Dare Not Walk Alone: the film, the DVD, and the debate about race, politics, and equality

New Screenings of Dare Not Walk Alone for Black History Month 2011

2012-01-19T05:37:00.000-05:00

Great to see a new screening of Dare Not Walk Alone in Florida in February. Check out the Tallahassee Film Society website. Showing is February 3 through 8, with an appearance by Tom Roche who was closely involved in bringing the film to its finished state.

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Observed

2012-01-16T07:54:00.000-05:00

Today we honor and remember the man born yesterday, January 15, in 1929. He would be 83. Dr. King left us with so much good advice, including my favorite quote:

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?”

Over the years I have tried to do my part to keep Dr. King's legacy fresh in the minds of new generations, for example by helping others to capture the genius and bravery of his campaign of non-violence against segregation. (You can catch a glimpse here or spend 80 minutes to watch the whole story.)

We should never forget how much the civil rights movement was a fight to wrest equality and human dignity from the hands of those who would forever have denied it. To win that fight with a minimum of bloodshed was one of the great human achievements of the last 50 years.

At Last! The St. Augustine Foot Soldiers Monument

2011-05-15T14:55:00.002-05:00

This month St. Johns County in Florida took another step towards reconciling the racial divisions of its past through the unveiling of the St. Augustine Foot Soldiers monument.

Built to honor citizens of all ages who endured harassment, beatings, jail time and worse, in their efforts to bring civil rights to that city during the 1960s, the monument was the result of many years of hard work by a nonprofit group called the St. Augustine Foot Soldiers.

As noted by Ken Bryan, chairman of the St. Johns County Commission, in the St. Augustine Record, the fundraising efforts of the St. Augustine Foot Soldiers included screenings of Jeremy Dean's "Dare Not Walk Alone," the award-winning documentary about local events that precipitated passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

These screenings served a double purpose, raising funds while also raising awareness of just how great were the sacrifices of the Foot Soldiers. And throughout the movie you see the brilliance of Rev. Martin Luther King's strategy of non-violence, often orchestrated by Andrew Young, executed by "ordinary" men, women, and sometimes children, who became, through their actions, "extraordinary."

As a nation, we owe these people a debt of gratitude for daring to put their lives on the line for what was right and cement for all Americans the equalities first envisioned in the country's constitution.

[Many thanks to NocturnalEscape.com for publicizing the unveiling and Brian Owens for the photo.]

Film That Sparked Florida Civil Rights Action Screens Feb 28 in Gainesville

2011-02-24T18:07:00.002-05:00

A lot of filmmakers set out to change the world, or at least cause something good to happen. Well Jeremy Dean achieved something like that when he made Dare Not Walk Alone, the gritty, award-winning documentary being screened next Monday, February 28, at the Gainesville Civic Media Center.

On the 9th of December, 2010, the state of Florida officially expressed regret to civil rights marchers who were beaten and jailed for protesting segregated beaches and lunch counters in St. Augustine in the 1960s, an event "set in motion by state Senator Tony Hill, a Jacksonville Democrat who unsuccessfully sought to pass a bill in the 2010 legislative session to clear the marchers' records." And here's what Sen. Hill wrote about Dare Not Walk Alone shortly after seeing the film for the first time:

"The documentary was so moving that, as chairman of the Black Caucus of the State of Florida, I have filed a bill for the 2007 legislative session in the House and the Senate to have all records cleared for anyone who was arrested because of segregated laws. That is how compelling the film was to me."

There is no other civil rights documentary like Dare Note Walk Alone. We hope you can make it to this screening, a fitting way to end Black History Month. More screening info.

Dare Not Walk Alone Documentary Has Made a Difference: But the pace of change is too slow

2011-01-17T14:58:00.001-05:00

Things can change for the better and movies can help make positive change happen, we just wish the world moved faster. On Thursday the 9th of last month, the state of Florida officially expressed regret to civil rights marchers who were beaten and jailed for protesting segregated beaches and lunch counters in St. Augustine in the 1960s, as detailed in this report in the Tampa Bay Tribune and documented in Dare Not Walk Alone.

As the article notes, the highly emotional events of last December 9th "were set in motion by state Sen. Tony Hill, a Jacksonville Democrat who unsuccessfully sought to pass a bill in the 2010 legislative session to clear the marchers' records." What the article does not mention is that Sen. Tony Hill himself was set in motion by Dare Not Walk Alone. Here's what he wrote about the film back in 2006:

"The documentary was so moving that, as chairman of the Black Caucus of the State of Florida, I have filed a bill for the 2007 legislative session in the House and the Senate to have all records cleared for anyone who was arrested because of segregated laws. That is how compelling the film was to me."

We applauded Sen. Hill for his actions then, and we applaud the Florida legislature and departing Governor Crist for this recent step in the right direction. However, I am sure that Sen. Hill is just as frustrated as we are that it has taken more than 45 years for this expression of regret to emerge. And it should not have taken 3 years for Sen. Hill's bill to result in action, and even then an action which falls short of a blanket pardon and clearing of criminal records that have encumbered these heroic marchers for decades (apparently it will be up to individual law enforcement agencies to clear the records, if they decide to do so).

But this was at least a step in the right direction, and it makes us feel better about all the time and money and effort we put into making the film. I guess it was unrealistic to expect one film to change the world overnight, but perhaps incrementally, over time, it will chip away at the lingering issues of racial injustice that still must be addressed.

Dare Not Walk Alone Available as Internet Video on Demand

2011-01-15T17:52:00.000-05:00

With Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaching we wanted to let you know there are several ways to watch Dare Not Walk Alone, a documentary which portrays the genius of the philosophy of non-violence that Dr. King preached.

This movie is not your typical salute to Dr. King. This is a gritty portrait of the beatings and abuse that his supporters endured, without fighting back, in order to force the passage of the first civil rights act.

Furthermore, this documentary places in context a series of events in Florida that were wiped from the historical record for many years until director Jeremy Dean researched the newsreel archives and oral history of 1964 in St. Johns County, uncovering injustices that linger to this day.

In addition to purchasing the DVD from Amazon.com or Walmart.com, you can also, if you have a broadband Internet connect, rent the movie over the web from Amazon.com.

A further option is to buy a digital version from Amazon.

Great to See: In-depth interview with Tom Roche, a force at work behind so many good scenes

2010-08-26T09:36:00.000-05:00

You probably don't know the name Tom Roche, but I bet you've seen and admired this work. Tom has edited a ton of great video and film over the years, from early R.E.M. music video to Spinal Tap's recent Unwigged and Unplugged, and now Harry Shearer's New Orleans documentary The Big Uneasy.

Quite the range you might say, not to mention Tom's own documentary feature Alley Pat, the Music is Recorded, which won the audience prize at the 2010 Atlanta Film Festival.

So what has Tom Roche got to do with Dare Not Walk Alone? Well, without Tom the film would probably not be out there today, on DVD, in regional theaters, for rent at NetFlix and digital download from Amazon and BestBuy. Tom did not direct Dare Not Walk Alone and he didn't exactly edit it, what Tom did is make it possible for Jeremy Dean to take the film to the next level.

Here's what happened. Tom went to see an early cut of Dare Not Walk Alone at an indie film festival in Atlanta. He was so moved by the screening that he perusased his boss at Atlanta's Crawford Communications to give Jeremy access to the kind of high-end editing and sound sweetening equipment most indie filmmakers can only dream about (because they sure can't afford to buy or rent it).

Then Tom and Crawford donated untold hours to help Jeremy remix the movie, not once, but twice, to include the footage of the housefire that destroyed a setting central to the film's story. All of us at Dare Not Walk Alone are forever grateful to Tom for his efforts on the film's behalf. And we are delighted to see him get some of the long overdue recognition he deserves for his tireless work on behalf of telling important stories. Check out the in-depth interview at Creative Loafing.

Rent Civil Rights Doc "Dare Not Walk Alone" at BestBuy's CinemaNow

2010-08-16T17:32:00.001-05:00

The ways of watching a movie they are a'changing, and we can now offer one more way to watch Dare Not Walk Alone: the CinemaNow digital rental service from BestBuy. Click here to check it out.

Digital rental of the film will cost you $3.99. You can also buy it digitally for $9.95. Be sure to check out the compatibility of your hardware before downloading. (BTW, if you do watch the movie using this service we'd love to hear about your experience.)

Enjoy the movie!

Watch on Amazon Video on Demand: The civil rights story like you've never seen it before

2010-08-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update to let you know there is another way to watch the NAACP Image Award-nominated movie Dare Not Walk Alone: Amazon Video on Demand.

Amazon Video on Demand means you can buy the movie for $14.99 or get a 7-day rental for just $1.99.
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Movies to Watch During Black History Month: Dare Not Walk Alone

2010-02-03T10:04:00.002-05:00

May be suggest, for this year's Black History Month, you watch: "Dare Not Walk Alone." You can read all about this award-winning civil rights documentary on the web site and on IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes. You can rent Dare Not Walk Alone on NetFlix. You can buy Dare Not Walk Alone at Walmart.com (just $6.86 with free in-store pickup).

Here are some comments people have made about the film:

The issues of legacy and unmet challenges of the movement are nowhere better addressed than in your film
~~ Dr. Chris Magoc, Mercyhurst College, PA

Films like this give me knowledge and a hope that maybe I can do something to change the world.
~~ Ian Soto, Orlando

An excellent film, compelling, painful, a story that needs to be told-–the change already taking place in St. Augustine is a small but positive and hopeful step.
~~ Peggy Sheffield, St. Petersburg, FL

Wow! Been in Florida ten years and had no idea all this happened and is still going on. Thanks for enlightening me!
~~ Eva Krzewinski, Altamonte Springs

Amazing film! Opened my eyes to something I had never truly understood. You guys are doing an amazing job. Keep it up!
~~ Melissa Soto, Orlando, FL

A powerful real life story that many people don’t know about. Great footage. Strong music.
~~ Darren Zanolini, Orlando.

