This episode of “Black Journal,” one of the earliest black-produced newsmagazines on television, features a profile of L.A. grassroots empowerment organization Operation Bootstrap; a segment on the challenges faced by elected black public officials; and the words and music of singer Nina Simone. Watch now.
This episode was originally aired in 1969, and is hosted by Lou House and William Greaves.
Episode Segments:
* “Fire”: a short film, in which a white man tries to convince a black man (Antonio Fargas!) on the street to give him a pay phone to report an emergency: serves as a larger discussion about race relations.
Time: 7:05
* Operation Bootstrap: a feature on the grassroots, self-help organization in South Central L.A. –includes a sub-story on Bootstrap’s subsidiary Shindana Toys, a company that makes toys for black consumers.
Time: 23:41
* Elected Black Officials: a discussion of the issues facing American black officials who gathered at a conference in Washington DC Representatives Julian Bond, Shirley Chisholm and John Conyers are among those featured, with commentary by Columbia University’s Dr. Charles Hamilton.
Time: 42:36
* Nina Simone: The jazz and soul singer is interviewed and seen performing at Morehouse College, including “To Be Young, Gifted and Black.”
* “Nightcall”: A news story about the cancellation of this national call-in radio show about race relations.
