Watch LaLee's Kin: The Legacy of Cotton

LaLee's Kin: The Legacy of Cotton is a 2001 documentary-style movie that takes its viewers on a journey to the rural Mississippi Delta. The film has been directed by Deborah Dickson and Susan Frömke, and it is named after the protagonist of the story, LaLee Wallace. The documentary sheds light on the cotton industry that has been dominant in this area for centuries. The movie depicts the harsh realities of a socio-economic system that has been implemented to oppress the African American population. Throughout the narrative, it is evident that the system favors the wealthy plantation owners while pushing the already impoverished workers deeper into poverty.

LaLee's Kin follows the everyday lives of the community members from the backbreaking days of cotton harvesting to the heartbreaking sight of children failing academically. The educational system seems to lack the proper materials or resources to provide a quality education to the children of the cotton industry workers. This cycle of poverty and hardship seems to have no end in sight.

This documentary paints a clear picture of the devastating economic impact and social injustices of Mississippi. The film highlights the unjust labor practices and educational system by illustrating the struggles of those living below the poverty line. In one poignant scene, a young boy is asked what he would like to be when he grows up. His only answer is, "I don't know." His response speaks to the reality that many children in the community face, having a limited range of options and opportunities for their future.

The movie introduces LaLee Wallace, a stalwart woman who is the matriarch of a large, multigenerational family that has lived and worked in the same region for generations. Her family has been active in the cotton industry, and their history is representative of the broader struggles of the Delta's black population. LaLee's Kin highlights her resilience as she tries to provide for her family while navigating a system set up to keep her oppressed.

Reggie Barnes, the film's other protagonist, serves as a ray of hope in the bleak landscape. A charismatic young man, Barnes is running for mayor of Tallahatchie County, which encompasses the community portrayed in the film. He believes in the power of community organizing and the democratic process to bring positive changes to Mississippi.

The documentary's aesthetic style is raw and authentic, which captures life in the rural Mississippi Delta in a unique way. The film's creators frequently use handheld cameras that capture candid, intimate moments, and some sequences are grainy, giving the footage an aged, almost vintage feel. The filmmakers opted to shoot in black and white, emphasizing the harsh realities at work and the resilience of the community members.

LaLee's Kin: The Legacy of Cotton focuses on the economic and social conditions faced by the African American community in Mississippi. Through the central narrative of LaLee Wallace and Reggie Barnes, the movie brings to light the enduring impact of racism and economic exploitation on this region's history. The film provides valuable insight into the Delta's culture and traditions, bringing to life the labor practices and social injustices that continue to afflict the region's black population.

In conclusion, LaLee's Kin: The Legacy of Cotton is an insightful documentary that provides a deep and nuanced understanding of rural Mississippi and the plight of those who have called it home for generations. The movie paints an evocative picture of the region's cultural and economic history, highlighting the struggles faced by African Americans in particular. The film is a powerful reminder of how far the country has come in terms of civil rights progress and how far we still have to go to fight against systemic oppression.