Excellent depiction of the complexity of racial and class struggle in Florida and the continued relevance of race and socioeconomic status in American life. Great connection between the roles of housing, education, criminal justice system and their impacts on continuing life choices.
~~ Dorcas Gilmore

Clarksville Screening of Dare Not Walk Alone: January 19, with panel and reception

2010-01-18T09:37:00.001-05:00

From Clarkesville Online:

At 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 19 in Clement Auditorium, a documentary, titled “Dare Not Walk Alone,” will be shown, with a panel discussion to follow. The film discusses how the citizen reaction in St. Augustine, Florida, to the demonstration may have contributed to the signing into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Panelists will include Dr. C. Alvin Hughes, professor of history at APSU, and Jimmie Garland, president of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Branch of the NAACP. A reception also will be held in the WNDAACC.

Check out Clarksville Online

Dare Not Walk Alone Screening, St. Augustine, Friday 15, and other Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Events.

2010-01-14T10:36:00.002-05:00

Dare Not Walk Alone will be screened on Friday, Jan 15 at 7:00PM at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, St Augustine, FL. This documentary about St. Augustine's role in the civil rights movement during the early 60's features seldom seen footage of Dr. King, including his arrest in Florida (for trying to get a cup of tea at a local restaurant). St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church is at 37 Lovett Street.

On Saturday, January 16, David Nolan, local historian, will coduct a train tour of the Freedom markers throughout St. Augustine. $10.00 donation will benefit ACCORD. Reservations are necessary. (904) 823-9688.

On Sunday, January 17, David Nolan will be speaking at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of St. Augustine at 10:30AM.
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No Twilight for Award-Winning Indie Doc: Wal-Mart has "Dare Not Walk Alone" on Sale

2009-11-29T14:31:00.005-05:00

For those who thought twilight might fall on this project we have news: Dare Not Walk Alone is very much alive, and available again from the world's largest retailer. This is a great opportunity to spread the word about the film and expand informed dialog about race in America. Here's a link to order at Walmart.com.

We see the fact that Wal-Mart is helping this effort as a very hopeful sign. Maybe if lots of people buy the film from WalMart it will help pave the way for more independent films.

Depending on where you live there may be free shipping or free in-store pickup (at your nearest Walmart). As you can see the price is VERY affordable. At this rate we will have to sell tens of thousands of copies to pull the project out of the red, but let's be real here, you don't get involved with a project like this unless you are a serious optimist.

And stranger things have happened. Think of the millions of young people who have bought, or talked their parents into buying Twilight on DVD for twice the price of Dare Not Walk Alone. Surely some percentage of those New Moon werewolf/vampire fans also want to uncover the truth about how bravely youths of a different generation fought, in the real world, risking real beatings and worse to win equal rights for all?
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"A tour de force of civil rights activism, attitude and violation"

2009-09-25T10:41:00.001-05:00

That's the verdict of Marilyn Bauer writing for the Treasure Coast Palm Beaches paper in Stuart, Florida, under the headline: Filmmaker shows racism won't be tackled 'Alone'

It feels so good to be part of a project like this when people "get it" the way Marilyn does. Of course, the challenge is to get the message across to all those people who think, like the audience member in the article, that the answer is as simple as "get a job."

Let's see: A job takes education. So is the answer "Get an education"? Where do you get that education if you missed it in your first 18 years because, as a 6 or 10 or 16 year-old nobody made you go to school and simply living in our great society failed to convince you that an education would be a good thing? (Pop quiz: Name 5 rich and famous Americans in the news today who are synonymous with the benefits of getting a good education.)

And who is going to pay for this education? And so on. Clearly, there are way more levels to this than "get a job" and hopefully people who watch "Dare Not Walk Alone" will see that, if they don't already.
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Greetings Augusta, Georgia: Last night of The Southern Tour

2009-09-21T10:05:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the final screening of Dare Not Walk Alone on the current leg of The Southern Tour. There is a good article in the Augusta Chronicle and already some lively discussion there.

This is the film's 9th screening in 8 states in 11 days. We are extremely grateful to the Southern Arts Federation for organizing this amazing event and to the Academy for Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for its support of this tour and of the independent filmmakers it is showcasing.

BTW, this is also Jeremy's 9th appearance in 8 states in 11 days. Talk about stamina and commitment. Go Jeremy! Well done Jeremy!

On the Southern Road Again with Dare Not Walk Alone

2009-09-15T19:54:00.010-05:00

We just got a quick update from Jeremy who says the screenings on The Southern Tour have been going very well.

The screening in Greenville, South Carolina was sold out. As a film maker you can't ask for more than that. There were about 400 people in attendance! And they gave Dare Not Walk Alone a lengthy standing ovation!

Check out Jeremy's Southern Tour blog entries. He is at the screening at Auburn University tonight and has the following events still to come (hang in there Jeremy):

September 17, 2009 Orangeburg, SC
September 19, 2009 Jacksonville, FL
September 20, 2009 Stuart, FL
September 21, 2009 Augusta, FL

For more details of times and places click here.
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Go Auburn Eagles: To the DNWA Screening

2009-09-13T13:01:00.007-05:00

As part of The Southern Tour, Auburn University will screen Dare Not Walk Alone on September 15. There is a really nice write up of the film and the director, Jeremy Dean, in the Wire Eagle. You can read it online here.

Thanks Auburn!

WLOX: Film explores civil rights struggle in St. Augustine, FL

2009-09-13T12:45:00.003-05:00

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS (WLOX) - It was an incident that put St. Augustine, Florida, in the national spotlight during the civil rights movement.

"When I came to St. Augustine, I happened to cross some of this black and white archival footage showing some of the incidents that happened there. So, for me, it was a real moment of truth," says Jeremy Dean, director of "Dare Not Walk Alone." The year was 1964. That summer, the city became the focal point... Read more of the interview by Krystal Allan on WLOX.

Thanks for the coverage WLOX. We appreciate it!

Acclaimed civil rights film, 'Dare Not Walk Alone,' at Peace Center Sept. 14

2009-09-13T11:39:00.002-05:00

As reported in The Gaffney Ledger.

We have to say that the Southern Tour has done a great job with the PR for these screenings. We hope to see a big turnout in Greenville on Monday night. Thanks!

Hey Baton Rouge, Dare Not Walk Alone is playing tonight, 9/10/09

2009-09-10T08:21:00.005-05:00

This is Louisiana's first chance to see this award winning documentary in theaters. It plays this evening, at 7:30PM, at Manship Theatre. Details are here.

And there is an interview with the director, Jeremy Dean, right here in the Tiger Weekly. Jeremy will be there this evening to conduct a Q&A session after screening.

Dare Not Walk Alone on Southern Tour: Advance coverage

2009-09-08T09:29:00.003-05:00

It's great to see all the advance coverage that the Southern Tour is receiving in local media:

Sun Herald Biloxi-Gulfport and South Mississippi: Jeremy Dean to attend September 10 screening at O'Keefe Center.
Clarkesville Online: The Customs House Museum and Austin Peay State University present screening on September 12 with Jeremy Dean.
Nashville MetroMix: More details of the September 12 Clarkesville screening.
The Leaf Chronicle: Covering the Clarkesville screening.
Sprocket Hole: Screening in Greenville, SC, at the Peace Center on September 14.
Things to Do in Mauldin, SC: Details of the September 14 screening.
Blake Library, Stuart, Florida: More details of the September 20th screening.

Screening Schedule for September: 9 City Tour

2009-09-02T08:58:00.003-05:00

We're playing in 9 locations across the South this month!

September 10, 2009 Baton Rouge, LA
September 11, 2009 Ocean Springs, MS
September 12, 2009 Clarksville, TN
September 14, 2009 Greenville, SC
September 15, 2009 Auburn, AL
September 17, 2009 Orangeburg, SC
September 19, 2009 Jacksonville, FL
September 20, 2009 Stuart, FL
September 21, 2009 Augusta, FL

For screening times and locations click here. If you live in or near any of these locations, we'd love to see you at a screening. Director Jeremy Dean should be accompanying the film for Q&A sessions.

How is this happening? We are part of the Southern Circuit, something that is supported by the Academy for Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. We are honored to be part of this. Southern Circuit is the nation’s only regional tour of independent filmmakers.

We're Back: Blog posts and tweets will resume shortly, screenings too

2009-08-13T12:19:00.008-05:00

Even the most tireless of activists get tired sometimes and Dare Not Walk Alone is no exception. We had to take a couple months off, to regroup, recharge our batteries, and map out the future of the project (not to mention keeping up with days jobs to pay the rent, which an indie film seldom does).

Admittedly, we feel a bit wimpish for taking a break, particularly when we think of the tireless efforts of civil rights campaigners in the early sixties, like the young woman pictured here in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1964. (She is one of the St. Johns County foot soldiers who bravely faced down violent opposition and helped pass the first civil rights act 45 years ago last month, as documented in the film.)

But we also had to ask ourselves some serious questions. Like: Is there still a role for an NAACP award nominated indie film about race in America? Will screening the film help move us forward, closer to the more perfect union of which President Obama speaks and the beloved community of which Dr. King spoke so eloquently?

We think the answers are Yes and Yes. We sat out the Prof. Gates arrest thing but say what you will about the incident and its aftermath, surely it proved we are not yet in a post-racial state of communal harmony.

Now we are set to tour the film in a number of Southern states next month. We will be posting details here shortly. Director Jeremy Dean will be on tour with the film.

I Grew Up in Mexico and the Amazon Jungle: Not your typical filmmaker

2009-06-04T23:10:00.007-05:00

Kenneth Cole's Awearness blog features a cool new interview with Jeremy Dean, director of Dare Not Walk Alone. It contains the kind of sentence you just don't see very often in filmmaker interviews:

I was born in Lubbock, Texas, and grew up a missionary kid in Mexico and the Amazon jungle of Peru where I fished for piranha and was forced to eat monkey on several occasions.

It's all true and it explains a lot, like why Jeremy was such a resourceful twenty-something, able to make a movie about race in America when just about nobody was willing to put up any money.

Good answers like that come from good questions and we want to thank David Alm for doing the interview and reviewing the film. You can read it here.

Brooklyn Artist Jeremy Dean at BAM: Screening his film Dare Not Walk Alone

2009-05-27T22:45:00.004-05:00

Brooklyn artist Jeremy Dean will conduct a special Q&A session after the 6:50PM screening of his award-winning film Dare Not Walk Alone at BAM on Thursday, May 28.

Nominated earlier this year for an NAACP Image Award, Dare Not Walk Alone has been described as "a powerhouse of a picture, minutely attuned to disparities of class and race...a triumph of outrage and empathy." Los Angeles City Beat called it "Mesmerizing and heart-rending." And Variety said:

"Dean's ability to explore history through such a local nexus creates a uniquely intimate document."

