Watch The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords

The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords is a documentary-style film directed by Stanley Nelson in 1999. The film explores the untold story of the black press, which was the only voice for black people during times of racial discrimination and segregation in the United States. The film is based on the book of the same name by David L. Lewis and features interviews with journalists, editors, and historians who discuss the challenges and triumphs of the black press.

The film takes a historical journey back to the late 19th century, when the black press was born out of the need for African Americans to have a voice in the media that addressed their unique experiences and struggles. The black press emerged during a period of intense racial segregation and discrimination, when mainstream newspapers refused to cover stories that affected black communities. The black press filled this void, covering stories that were often overlooked by mainstream newspapers, including lynchings, discrimination, and other forms of violence against black people.

As the film progresses, it follows the evolution and growth of the black press throughout the 20th century, including its coverage of the Civil Rights Movement. The film examines the important role that black journalists played during the Civil Rights Movement, covering the protests, marches, and speeches that led to significant changes in American society. The film highlights the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph taken by Moneta Sleet Jr., which was published by Ebony magazine, of Coretta Scott King and her daughter during the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr.

The film also explores the challenges that black journalists faced in their efforts to report the truth. Many black journalists were harassed, beaten, and even killed for their reporting on racial injustice. The film tells the story of journalists such as Ida B. Wells, who faced death threats for her reporting on lynching, and Simeon Booker, who was beaten by a mob while covering the integration of the University of Mississippi.

The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords also highlights the important role that black newspapers played in shaping the political landscape of the United States. The film features interviews with prominent African American leaders, such as Congressman John Lewis and Reverend Jesse Jackson, who discuss the ways in which the black press helped to uplift the black community and fight for civil rights.

Overall, The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords is a powerful and thought-provoking film that sheds light on an important and often overlooked part of American history. The film features compelling interviews, rare archival footage, and beautiful imagery, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the role of the media in shaping social and political change.

The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.