moving through cinematic history decade by decade since 1910, this important volume explores the appropriation, exploitation, and agency of black performe...Show more Moving through cinematic history decade by decade since 1910, this important volume explores the appropriation, exploitation, and agency of black performers in Hollywood by looking at the black actors, directors, and producers who have shaped the image of African American males in film. To determine how these archetypes differentiate African American males in the public's subconscious, the book asks probing questions--for example, whether these images are a reflection of society's fears or realistic depictions of a pluralistic America. Show less

Moving through cinematic history decade by decade since 1910, this important volume explores the appropriation, exploitation, and agency of black performe...Show more Moving through cinematic history decade by decade since 1910, this important volume explores the appropriation, exploitation, and agency of black performers in Hollywood by looking at the black actors, directors, and producers who have shaped the image of African American males in film. To determine how these archetypes differentiate African American males in the public's subconscious, the book asks probing questions--for example, whether these images are a reflection of society's fears or realistic depictions of a pluralistic America. Show less

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It's Always Loud in the Balcony

It's Always Loud in the Balcony

A Life in Black Theater, From Harlem to Hollywood and Back

by Wesley, Richard

Book - 2019

Richard Wesley was witness to a revolution. As both a celebrated participant and eager student of the Black Theater Movement in the late 1960s, he became ...Show more Richard Wesley was witness to a revolution. As both a celebrated participant and eager student of the Black Theater Movement in the late 1960s, he became part of a seismic force in American culture, breaking down barriers and helping to disrupt the cultural landscape. It's Always Loud in the Balcony: A Life in Black Theater, from Harlem to Hollywood and Back is both history and memoir, tracing Wesley's roots from riot-torn Newark, New Jersey, across the rocky terrain of Harlem, and finally to Hollywood, where he became partners with Sidney Poitier, writing several successful films before returning to New York and the theater world--a trip that Wesley has wryly characterized as "black power to black establishment." Show less

Richard Wesley was witness to a revolution. As both a celebrated participant and eager student of the Black Theater Movement in the late 1960s, he became ...Show more Richard Wesley was witness to a revolution. As both a celebrated participant and eager student of the Black Theater Movement in the late 1960s, he became part of a seismic force in American culture, breaking down barriers and helping to disrupt the cultural landscape. It's Always Loud in the Balcony: A Life in Black Theater, from Harlem to Hollywood and Back is both history and memoir, tracing Wesley's roots from riot-torn Newark, New Jersey, across the rocky terrain of Harlem, and finally to Hollywood, where he became partners with Sidney Poitier, writing several successful films before returning to New York and the theater world--a trip that Wesley has wryly characterized as "black power to black establishment." Show less

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Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier

by Bergman, Carol

Book - 1990

Traces the life of the movie actor who won an Academy Award in 1964 and became a symbol of the breakthrough of Black performers in motion pictures. Traces the life of the movie actor who won an Academy Award in 1964 and became a symbol of the breakthrough of Black performers in motion pictures. Show less

Traces the life of the movie actor who won an Academy Award in 1964 and became a symbol of the breakthrough of Black performers in motion pictures. Traces the life of the movie actor who won an Academy Award in 1964 and became a symbol of the breakthrough of Black performers in motion pictures. Show less

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Hollywood Black

Hollywood Black

The Stars, the Films, the Filmmakers

by Bogle, Donald

Book - 2019

"The story opens in the silent film era, when white actors in blackface often played black characters, but also saw the rise of independent African A...Show more "The story opens in the silent film era, when white actors in blackface often played black characters, but also saw the rise of independent African American filmmakers, including the remarkable Oscar Micheaux. It follows the changes in the film industry with the arrival of sound motion pictures and the Great Depression, when black performers such as Stepin Fetchit and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson began finding a place in Hollywood. More often than not, they were saddled with rigidly stereotyped roles, but some gifted performers, most notably Hattie McDaniel in Gone With the Wind (1939), were able to turn in significant performances. Show less

"The story opens in the silent film era, when white actors in blackface often played black characters, but also saw the rise of independent African A...Show more "The story opens in the silent film era, when white actors in blackface often played black characters, but also saw the rise of independent African American filmmakers, including the remarkable Oscar Micheaux. It follows the changes in the film industry with the arrival of sound motion pictures and the Great Depression, when black performers such as Stepin Fetchit and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson began finding a place in Hollywood. More often than not, they were saddled with rigidly stereotyped roles, but some gifted performers, most notably Hattie McDaniel in Gone With the Wind (1939), were able to turn in significant performances. Show less

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Black Broadway

Black Broadway

African Americans on the Great White Way

by Lane, Stewart F.

Book - 2015?