BAM is screening the film at 4:30PM, 6:50PM, and 9:30PM. Click here for tickets and details.
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BAM! Dare Not Walk Alone at Brooklyn Academy of Music

2009-05-16T23:24:00.005-05:00

There will be 3 showings of Dare Not Walk Alone at BAM on Thursday, May 28 and the film's director, Jeremy Dean, who now lives in Brooklyn, will be in attendance.

Screenings are at 4:30PM, 6:50PM, and 9:30PM. Jeremy will be there for a Q&A after the 6:50PM screening. Click here for tickets and details.

Free Screening of Dare Not Walk Alone in Corvallis, Oregon

2009-05-16T22:41:00.003-05:00

There's a great opportunity for everyone in Corvallis to see the NAACP Image Award nominated documentary Dare Not Walk Alone this coming Tuesday. The film will be shown at 6:30 pm on May 19 at:

LaSells Stewart Center
875 SW 26th Street
Corvallis, Oregon

The event is free and open to the public. Please encourage high school and OSU students to attend. Heck, please encourage everyone to attend. You won't regret it. And thanks to the City's Commission for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., OSU Office of Community & Diversity, and OSU Black Cultural Center for making this happen!

City of Corvallis Oregon Syndication

Dare Not Walk Alone is Taking a Break

2009-04-02T13:55:00.002-05:00

DNWA is going offline for a while, no blog posts, no tweets.
However, we should be back in mid-May. See you then.
In the meantime, please check out our YouTube clips.

Black History, White Apology: Proof Obama's America is not post-racial

2009-03-22T09:42:00.013-05:00

Stephen Cobb, Executive Producer of Dare Not Walk Alone writes:

At the end of February I posted a video on YouTube titled "Black History, White Apology." Using footage from Dare Not Walk Alone, the two and a half minute video shows a special church service held in 2004 in which the church apologized to African Americans who had been turned away from the church in 1964 and arrested. Within a few weeks it had been viewed over 1,000 times and received more than two dozen comments. Sadly, some of those comments were deeply racist in nature. I deleted the worst of them but what you read there now is representative and some of it is quite depressing.

I posted the video because of the "apologies" offered last month by Rupert Murdoch and his New York Post relating to a cartoon published in that paper. The cartoon portrayed the architect of our government's proposed stimulus package as very black chimpanzee lying in a pool of blood, shot dead by a pair of white and arguably smug looking white police officers from NYPD.

Coming less than 30 days into first African American presidency of these United States, this cartoon was loudly condemned as offensive. Personally, as someone who voted for Barack Obama, I found it not only offensive but deeply distasteful and frankly very worrying. Apart from anything else, the trigger for the cartoon, an incident in which a woman's face was savagely ripped off by a chimpanzee, was not something that should have been made light of in any context; add in the history of NYPD race relations and the widely known history of "monkey" and "ape" as racial slurs, plus the fact that the president is both black and the architect of the stimulus package, and I think a joke about a police shooting of said architect, comparing him to an animal that violently attacked a woman, is clearly very, very wrong.

In this context, the apologies by the NY Post and Mr. Murdoch were very, very weak. In fact, I'd say they bordered on smug and insulting. But as I was reading through blog posts about the whole incident I realized a lot of people didn't "get" what was wrong with both the cartoon and the apologies. Indeed, there was a lot of talk about how the cartoon was not offensive because it refers to the writer of the stimulus package and the president didn't actually write the package and so: no offense, no foul, no apology needed.

It seems to me that people who think like that probably don't spend much time thinking about what it's like to live your life on the receiving end of pervasive, violent, and demeaning prejudice. I thought the apology video might put things in perspective. However, in the description of the YouTube video I did not reference the cartoon or draw any direct parallels between the church apology and the New York Post incident. I assumed the connections were fairly obvious. (I had already posted a separate clip "Why the New York Post cartoon was offensive" in which two of the women involved in the 1964 church integration incidents described how a deacon of the church called them "monkeys.")

Basically I wanted to show the world what a heartfelt apology from white Americans to black Americans looked like. Then the reactions started to pour in. They ranged from the electronic equivalent of a Ku Klux Klan cross burning to a vicious condemnation of the minister leading the church service because he appeared to be reading the words of apology (maybe the video was misleading--he was actually struggling not to choke up with emotion).

The comments continue to come in. While nobody can reasonably claim that YouTube is an accurate reflection of a nation's state of mind, it's clear from some of these comments that we have not yet reached the "post-racial" state of mind that some have posited. Particularly worrying to me is this sense that "white people have nothing to apologize for."

Here's how I see it. I'm white. My ancestors ruthlessly exploited the people and resources of Africa, Australia, and North America. The standard of living and quality of education that I enjoyed as a child flowed from the "benefits" of that exploitation. In a very real sense that gave me an unfair advantage in life. So yes, if you are black, I'd like to let you know I'm sorry that happened. I apologize for what my people did. And I make that apology regardless of whether or not any actual relative of mine did anything wrong.

Sure, my parents were hard working white people. But they lived in a society, the standard of living of which flowed in no small part from massive theft of property and exploitation of people, the "benefits" of which are obvious to anyone who cares to look, in countries as diverse as Britain, the United States, France, and Belgium. Many citizens of those countries have worked for generations to make the most of what they have, but you can't escape the fact that some of what they had was at one point stolen (like the hill my house sits on in upstate New York, taken by force from the original owners of this land).

Living in denial of how we got here will not help us achieve a better future for ourselves and our children, a future of which we are all equally worthy.
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Greetings Nashville! Dare Not Walk Alone's Jeremy Dean to Host 2 Screenings

2009-02-26T14:34:00.001-05:00

Jeremy Dean, director of the NAACP Image Award nominated documentary Dare Not Walk Alone, will host two Nashville screenings of the film co-sponsored by the International Black Film Festival of Nashville.

The first is 7 p.m. tonight (Thursday February 26) in the Watkins College Theatre in MetroCenter, and the second is 7 p.m. Fridy (February 27) at Gallatin's historic downtown Palace Theatre. Tickets are $7. For more details, check out the Nashville Scene web site.

Murdoch Apology: What a difference a few days/decades make

2009-02-24T12:29:00.007-05:00

Today Rupert Murdoch of Newscorp, Fox News, Fox Sports, Fox Entertainment, and a whole lot more, one of the richest men in the world, said this:

"As the Chairman of the New York Post, I am ultimately responsible for what is printed in its pages. The buck stops with me. Last week, we made a mistake. We ran a cartoon that offended many people. Today I want to personally apologize to any reader who felt offended, and even insulted."

According to the BBC, Mr Murdoch said he had spoken to a number of people since the publication and that he could now "better understand the hurt this cartoon has caused". So maybe Mr. Murdoch is one of the more than 300 people who have watched the clip from Dare Not Walk Alone that I posted on YouTube and this blog a few days ago. The point of that clip was to educate. It seems Mr. Murdoch needed some education.

The clip shows two black women who, as young girls, accompanied a white woman to First United Methodist Church in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1964 describing their experience: The white deacon barred the door and said to the white woman "You're welcome to come in but your little monkeys can't."

That reference to monkeys was clearly racial and intended to hurt and demean. White bystanders shouted other racial slurs at the young girls. Several black adults who attempted to enter the same church were arrested and taken away by police. An apology for that incident came 40 years later when the church held a special service to personally apologize to those who were turned away. It took Mr. Murdoch about 4 days. There has indeed been much progress, but personally I think we still have a long way to go.

When Words Are Weighed Down By History: Should we make light?

2009-02-20T20:26:00.008-05:00

The controversy surrounding the New York Post's chimpanzee cartoon brought to mind a moment in the film, so I decided to post it here.

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Dare Not Walk Alone Wins: Even though it didn't get the award

2009-02-12T23:54:00.002-05:00

I know it sounds corny, but everyone who was at the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards tonight was a winner. Never before have I experienced that much shared love in an auditorium full of people, never have I felt so much collective hope and joy.

(And never before have I witnessed a musical performance as moving as Jennifer Hudson singing "The Impossible Dream" to Muhammad Ali, but I digress.)

No, Dare Not Walk Alone did come away with the Image Award for Outstanding Documentary, but to be nominated and considered and embraced in such a way, this is a big win for the film as far as I'm concerned. I am sure there will be more screenings because of this, and an uptick in DVD sales.

On a personal level, I think the director Jeremy and I look just a little bit like zombies here at the after-party, wearing dazed grins on our pasty white faces in a mixture of sheer joy and disbelief that our "little" film had come so far. We had no star power and no marketing budget, yet we're here with fellow nominees from studio films like Cadillac Records, Miracle at St. Anna, The Secret Life of Bees and Seven Pounds. We're rubbing shoulders with stars from amazing shows such as The Wire, a TV epic that Jeremy and I both hold in highest esteem (and which got the same number of awards we did).

The personal and professional interest being shown in the film is genuine and real. People have sought us out and introduced themselves. Several studio executives have personally requested screeners of the film. We are pumped! And I think we will be able to carry that feeling through to a new push to get the film seen more widely than ever.

So Thank You NAACP, and happy HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY
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100 Years Ago: The Founding of the NAACP

2009-02-11T16:13:00.003-05:00

This week, 100 years ago, a most amazing meeting took place, on the 100th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. This meeting resulted in the formation of the NAACP which went on to become the oldest, and arguably the most influential, of the civil rights organizations. The stated mission of the NAACP is:

"To ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination."

It is hard to think of a more worthy mission than that, then or now. The NAACP has a year of events planned and a new drive to further its mission. Check it out at http://www.naacp.org/ and consider becoming a member.

As you probably know, NAACP stands for National Association for the Advancement of Colored People although the term colored people is these days retained mainly in accordance with tradition and is generally not used anywhere else.

One of the most amazing things to me about the founding of the NAACP is the diverse group of people who got things started at that first meeting. These days a cynic might think this group was assembled just for the sake of diversity. There several African-American men, two women (one white, one African-American) plus several white men, one of whom was Jewish.

But hey, their hearts were all in the same place, and it was the right place, and the rest, as they say, is history: a glorious 100-year history of improving the rights of all.
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NAACP Image Awards on Fox, 8PM Thursday, Feb 12

2009-02-08T17:19:00.003-05:00

Since Roger Moore over at the Orlando Sentinel mentioned the NAACP Image Awards being on BET, I thought I would point out they are on Fox, 8PM Thursday, Feb 12 (check the schedule here).

