Black History Month: "Free" Movies & Books of the Week

It is vital for the African American narrative to be directed and not dictated by the dominant culture. Thus, The American Mastodon Publication will recommend weekly popular entertainment this American Black History Month 2023. This week, our selections focus on the contribution of television on African American film. The topic also touches on the story of life in Khemet (Black land) or the Fatherland, before slavery. How did Khemetians come to become Africans, which is a foreign name for the continent? What was life like before the clash of civilizations between those on the continent and outsiders? How were Africans taken into slavery? What was life like during colonialism both on the continent and in the Americas? Television series allows for the time to speak on certain ideas with more dedication than movie films. Thus, we selected two of the greatest television series on the topic in my lifetime. Viewer discretion is advised!

 

1. 

Roots (1977)

This television series was a massive hit during its debut. The historical, cultural, and artistic contribution of this film production captivated audiences and discussions for three decades. Not enough is said about the quality, cast, and ability to withstand time of this series. The story of Alex Haley remains one of the most powerful portrayals of The African American experience in the United States, today.

 

2.

Shaka Zulu (1986) Directed by William C. Faure

The historical, cultural, and artistic impact of this television program was a massive hit during its debut and a topic of discussion for the next two decades. The story of Shaka Zulu deals with the British invasion of South Africa, which is a touchy subject for colonialists and modern-day South Affrikkaners still grappling with the history and effects of British rule on the continent of Africa, today. Again, not enough can be said about the quality of acting, film, and ability of this series to withstand time and age.

 

Books:

This week's author is Venture Smith (1729-1805) and the novel is, The Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture, A Native of Africa (1798). Is the short story and autobiography of the son of a Prince of the Dukandarra, who was captured and brought to New England at Narragansett, Rhode Island. His prospective was read by both Benjamin Franklin and George Washington and a well known read by early colonists, in the genre of Slave Narratives. The importance of this writing shows the origins of people forced into enslavement, the lost of civilization and culture, and the utter ingenuinity of the African to overcome the struggles of slavery in spite of the crushing system. Such a story, should not only be know to the American forefathers, but to all Americans.