In this remarkable book, theater producer and historian Stewart F. Lane uses words and pictures to capture this tumultuous century and to highlight the rocky road that black actors have travelled to reach recognition on the Great White Way. In this remarkable book, theater producer and historian Stewart F. Lane uses words and pictures to capture this tumultuous century and to highlight the rocky road that black actors have travelled to reach recognition on the Great White Way. Show less

In this remarkable book, theater producer and historian Stewart F. Lane uses words and pictures to capture this tumultuous century and to highlight the rocky road that black actors have travelled to reach recognition on the Great White Way. In this remarkable book, theater producer and historian Stewart F. Lane uses words and pictures to capture this tumultuous century and to highlight the rocky road that black actors have travelled to reach recognition on the Great White Way. Show less

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Black Children in Hollywood Cinema

Black Children in Hollywood Cinema

Cast in Shadow

by Olson, Debbie C.

Book - 2017

This book explores cultural conceptions of the child and the cinematic absence of black children from contemporary Hollywood film. Debbie Olson argues tha...Show more This book explores cultural conceptions of the child and the cinematic absence of black children from contemporary Hollywood film. Debbie Olson argues that within the discourse of children's studies and film scholarship in relation to the conception of "the child," there is often little to no distinction among children by race--the "child" is most often discussed as a universal entity, as the embodiment of all things not adult, not (sexually) corrupt. Show less

This book explores cultural conceptions of the child and the cinematic absence of black children from contemporary Hollywood film. Debbie Olson argues tha...Show more This book explores cultural conceptions of the child and the cinematic absence of black children from contemporary Hollywood film. Debbie Olson argues that within the discourse of children's studies and film scholarship in relation to the conception of "the child," there is often little to no distinction among children by race--the "child" is most often discussed as a universal entity, as the embodiment of all things not adult, not (sexually) corrupt. Show less

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Blackness Is Burning

Blackness Is Burning

Civil Rights, Popular Culture, and the Problem of Recognition

by Russworm, TreaAndrea M.

Book - 2016

"One of the first books to examine the ways race and psychological rhetoric collided in the public and popular culture of the civil rights era. In an...Show more "One of the first books to examine the ways race and psychological rhetoric collided in the public and popular culture of the civil rights era. In analyzing a range of media forms, including Sidney Poitier's popular films, black mother and daughter family melodramas, Bill Cosby's cartoon Fat Albert, pulpy black pimp narratives, and several aspects of post-civil rights black/American culture, TreaAndrea M. Russworm argues that humanizing blackness in popular and narrative culture has long been a barely attainable and impossible to sustain cultural agenda. Show less

"One of the first books to examine the ways race and psychological rhetoric collided in the public and popular culture of the civil rights era. In an...Show more "One of the first books to examine the ways race and psychological rhetoric collided in the public and popular culture of the civil rights era. In analyzing a range of media forms, including Sidney Poitier's popular films, black mother and daughter family melodramas, Bill Cosby's cartoon Fat Albert, pulpy black pimp narratives, and several aspects of post-civil rights black/American culture, TreaAndrea M. Russworm argues that humanizing blackness in popular and narrative culture has long been a barely attainable and impossible to sustain cultural agenda. Show less

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Black Hollywood the Way It Was

Black Hollywood the Way It Was

Burnt Cork - Part 1

Streaming Video - 1983

This program takes a glimpse into the archives of the motion picture industry and journeys back to the beginning with the invention of the first moving picture and follows the impact of African Americans in its development. This program takes a glimpse into the archives of the motion picture industry and journeys back to the beginning with the invention of the first moving picture and follows the impact of African Americans in its development. Show less

This program takes a glimpse into the archives of the motion picture industry and journeys back to the beginning with the invention of the first moving picture and follows the impact of African Americans in its development. This program takes a glimpse into the archives of the motion picture industry and journeys back to the beginning with the invention of the first moving picture and follows the impact of African Americans in its development. Show less

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Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier

Man, Actor, Icon

by Goudsouzian, Aram

Book - 2004

In the first full biography of actor Sidney Poitier, Aram Goudsouzian analyzes the life and career of a Hollywood legend, from his childhood in the Bahama...Show more In the first full biography of actor Sidney Poitier, Aram Goudsouzian analyzes the life and career of a Hollywood legend, from his childhood in the Bahamas to his 2002 Oscar for lifetime achievement. Poitier is a gifted actor, a great American success story, an intriguing personality, and a political symbol; his life and career illuminate America's racial history. Show less

In the first full biography of actor Sidney Poitier, Aram Goudsouzian analyzes the life and career of a Hollywood legend, from his childhood in the Bahama...Show more In the first full biography of actor Sidney Poitier, Aram Goudsouzian analyzes the life and career of a Hollywood legend, from his childhood in the Bahamas to his 2002 Oscar for lifetime achievement. Poitier is a gifted actor, a great American success story, an intriguing personality, and a political symbol; his life and career illuminate America's racial history. Show less

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