Thanks Orlando Sentinel! Rooting for Dare Not Walk Alone

2009-02-08T12:48:00.004-05:00

Under the headline "A great Florida film to root for in the NAACP Image Awards Thursday" the Orlando Sentinel film critic Roger Moore had these kind words:

"Dare Not Walk Alone is up against the great Katrina documentary Trouble the Water in the best documentary category at the NAACP Image Awards, airing Tuesday night on BET. but Jeremy Dean's terrific film has a shot."

As previously noted in this blog, Trouble the Water is indeed a fine film and it is already "Oscar Nominated." That has put it on the radar for many people who might otherwise have overlooked it, and that's a good thing. The localized events of Hurricane Katrina, dealt with in Trouble the Water, drew attention to broader American issues and struggles. Likewise, by focusing on the racial conflict in St. Johns County, Dare Not Walk Alone seeks to draw attention to problems encountered across America. We are really looking forward to meeting the folks from Trouble the Water in Los Angeles this week.

Here is what I posted in reply to Roger's piece in the Orlando Sentinel. I'm not sure if all of it appears on the site:

Thanks for the kind comments Roger. To say that Jeremy and the rest of us on this project are thrilled that the film is up for this award would be a huge under-statement. The sense of history this year is almost intoxicating: the Image Awards ceremony is being held on the very same day that the NAACP was founded, 100 years ago (the same day that Lincoln was born, 100 years earlier).

The struggle to create a just and equal society has been long and hard, but it is not over yet. Yes, we have elected the first African American president, and we the people can take pride in that. But even as we take some time this month to honor the brave and heroic achievements of past campaigners for equality, we need to be thinking hard about how we can accomplish the difficult work that still needs to be done.

Dare Not Walk Alone has always been about both of these things, seeking to convey both the raw heroism of those who stood up to segregation and the reality of the present, where injustice still lingers, even as a heart-felt desire for reconciliation begins to emerge. It is our hope that the film will turn that desire into action and a renewed effort to achieve Dr. King's "beloved community." It is not too far out of reach.

Stephen Cobb
Executive Producer

"Trouble the Water" Gets Oscar Nod: Bravo Tia Lessin & Carl Deal

2009-01-23T23:43:00.002-05:00

We were delighted to see that the Nominees for the 81st Academy Awards recognized the film “Trouble the Water” from Zeitgeist Films in the category of "Best documentary feature." The work of Tia Lessin and Carl Deal, this impressive documentary, which won a Grand Jury prize at Sundance 2008, presents "a unique, ground-level perspective on Hurricane Katrina that's been sorely missing from previous accounts of the disaster" (Roger Ebert).

Some people might feel like Hurricane Katrina is old news, but you would only think that if you had never experienced a hurricane or The South. Having experienced both, I think it is hard to overstate the importance of this cataclysmic event in America history, particularly Black American History. In many ways it was a turning point.

One reason I say this: our own documentary, Dare Not Walk Alone, might never have achieved theatrical release, were it not for Katrina. The reason? A lot of people who saw Dare Not Walk Alone before Katrina thought we were exaggerating the racial and social injustice we had documented in Florida.

While it is true that a documentary film maker can do that, choose the images he or she includes in the film to overstate the case, that is not what Jeremy did when he made Dare Not Walk Alone. There was as a lot more Jeremy could have included in the film about how bad things were and still are, but the problem, pre-Katrina, was that "the truth" was known only to a segment of the American people, a segment to which few people listened and about whom, judging by our government's reaction to Katrina, few people cared. In other words, pre-Katrina, people thought Dare Not Walk Alone lacked objectivity. That made funding (which has been, and remains, a huge challenge for the film) hard to find.

What happened during and after Katrina is that the measure of "objective" changed. Americans outside The South--and those who had managed to live in the South without fully experiencing The South--saw the harsh and undeniable reality on their TV. This was both important and unprecedented in so many ways, not least of which is the huge outpouring of support and aid that came from "regular" Americans, locally and nationally.

I don't think it is a stretch to say that you could glimpse the possibility of a black president in the aftermath of Katrina. It was clear from the positive responses to this natural disaster that a critical mass of Americans felt that the storm victims were their peers, their fellow Americans, worthy of equal treatment in all aspects of American life. Equally clear is the fact that many Americans now reject as unrepresentative and unworthy, a government that does not care equally or enough--as measured by real world action--about all Americans.

However, just as the election of an African-American president does not mean the Beloved Community has now been achieved, the passage of time does not mean that the wounds of Katrina are healed. There is much work still to be done and "Trouble the Waters" is a powerful reminder of that. So we say Thank You to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for recognizing this film and Bravo to its makers.
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U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Confirmed by Senate

2009-01-21T14:33:00.005-05:00

So why does the Dare Not Walk Alone blog care that Arne Duncan was confirmed U.S. Secretary of Education by the Senate (it happened yesterday, January 20, right after the inauguration of President Obama)?

Because Arne Duncan is going to be a great Secretary of Education? Well yes, we think he will be that. And we extend our congratulations on his appointment. But we also care because he is one of a number of public officials who in the past have been very supportive of the Dare Not Walk Alone project and whose profile has been rising of late. No, we're not suggesting that endorsing Dare Not Walk Alone will boost your standing as a politician or public servant. What we are saying is that our country is changing, and for the better!

We didn't post anything yesterday, Inauguration Day, because we were too caught up in the emotion of the day. As another public servant and DNWA supporter, who was there at the capitol yesterday, said to me today: "Words alone cannot express...Words alone cannot express..." Yes, he said it twice, and that really made the point.

Then he said he had to go, he was due to meet with the President. And too late I though to ask him: "Do you have a copy of the DVD you can give him?" Darn! Maybe next time.
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Breaking News: Dare Not Walk Alone to screen in St. Augustine today

2009-01-17T11:24:00.000-05:00

This just in...a screening of the film in St. Augustine this evening, Saturday January 17, at Memorial Presbyterian Church, 32 Sevilla Street.

The event, at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, is free and open to the public as part of the services of remembrance planned as tributes to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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Thanks Gainesville! Great evening at The Hippodrome

2009-01-17T10:56:00.000-05:00

A huge thanks to Shirley Lassiter and the Crystal at The Hippdrome State Theater in Gainesville for the opening of Dare Not Walk Alone last night (runs all week folks--don't miss it). The Hipp is an impressive venue.

It was great to catch up with (Vice Mayor) Errol Jones and I really appreciated the way he jumped in to answer questions in the lively Q&A session after the screening. (He later told me he is up for more such events, so if you have sponsorship for a screening, that can be arranged--he really is an articulate voice for the community.)

Thanks to everyone who came out to see the film [on a relatively cold evening]. Please spread the word. And if your company would like to sponsor kids from Alachua County Schools to go see Dare Not Walk Alone, please call 352.373.5968 and ask for Shirley. Thanks.

Errol Jones to Join Producer at Gainesville DNWA Event

2009-01-11T19:33:00.004-05:00

Great news, film fans. I have just learned that St. Augustine City Commissioner Errol Jones will be attending the Dare Not Walk Alone reception at 6PM at The Hippodrome State Theater in Gainesville on January 16 (yes, that's next Friday).

If you have seen Dare Not Walk Alone you know that Commissioner Jones has some pretty insightful things to say about what happened in St. John's County in 1964 and conditions in the African American community there today.

I am delighted Commissioner Jones will be attending the reception and the first Gainesville screening of the film (at 7PM) because he can speak to current conditions better than I (as one of the film's producers, I will also be there--but I have spent most of the past twelve months traveling and moving my family to Upstate New York).

This will be first screening since last week's announcement of the film's nomination for the NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Documentary, so I'm thinking there will be a big turn out. (Why not buy your tickets ahead of time, right here.)

Hope to see you there!
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NAACP Image Award Nomination Information

2009-01-09T08:10:00.004-05:00

Some more data on the NAACP Image Award nominations.
The award ceremony is on February 12 in Los Angeles.
Live television coverage is on FOX (check local listings).
Here's a handy list of the nominations.
Dare Not Walk Alone is nominated for Outstanding Documentary.

Dare Not Walk Alone Nominated for NAACP Image Award

2009-01-07T14:01:00.004-05:00

We are honored and delighted to report that Dare Not Walk Alone has just been nominated for an NAACP Image Award, as reported in Variety today.

In this busy award season it is hard to think of an award nomination more significant for Dare Not Walk Alone than this one. This year the NAACP celebrates its 100th anniversary. And these are the 40th annual Image Awards. We are extremely grateful to the 40th NAACP Image Awards’ Nominating Committee for recognizing Dare Not Walk Alone in this way.

Dare Not Walk Alone is nominated in the documentary category, along with "The Black List" (HBO); "Black Magic" (ESPN); "CNN Presents: Black in America" (CNN); and "Trouble the Water" (Zeitgeist Films). We are honored to be competing with such prestigious programming.

We will be posting more on this development shortly. Right now we'd just like to thank all our supporters for having faith in this film, and express our thanks again to the NAACP nominating committee for shining a light on Dare Not Walk Alone.
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Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T16:51:00.013-05:00

Dare Not Walk Alone wishes everyone a great 2009, and sends out a huge Thank You to all who supported the film in 2008. Your emails, comments, blog posts, ticket and DVD purchases, all were much appreciated.

2009 is going to be an historic year. The inauguration on the 20th of this month will be a landmark in the ongoing struggle for a truly equality in the world. But let us not forget that the struggle continues. We are nowhere near achieving the "post-racial society" that some commentators are talking about. We agree with Michael Fauntroy on this:

Those who see America as "post-racial" may well be guilty of prematurely hoisting the "mission accomplished" banner. They should be aware of some unfortunate truths that still frame the world in which many Americans still live. For example, African Americans comprise nearly half of the 2.4 million people incarcerated in the United States, but make up but 12 percent of the total population. African Americans also suffer from disproportionately high school dropout and poverty rates.

So, at the start of this new year, let us take heart from all that was so bravely accomplished in the past (remember, January 1 also marks the anniversary of emancipation, 146 years ago this year). A lot of progress was made in 2008. Let us dedicate ourselves to achieving even more in 2009.

Jeremy Dean Interview: On Dare Not Walk Alone and independent film making

2008-12-22T19:52:00.005-05:00

Just published in The Independent, which describes itself as "obsessed with independent film since 1978," a substantial interview with Jeremy Dean, producer and director of Dare Not Walk Alone.

Show Time at the Hippodrome State Theater in Gainesville

2008-12-18T17:59:00.004-05:00

Below are the times for the Dare Not Walk Alone engagement at the Hippodrome State Theater in Gainesville next month. Hope to see you there!

Friday, January 16th
6.00pm: Reception with producer7.00pm: Screening
8.45pm: Screening

Saturday, January 17
4.30pm: Screening
7.00pm: Screening
8.45pm: Screening

Sunday, January 18
2.30pm: Screening
4.30pm: Screening
7.00pm: Screening

Wednesday, January 21
4.30pm: Screening
7.00pm: Screening
8.45pm: Screening

Thursady January 22
7.00pm: Screening
8.45pm: Screening

This is a beautiful theater folks, and big too! Please let people know about this screening so we can fill all 266 seats.
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Arne Duncan, Obama's Pick for Secretary of Education, on Dare Not Walk Alone

2008-12-15T20:24:00.011-05:00

We'd like to be among the first to congratulate Arne Duncan for being President-elect Obama's pick for Secretary of Education. It is another example of the President-elect choosing to surround himself with the brightest and best.

Mr Duncan he was an early supporter of Dare Not Walk Alone. Here's what he has to say about the film:

"An important tool for showing the bravery of those who struggled for equality during the civil rights movement. But it goes far beyond past history and exposes issues that we face everyday in the continued struggle for equality, especially when it comes to the health and education of all our children."

At the time he wrote that, Mr. Duncan was CEO of Chicago Public Schools. We wish him every success in his new role as a key player in the Obama administration.

And for the record here's what some other prominent public servants have said about Dare Not Walk Alone:

"This moving film, which I was honored to be a part of, will serve as an important reminder to audiences that even though we have made advances in the civil rights arena since the 1960s, we still have a long way to go."

That was US Congresswoman Corrine Brown. Here's Florida State Senator Tony Hill:

"The documentary was so moving that, as chairman of the Black Caucus of the State of Florida, I have filed a bill for the 2007 legislative session in the House and the Senate to have all records cleared for anyone who was arrested because of segregated laws. That is how compelling the film was to me."

We're Back! And looking for a holiday boost from Santa

2008-12-15T13:20:00.003-05:00

The server issue was resolved this weekend and we now have plans to consolidate the blog and the official site on a new server before the end of the year (day jobs permitting).

In the meantime, please consider giving the Dare Not Walk Alone DVD for Christmas this year (or Kwanzaa or Hanukkah or Hogmanay or whatever holiday moves you to gift-giving around this time of year).

Click here to buy copies at Walmart.com or order from your favorite video store such as Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

THANKS!
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What's Up With DareNotWalkAlone.com?

2008-12-13T00:00:00.004-05:00

A couple of days ago an issue cropped up with the official web site for Dare Not Walk Alone. We have a fix in the works and normal service should be returned over the weekend.

In the meantime there is lots of info about the movie here on the blog. And if you are looking for the trailer click here.
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From James Brock to the Meaning of President Elect Obama

2008-12-01T23:01:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Adrienne in DC for pointing out the following commentary written shortly after Barrack Obama's victory. Posted by Hamilton Nolan, it uses the Monson pool incident as a sort of benchmark of where race relations were at in America 44 years before the historic 2008 presidential race. Nolan's observations are worth pondering:

"The more relevant question may not be "What does Obama mean for Black America?" It may be, instead, "What does Black America mean any more?" And if every non-black person goes out and has a conversation about that question with somebody who might actually know the answer, we'll all have made some good old-fashioned racial progress." Hamilton Nolan, Gawker.com

We couldn't agree more. Encouraging inter-racial dialog has always been one of the main goals of Dare Not Walk Alone and I see it happening after each screening I attend. As Nolan notes "with every year that passes, and every successive generation that's born, our country becomes less white, more diverse." It's up to each of us to decide what that means for us, hopefully after considering a diversity of input.

Google Ads, Twitter, and DVD Buzz

2008-11-28T10:24:00.007-05:00

Hope you had a good Thanksgiving Day!
Are you surfing the net for deals today or waiting until Cyber Monday?

We just launched the first Google display ad for the Dare Not Walk Alone DVD and it would be great if you could let us know if you see it during your surfing (but please don't click it unless you really need to--each click costs us money).

You can leave a comment on this post or tweet us. We are http://twitter.com/dnwa. We're curious to know where the ad shows up. Note that the design of the ad is pretty much dictated by Google. We did the best we could with the available options (when the ad appears, the two images, the poster and the 1964 shot of Dr. King and James Brock, slide into view to provide some animation to draw attention to the ad). Without a PR company or anything of that sort we are hoping the relatively low cost of Google ads will help boost awareness of the DVD over the holiday shopping season. As usual, anything you can do to spread the word is much appreciated.
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Countdown to Change

2008-11-27T12:38:00.008-05:00

As you may have noticed, I just added the "Countdown to Change" clock on the right of the blog. It is probably the same software people are using to count down to the end of the Bush presidency.

Now that code has been recycled to count towards a day many people thought would never come: the inauguration of the first African American president of these United States. I actually made my own "end of an era" license plate back in June of 2007 and put it on my car (see the pic on the left). Back then a lot of people would ask "What's that mean?" I would simply say "That's the last day President Bush will be in office."

In itself, that's not a political statement but I found it was a great way to flush out people's opinion of our 43rd president. And as time went by the response I got was more and more like "That day can't come soon enough."

So on this Thanksgiving Day, 2008, I'm giving thanks that the clock stands at 53 days, and counting.

Stephen Cobb
Producer
Dare Not Walk Alone

The Power of Song in the African American Community: Audio

2008-11-25T07:08:00.009-05:00

The power of song in the African American community is the focus of this second blog post containing a short audio excerpt from the soundtrack of Dare Not Walk Alone.

The clip begins with the voice of J.T. Johnson of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference talking about what it was like to march onto a "Whites Only" beach in Florida during the Summer of 1964, facing intimidation and violence from white people who didn't want black people bathing on "their" beach.

(It's quite a shock to some younger people who watch Dare Not Walk Alone that 40 years ago there was active support for segregation, in other words, a lot of white folks fought to keep black folks "in their place." So the civil rights movement wasn't just "Let's raise awareness of this injustice." Many people supported segregation because they thought things were fine just the way they were. The followers of Dr. King, black and white, faced an active opposition in the form of white people who were vocally, and sometimes violently, opposed to equality.)

Listen as J.T. calmly describes how the marchers took the blows on those beach protests, without retaliation, and then returned the next day, fortified by prayer and song, exemplifying Dr. King's strategy of non-violent protest that eventually led to the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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Young Women Pick Race Issues As Top Obama Priority

2008-11-24T13:49:00.002-05:00

Yes! This is what we call good news:

"A survey of young woman for YWCA USA finds most of them want the Obama administration to make civil rights and racial justice a top priority"

KCTV Kansas City

Looking Back on Segregation: An audio sample

2008-11-22T19:44:00.019-05:00

I'd like to try something new in this blog post and present an audio clip from the soundtrack of Dare Not Walk Alone. Please let me know if you find it interesting. If it works, I will try adding some music from the soundtrack as well.

Post-screening discussions of the film sometimes revolve around one historical figure, and it's not Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Maybe it's because so much is already known about Dr. King but attention tends to focus on one person against whom Dr. King squared off in the final confrontation before the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: James Brock.

It's not that Dr. King sought a fight with Mr. Brock or that Mr. Brock took on Dr. King. You might even say that Mr. Brock was in the wrong place at the wrong time. In 1964 Mr. Brock owned one of the most prominent motels in the City of St. Augustine, America's oldest continuously occupied settlement of European origin. This was long before Disney World and St. Augustine was one of Florida's leading tourist destinations. That made it a prime target for people campaigning to ban segregation in restaurants and motels, in swimming pools and on beaches (yes folks, in 1964 the Atlantic Ocean itself was segregated--something the Beatles probably didn't think about when they flew over it to perform on the Ed Sullivan show in February of that year).

Mr. Brock was a prominent local businessman. He started the organization that became the United Way of St. Johns County. Most of the business owners in St. Johns County were white and most were opposed to segregation. Mr. Brock's personal position is unclear. He made statements opposing desegregation, but also expressed a willingness to integrate if the law was changed (the law in Florida required segregation). When the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed he opened his motel and restaurant to all races; several former protesters have talked about being made welcome there. Mr. Brock's established was then picketed by Klan supporters objecting to his conformation with the new federal law.

Listen now as the late Mr. Brock, speaking in 2004, talks about some of the events of 1964 (in this excerpt from the soundtrack of Dare Not Walk Alone--click the small white > button to start the audio).

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More Great Feedback on Dare Not Walk Alone's "Transformative" Power

2008-11-19T17:40:00.006-05:00

We just heard back from a university professor in Tennessee who used Dare Not Walk Alone in a class project.

She said that watching the film was "a profound experience for our group and in a few cases truly transformative."

In the next few days we hope to post some of the student comments here. (As a reminder, Jeremy Dean, the director of Dare Not Walk Alone, is available to visit colleges and universities with the film--email info@dnwa.info for more details.)

Photo Caption: Watched by state troopers, black and white protestors opposed to segregation kneel in prayer outside the Monson Restaurant in St. Augustine, Florida, 1964.
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Dare Not Walk Alone DVD Pick of the Week

2008-11-14T17:30:00.006-05:00

Thanks Columbus, Ohio!

When Dare Not Walk Alone played in Columbus last year it was an audience favorite and you gave us our first award.

And now that the DVD has been released, Dare Not Walk Alone is a Pick of the Week. We really appreciate your support and encouragement. The world needs to know: Columbus rocks!
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Powerful Civil Rights Film Now On DVD

2008-11-11T07:30:00.003-05:00

Here is the latest press release about the DVD. Please pass it on to any reporters or journalists you happen to know. You can send them this short link: http://is.gd/70Pc

Thanks!

POWERFUL CIVIL RIGHTS FILM NOW ON DVD

Brooklyn, New York, November 11, 2008 -- Dare Not Walk Alone, a feature-length documentary about little-known events in America's civil rights struggle, is now available on DVD at Walmart and other stores. The film clearly illustrates what President-elect Obama has called "the gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time." While documenting Dr. King's heroic campaign to end segregation, the film also paints a disturbing portrait of lingering inequality, some 40 years later, in one community where that campaign was waged.

The Dare Not Walk Alone trailer can be seen at the film's web site: http://darenotwalkalone.com.

Created by Brooklyn-based artist and director, Jeremy Dean, Dare Not Walk Alone has been hailed by critics as "a powerhouse of a picture" and "important filmmaking." However, making the film was an uphill battle according to executive producer Stephen Cobb.

"The director insisted the film go beyond documenting the bravery and brilliance of Dr. King's victorious strategy of non-violence to explore the aftermath of that victory," said Cobb. "But a lot of people thought this approach was too radical for a mainstream audience."

Yet this is one small budget independent documentary that beat the odds and achieved DVD distribution through major stores like Walmart, Target, FYE, Movies Unlimited, and Amazon.com. The film's distributor is Indican Pictures.

"When Indican told us Walmart ordered DVDs," says Dean, "We were thrilled, but also stunned. That's almost impossible when you're an indie project with no star backing."

Although the DVD is not on the shelves in every Walmart yet, the retail giant is shipping from Walmart.com, according to Cobb.

"Our hats are off to both Walmart and Indican," said Cobb. "We're delighted with Indican because they have moved us closer to our goal of giving everyone in America a chance to see this film."

The DVD features interviews with Ambassador Andrew Young and the late James Brock, owner of the motel in St. Augustine, Florida, where Dr. King was arrested. There is also an interview with Dean who is currently on a campus tour, most recently appearing at Notre Dame University's WorldView Film Series.

About Dare Not Walk Alone

Featuring rare archival footage, the film also contains recent interviews with participants in the campaign to pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The project began in 2003 when director Dean was still in his twenties. After post-production work at Atlanta-based Crawford Communications, the final cut debuted in 2007 and was quickly signed for distribution by Indican Pictures. Theatrical screenings in New York, Los Angeles, and Portland garnered praise from critics:

"Powerful slice of roiling American history."
Los Angeles Times

"Has great potential to do real good in the world."
Boxoffice.com

"Minutely attuned to disparities of class and race...a triumph of outrage and empathy."
Willamette Week

"Deserves to be seen"
New York Times

"Packs a punch."
Village Voice

Contact:
Jeremy Dean, writer and director
Stephen Cobb, executive producer
email: info@dnwa.info

Release is now on the wire and showing up:
MarketWatch,

President-elect Obama!

2008-11-05T02:33:00.002-05:00

Three wonderful words!

New Civil Rights Film Now Available on DVD from Walmart

2008-11-01T14:11:00.003-05:00

PRESS RELEASE: New Civil Rights Film Now Available on DVD from Walmart

(This is a preview of the press release that will be going out soon--if you know of journalists who might interested in covering this story, please pass this information to them--and/or email info@dnwa.info--Thanks!)

Brooklyn, New York (Pre-release) November, 2008 -- Dare Not Walk Alone, the critically-acclaimed documentary about the civil rights struggle, has beaten the odds and achieved DVD distribution through Walmart. The retail giant normally carries only a select group of documentary feature films, such as An Uncomfortable Truth and Fahrenheit 9/11. (The Dare Not Walk Alone trailer is available on YouTube and at http://darenotwalkalone.com.)

Created by first-time director, Jeremy Dean, Dare Not Walk Alone offers a fresh and gritty perspective on the civil rights struggle and its aftermath in a community that dramatically illustrates what Senator Barack Obama has called "the gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time."

Acknowledging that this was a major marketing coup by the film's distributor, Indican Pictures, Dean said "When they called to say Walmart had ordered the DVD, we were thrilled." Added Dean, "We were also a little stunned because it’s almost impossible to get a feature-length independent film with zero star-backing into Walmart."

While not yet on the shelves in every Walmart, the retail giant has started shipping Dare Not Walk Alone to customers who order the DVD from Walmart.com, according to the film's executive producer Stephen Cobb.

"Our hats are definitely off to Walmart," said Cobb, adding, "As for Indican, we were both impressed and delighted that they got our film into Walmart because it takes us a big step closer to realizing our goal of giving as many Americans as possible as chance to see this film."

Hailed by one critic as "a triumph of outrage and empathy," Dare Not Walk Alone does more than document a number of crucial but often-overlooked confrontations in Dr. King's fight against segregation. Described by Film Journal International as "More than just another civil-rights history lesson," the film also explores the aftermath of that struggle in one African American community where those confrontations took place.

In addition to being available at Walmart.com, the Dare Not Walk Alone DVD, which features deleted scenes and an interview with the director, can now be queued at Netflix and should be widely available from stores such as F.Y.E., Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com and Movies Unlimited starting November 11.

Director Jeremy Dean is currently touring college campuses conducting workshops on the film and holding Q&A sessions after screenings. He most recently appeared at Notre Dame University as part of its WorldView Film Series.

About Dare Not Walk Alone

Featuring previously unaired archival footage from 1964 and exclusive present day interviews with participants in the campaign against segregation, Dare Not Walk Alone was conceived and created by Jeremy Dean, now a Brooklyn-based artist and film maker. He began work on the project in 2003 while still in his twenties and the film was first shown at festivals in 2006. A new cut was created when tragedy struck one family highlighted in the film. After extensive post-production work by Atlanta-based Crawford Communications the final cut debuted in 2007. Soon after winning the audience award at the Deep Focus Film Festival in Columbus, Ohio, the film was signed by Los Angeles-based Indican Pictures for theatrical and DVD/TV distribution. Here are some of the comments from critics during theatrical outings in New York, Los Angeles, and Portland:

"Powerful slice of roiling American history" - Los Angeles Times

"Has great potential to do real good in the world" - Boxoffice Magazine

"A powerhouse of a picture, minutely attuned to disparities of class and race...a triumph of outrage and empathy" - Willamette Week

"Packs a punch" - Village Voice

"The racial politics of the current presidential election make this film all the more significant" - Film Journal International

"Mesmerizing and heart-rending" - L.A. City Beat

"Deserves to be seen" - New York Times

Source/Contact:
Stephen Cobb, producer and executive producer
Jeremy Dean, producer and director
Dare Not Walk Alone
email: info@dnwa.info
Official Web Site: http://darenotwalkalone.com
Walmart listing: http://tinyurl.com/dwmart
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Dare Not Walk Alone: More images from 1964

2008-10-24T09:03:00.004-05:00

Andrew Young being attacked by white segregationists during a night march to the historic slave market in St. Augustine.

Senator Barack Obama on Civil Rights

2008-10-23T13:40:00.010-05:00

We noticed this quote from Barack Obama recently, from a speech he gave at Howard University, September 28, 2007, and we thought it was worth blogging:

“The teenagers and college students who left their homes to march in the streets of Birmingham and Montgomery; the mothers who walked instead of taking the bus after a long day of doing somebody else's laundry and cleaning somebody else's kitchen — they didn't brave fire hoses and Billy clubs so that their grandchildren and their great-grandchildren would still wonder at the beginning of the 21st century whether their vote would be counted; whether their civil rights would be protected by their government; whether justice would be equal and opportunity would be theirs. . . . We have more work to do.”

This quote brought to mind this shot, taken from film footage in Dare Not Walk Alone. It shows three students, one black and two white, at a non-violent protest against segregated dining. The police officer is using a cattle prod to "enourage" one student to get into the police car. Eventually, all three students were taken into custody. Interestingly, James Brock, the owner of the restaurant that was the site of the protest, asked the police to stop using cattle prods on the protestors (and they complied).

DNWA Mini-College Tour a Big Hit: Race + politics = lively classes!

2008-10-12T21:24:00.006-05:00

Jeremy just got back from events at Mercyhurst College and Notre Dame University. Both went really well. There were over 200 students at one of the screenings. He did several classroom visits and conducted Question & Answer sessions after each screening, receiving a lot of thanks and encouragement.

(If you would like to book the film on your campus or want to get in touch with Jeremy for an interview please email speaker@dnwa.info.)

There's no doubt that the topic of race in American politics is a hot one right now, on news networks as well as on campuses, even as the two presidential campaigns steer clear of the subject (which we totally get, I mean neither Obama or McCain want to bring this up, at least not directly).

But if we have learned anything from the four years we have spent working on the Dare Not Walk Alone project it is that what people say in public and what they think in private can be very different when the topic is race. And don't you get this feeling that many Americans are holding their breath over this election? They are just hoping that race does not play a role in the outcome. We want to believe we are past that. But we're just not sure.

We know a lot of Obama supporters are worried that the Bradley-effect may still be very real. ("Named for Tom Bradley, an African-American who lost the 1982 California governor's race despite being ahead in the polls--the Bradley effect refers a voter tendency to tell pollsters they are undecided or likely to vote for a black candidate but on election day they vote for his/her white opponent."--Wikipedia)

Pundits and so-called experts appearing all over TV this weekend kept saying the Bradley effect is a thing of the past. But they obviously haven't spent much time living and working in North Florida, where you will find a lot of white people are still angry over the forced desgregation of their once "separate but equal" communities.

We think the reason Jeremy is earning the respect of students at these campus events is that he is an expert. If you spend five years of your life making a documentary about racial issues in American society you've defiintely earned that title. We think folks like CNN, CBS, NBC and BBC America should be talking to Jeremy, not political pundits. And they should be showing clips from Dare Not Walk Alone, where you can almost feel the hatred of white Americans back in 1964, Americans who actively opposed equal rights, with bats and chains and boots. (Those civil rights marches weren't awareness building exercises like a rally for the environment--there was, as Commissioner Errol Jones so wryly points out "opposition.")

And 1964 was not that long ago when you think that some of the white kids attacking blacks on the beaches of Florida back then are just turning 60 this year. As Jeremy's brilliant interview with James Brock in the film makes clear, many of those people are not apologetic for the role they played. But very few of them are as honest with the public as Mr. Brock was with Jeremy in that interview.
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South Bend Tribune: Forgotten Civil Rights battleground focus of film

2008-10-09T16:23:00.001-05:00

A good article about Dare Not Walk Alone in the South Bend Tribune by Jeremy D. Bonfiglio today. The film is being shown shown Friday and Saturday as part of the Worldview Film Series at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Center for the Performing Arts.

Academic Praise for Dare Not Walk Alone

2008-09-25T13:42:00.007-05:00

We wanted to share with you some feedback we received about Dare Not Walk Alone from the halls of academia, namely a college professor of American history:

"I want to, first of all, thank you for making Dare Not Walk Alone. What a powerful film. I have been teaching the civil rights era for 15 years, but your film enriched my understanding and appreciation for the significance of St. Augustine in 1964."

This is not the first time that someone in higher education has praised the film for shedding light on this important piece of American history. But Dr. Chris Magoc, who chairs the History Department at Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania, also goes on to say:

"The issues of legacy and unmet challenges of the movement are nowhere better addressed than in your film."

And that comment was really appreciated, but it provides further proof that Dare Not Walk Alone has succeeded in bridging the gap between the heroic achievements of the past and the continuing challenges of the present. (Something that some critics have failed to grasp.)

Dare Not Walk Alone will be screened at Mercyhurst in October as part of the Guelcher Film Series. (Screenings will be in the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center, on Wednesday the 8th at 2PM and 8PM). The film's director, Jeremy Dean, will be on hand to discuss the film.
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Dare Not Walk Alone and "Award-Winning"

2008-08-31T12:02:00.005-05:00

We recently learned that Dare Not Walk Alone is now eligible for several awards. One of these is the 2009 Cinema Eye Honors for Nonfiction Filmmaking (that's their logo on the left).

Film awards serve many purposes, not least of which is acknowledging the years of struggle and heartache and effort and grit that go into getting a good film made. And believe us when we say that making a film these days takes all of these, even when you are being bankrolled by a studio or star. Want to make a serious film without financial backing and/or star power? Then count on the toil and sweat factor being multiplied many times over.

Thus far, DNWA has won one award: the Audience Award at the Deep Focus Film Festival in Columbus, Ohio. This might not sound like a big deal. You probably never even heard of it. But it meant a lot to us. For a start, it proved that the people who go to see DNWA appreciate the film. As you know, there have been some critics who have not [fully] appreciated the film. But we didn't make this film for the critics, we made it for the people. So winning an award voted on by the audience was like getting a whole bunch of hugs and thank you's (we have in fact received many hugs and thank you's when attending screenings, but we can't get to all the screenings).

However, the value of an award goes way beyond making the filmmaker feel good and reminding him or her that all the toil and sweat was not in vain. Awards help spread the word about a good film. Let's face it, there are loads of films out there these days (e.g. DNWA will be competing against close to 100 films for Cinema Eye Honors). And that makes it very hard just to get people to see your film, even if your film is very good and has a big budget.

Obviously we think DNWA is very good, but we know it has no budget (funny thing a budget, turns out that whatever money we could scrounge together was spent on making the film, and even then a lot of people worked for nothing, just because they believed that the story Jeremy was determined to tell, deserved to be told).

So you won't see ads for DNWA on FaceBook. You won't see DNWA as a featured [paid] video on YouTube. What you may see is the results a guerrilla marketing effort, led by those who support what DNWA is trying to achieve. This includes word-of-mouth, both physical and digital, with emails and link-swaps, and blog posts, and phone calls. Basically, the stuff that's free but takes effort. And we have racked up several thousand trailer views on YouTube, a very respectable rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and a solid IMDB score.

Awards add a lot to such efforts. You can bet that as soon as we won our first award we started referring to DNWA as an award-winning film. It's one more way to get your film noticed, and thus seen, and it's about as honest as marketing can get. So thanks to Cinema Eye for deeming DNWA eligible for an award. Whether it wins or not, every little bit of exposure helps spread the word and get more people to see the film.

New York Times Says Dare Not Walk Alone "Deserves to be seen"

2008-08-23T11:32:00.009-05:00

[Media: cell phone shot of the Dare Not Walk Alone poster outside the Pioneer Theater]

When the toughest critic for one of the toughest papers says that your movie "deserves to be seen" you have to embrace that, even if she leads off her review with some painful [and in our humble opinion misguided] comments that could hurt attendance. It would be a pity if some people who might otherwise be exposed to the film stayed away because of those comments.

However, we are pleased to report that the opening night, Friday, went very well, with a good-sized crowd in attendance. A slight problem with the print was remedied in time for the Saturday screening. Judging by the number of people who hung around afterward to talk with the director and producer on Friday evening, the film was well received (with no reports of the rumored unwatch-ability).

Interestingly, nobody seemed to have a problem with the way the film flowed from past events to slices of present reality, not unlike the way hip-hop mixes samples from old recordings with fresh vocals. So maybe some people just expect films that address this subject matter to do so in a strictly sequential and formal format. Admittedly, Dare Not Walk Alone might be more challenging to watch that a traditional documentary, just as some hip-hop can be more challenging to listen to than traditional music. And certainly the film makes no claim to deliver clear-cut answers to complex issues, but muddled? A lot of people would beg to differ.
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Thank You New York Times, Maybe

2008-08-22T15:08:00.003-05:00

Today's review of Dare Not Walk Alone in the New York Times was both encouraging and disappointing. The line we should all take from the review is: Deserves to be seen.

Those of you who have helped us over the past four years to work against the odds and get this film made and distributed should take heart that a. the film is playing in New York City (an incredible achievement for an independent film about a controversial topic made with virtually no budget); b. it has so far racked up an impressive string of positive reviews, with great scores on RottenTomatoes and IMDB.

What you should not do is pay any mind to the negative comments in this NYT review, which merely echo remarks made by other, equally narrow-minded reviewers on the other coast. When critics say the movie is "muddled" or "haphazard" they are clearly missing the point.

Dare Not Walk Alone is a different kind of civil rights film, in more ways than one. Just as the film takes you closer to the gritty, street-level reality of the civil rights struggle than other films, it also exposes you to the muddfled and haphazard reality of life today in a community where that struggle was waged.

And if there is one thing everyone can agree on when it comes to the issue of race and rights today it is this: it's messy. So why would a film about this topic be neat and tidy and nicely linear, like every other potted history of a movement that is still working itself out in American society today?

Thankfully, a lot of people who see the film do get the point, and see the skill of Jeremy Dean's direction, particularly those who experience the film in a theater. As we've said before, most movie reviews are not written by people who watch the film in a cinema side-by-side with their fellow citizens. When you do that, when you have that expewrience, you get what the film accomplishes, and why it is, and had to be, so different from the linear, date-by-date history lessons that we are accustomed to seeing on this topic.

So we say "See it!" For as even the New York Times says: It deserves to be seen.
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A Good Movie at a Good Theater: Who could ask for more?

2008-08-16T21:43:00.003-05:00

When you are a small, low budget, independent documentary like Dare Not Walk Alone you can't exactly pick and chose which theaters you play in, which is why we're delighted to be playing in New York's Pioneer Theater--because it really is a great little cinema! Don't take our word for it, check out these great reviews from people who've seen movies there.

"Perfect little indie movie theatre."

"I was very impressed with this charming little theater!"

We hope you 'll be able to join us there, August 22 at 7PM and the next 6 nights. Try to buy your tickets early because it is not a large cinema and can sell out. Oh, and here's a friendly tip from the review page: "It's a few minutes longer walk from the subway than you would think by the map, so leave a few extra minutes as shows start right on time."

Two Boots Pioneer Theater
Manhattan/East Village
155 E 3rd St
(between Avenue A & Avenue B)
New York, NY 10009

Dare Not Walk Alone Manhattan Poster: Now online

2008-08-12T23:43:00.004-05:00

The odds are firmly against an independent documentary ever making it to theaters. One reason that Dare Not Walk Alone has beaten those odds is its loyal band of supporters.

One thing those supporters have done is print out and distribute fliers for the movie when it comes to their town. This is a great way to increase 'buzz' about the film (along with blog posts and calls to local radio stations). And so it is that we proudly announce the Manhattan Project. Sorry, that should be Manhattan Poster. It is now ready to download print, and post [responsibly]. Remember, black and white or color print makes no difference. The message is the same.

Click here to get the poster in jpeg and pdf.

Some supporters have printed these and put them on employee bulletin boards at work, on grocery store bulletin boards, and on church bulletin boards. Other good spots are coffee shops and book stores.

As always, anything you can do to get out the word is much appreciated. A strong turnout is not just a vote for independent film but also a vote to continue and expand productive dialog about race in America. THANK YOU!

New York Times on Obama's "Delicate Path"

2008-08-05T16:18:00.012-05:00

A timely article in the Sunday edition of the New York Times highlights the class/race issue through a discussion of Obama's thoughts on affirmative action. We can frame the issue as a question that may be more challenging than it first appears: Would it be appropriate for Senator Obama's daughters to benefit from affirmative action?

The question can also be framed like this: At what point do inequalities in society become more about class than race? And this question was poignantly raised several years ago during the making of Dare Not Walk Alone. The question naturally arises when the film surveys the current living conditions of some African Americans in a town where one of the great battles of the civil rights movement was fought and supposedly won. And the issue was addressed directly by Dr. Todd Boyd, Professor of Critical Studies at USC, speaking in the film:

"In this generation you have a lot of African Americans who have come up economically. A lot of black people have been assimilated in the society at large. A lot of other people have not. I think the point is, at a certain time it becomes as much about class as it does about race. Now you can’t divorce the fact that being poor and black is worse than being just poor but the poverty component of it is real."

In other words, over the last fifty years the lines have been redrawn. Almost without exception, to be black in 1958 was to be poor. There were also poor white folk in 1958, but being white did not equal being poor. In 2008, to be black is not to be automatically poor. But to be black still means finding yourself subject to institutionalized racism, and probably more so if you are poor and black than if you are black and affluent (although driving an expensive car while being black still seems to be regarded, at least in some parts of the country, as grounds for suspicion).

These words of Dr. Boyd can create something of an acid test of attitudes: being poor and black is worse than being just poor. Some people will balk at that statement. Of course, we think it's hard to watch Dare Not Walk Alone or spend time with black friends and then disagree with it. But the challenge facing Barack Obama, or anyone who wants to tackle the social and economic ills and inequalities of our time, is to walk that delicate path to the common ground where can work on solutions together, poor and affluent, black and white, male and female, and whatever other distinction you want to draw. For as Dr. King said, 40 years ago:

"There is nothing more dangerous than to build a society, with a large segment of people who feel that they have no stake in it, who feel they have nothing to lose."

New York Screening Just 3 Weeks Away

2008-08-01T16:43:00.005-05:00

Just wanted to remind everyone that Dare Not Walk Alone will open at the Pioneer Theater on Manhattan's Lower East Side in three weeks time.

There will be one show each evening at 7PM starting on Friday, August 22 and running through Thursday, August 28. You can get details and tickets here. With the dialogue about race in America now attracting mainstream media attention, Dare Not Walk Alone is more relevant than ever. In no other film will you witness both the gritty reality of the struggle for equality and the disquieting reality of life today in a community on whose streets that struggle was fought.

Interestingly, as the film reaches a wider audience, we may be seeing a split emerge between folks who object to the way the film mixes past and present aspects of the racial divide in America, and others who 'get' where the film is coming from. We're not quite sure what factors account for this difference of opinion, however, it does seem like younger people, who may have received only a condensed and sanitized version of the civil rights struggle in school, really appreciate the up-close and personal style of Dare Not Walk Alone. They like that the film does not preach or narrate but simply allows you to experience sounds and images and words that convey with great immediacy both historic events and present realities.

This experience may leave the audience with more questions than answers, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. No documentary is going to answer all the questions that the complex topic of "race in America" raises today. But this film makes a good starting point for discussion and many who have watched it found it to be a strong impetus to get involved with finding the answers.
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Dare Not Walk Alone Screens at Mercyhurst College, PA

2008-07-31T16:35:00.004-05:00

The award-winning independent documentary about race and rights in America, Dare Not Walk Alone, will be shown in the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center, Wednesday, October 8, 2008, at 2PM and again at 8PM, as part of the Guelcher Film Series. The film's director, Jeremy Dean, will be on hand to discuss the film.

(Mercyhurst College is in Erie, Pennsylvania.)

A Footnote to the National Slavery and Jim Crow Apology

2008-07-31T16:19:00.002-05:00

When the U.S. House of Representatives apologized, earlier this week, for slavery and the Jim Crow laws, it was following in the footsteps of several states, including Florida, which apologized to African American Floridians in April of this year. As we noted then, another piece of Florida legislation seeks to go further and expunge the records of Floridians who were arrested for protesting the Jim Crow laws in the sixties. And that legislation was introduced in direct response to Dare Not Walk Alone.

At Last: Congress Apologizes for Salvery and Jim Crow Laws

2008-07-30T08:35:00.002-05:00

Sometimes good news comes out of nowhere or, as on Tuesday, out of congress, where the House has apologized for slavery and the Jim Crow laws. A lot of people have been pushing for this for some time. But there has never been, until now, sufficient collective will to make it happen. So we say: Well done congresspersons! But also: About time!

The full text of the bill makes interesting reading. This is not a collection of vague words. It reads like the person who wrote it, and the people who passed it, really do understand that there is a lot to apologize for. Consider these assertions, which the House of Representatives has now asserted to be true:

...a century after the official end of slavery in America, Federal action was required during the 1960s to eliminate the dejure and defacto system of Jim Crow throughout parts of the Nation, though its vestiges still linger to this day;

Which is what Dare Not Walk Alone is all about. And this:

...African-Americans continue to suffer from the complex interplay between slavery and Jim Crow--long after both systems were formally abolished--through enormous damage and loss, both tangible and intangible, including the loss of human dignity, the frustration of careers and professional lives, and the long-term loss of income and opportunity;

So, if you should hear someone saying that racial inequality is all in the past and that things are all well and good today, kindly tell them that ain't so, and when they ask "Says who?" you can now answer "Says the United States House of Representatives."
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Theater in New York to "Pioneer" Dare Not Walk Alone

2008-07-18T22:39:00.005-05:00

Exciting news for supporters of Dare Not Walk Alone. On August 22 the film will start a week long run in New York, at the Pioneer Theater, Third Street at Avenue A. Times are not yet posted on the theater's web site but we are told there will be two showings a night.

Please let friends and family know about this. Obviously it will be a huge boost to the film if folks turn out in strong numbers for these showings. Here's the theater info:

Pioneer Theater
155 East 3rd Street, at Avenue A
New York City
Showtimes: (212) 591 0434
Pioneer Theater Website

Jesse Jackson and Barack Obama: Could both be right about responsibility?

2008-07-10T09:01:00.005-05:00

As reported by the New York Times today, the Rev. Jesse Jackson apologized for critical and crude comments he made about Senator Barack Obama. While regrettable in a number of ways, this incident sheds welcome light on an issue that needs to be discussed more openly, the question of responsibility for the current state of affairs in poor black communities. One is reminded that the director's original tag line for Dare Not Walk Alone was "The War of Responsibility." Watching the movie certainly puts sentiments like Rev. Jackson's in context.

Now Senator Obama is inclined to say that absentee fathers are, at least in part, to blame for some of the problems afflicting black Americans, for example: “We need fathers to recognize that responsibility doesn’t just end at conception.” Rev. Jackson thinks this is “talking down to black people.” Rev. Jackson says other issues should be highlighted, including unemployment, the mortgage crisis and the number of blacks in prison. In other words, past actions by white are also to blame.

According to a statement by Rev. Jackson reported in the Times: “My appeal was for the moral content of his message to not only deal with the personal and moral responsibility of black males, but to deal with the collective moral responsibility of government and the public policy which would be a corrective action for the lack of good choices that often led to their irresponsibility.”

Surely both men are right. There is definitely a woeful lack of good choices in some communities. And bad choices by white politicians have not helped. It has to be very discouraging to grow up in a neighborhood that has no sewer system and then watch your county commissioners divert federal funds intended for sewer improvements into a wealthy and predominantly white sub-division. Or attend a school that has far less resources than the white school on the other side of town.

But the fact is, some people succeed despite such things, and maybe some of them are able to do so because they have fathers who stuck by them and encouraged them. And while some fathers shirk their responsibilities for purely selfish reasons, others find themselves ill-equipped to cope with their responsibilities. As the Times points out, the way you see this issue is partly determined by your age. Here's what Rev. Jackson's son, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. of Illinois, who serves as a national co-chairman of Mr. Obama’s presidential campaign, had to say: “Reverend Jackson is my dad, and I’ll always love him...[but]...I thoroughly reject and repudiate his ugly rhetoric. He should keep hope alive and any personal attacks and insults to himself.”

Back in 2003-2004, when Dare Not Walk Alone was conceived, it was almost impossible to think that America could have a public debate on this topic. That is one reason so few people were prepared to back the film. Which proves things can change a lot in four years.
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Notre Dame to Screen Dare Not Walk Alone

2008-07-07T21:37:00.003-05:00

The University of Notre Dame will be showing Dare Not Walk Alone in October as part of the WORLDVIEW Film Series. There will be three showings: Friday, October 10, 2008, at 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm, and Saturday, October 11, 2008, at 6:30 pm. Click here for details.

The screenings will be in the the Browning Cinema which is equipped to show films in almost any format (and is the only THX-certified cinema in Indiana). Director Jeremy Dean will be there for a Q&A session on Friday evening.

WORLDVIEW is an initiative from the Office of the President to promote constructive dialogue about issues of diversity, including race, ethnicity, nationality, socio-economic class, and gender…through the arts.

Dare Not Walk Alone to Screen in Gainesville, Florida

2008-06-12T22:01:00.004-05:00

After playing New York in August, the theatrical release of Florida filmmaker Jeremy Dean's Dare Not Walk Alone will continue in September at Gainesville's historic Hippodrome State Theater. Dates and times will be announced on the blog. Here are some comments on the film from Variety and the prestigious Film Journal International:

"This thoughtful documentary brings alive a disturbing time in American history." -- Film Journal

"Dean's ability to explore history through such a local nexus creates a uniquely intimate document" -- Variety

"The racial politics of the current presidential election make this film all the more significant" -- Film Journal

Dare Not Walk to Open in New York City in August

2008-06-12T19:45:00.006-05:00

We are pleased to announced that Dare Not Walk Alone, the independent documentary described by the LA Times as "a powerful slice of roiling American history," will be playing in New York in August, opening on the 22nd. Details to follow.
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An Historic First for America: Senator Obama secures Democratic nomination

2008-06-03T22:17:00.005-05:00

One month shy of the 44th anniversary of the signing of the first civil rights act, the headline from New York Times says it all: Obama Claims Nomination; First Black to Lead a Major Party Ticket. We've come a long way America!
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More on Race, Politics, and Dare Not Walk Alone

2008-05-21T14:32:00.003-05:00

Carrying on from the previous post about racism that has surfaced during the Obama primary campaign, it is useful to ask where the racism resides. Dare Not Walk Alone paints a disturbing picture of one Florida community where the effects of past racism are still felt, even though none of the local officials in power there today could be described as racist.

The film quotes some pretty stark statistics that present a local snapshot of the racial divide 40 years after the first civil rights act was signed into law. One statistic that was not included in the film: infant mortality rates. Across America as a whole, black babies are nearly 2.5 times more likely than white babies to die before reaching their first birthday; but things were worse than that for black babies born in St. Johns County in the period just prior to the movie being made (2002-2004). Their mortality rate was 18.2 per 1,000 live births, way lower than the rate of 74.4 in Haiti but worse than Albania, Fiji, Grenada, and Vietnam to name a few). That number of 18.2 is also pretty dismal compared to an overall US average of 6.8 and a rate of 5.2 for white babies born in St. Johns County (these numbers are from the CDC, CIA, and PRB).

It has to be said that, following new initiatives by both the state and non-profit groups, the infant mortality rate for black babies born in St Johns County appears to have been reduced in the last couple of years. However, there is still a black/white divide both locally and nationally. That's not a political statement but a fact. Where things get political is when you talk about why the gap exists and what should be done to close it. As with the black/white unemployment gap, some responses are potentially incendiary, like: "Those kids should get jobs instead of hanging out on the corners." Reaction to a statement like that can vary, depending on the race of the person making it. But whoever says it needs to bear in mind that getting a job is easier said than done, at least in some parts of America.
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Racism in the Raw: Obama campaigners run into reality

2008-05-13T16:18:00.008-05:00

With so much going on in the presidential primaries this story did not get much notice: Racism alarms Obama backers - Washington Post. The central fact of the story, that folks doing grass roots campaigning for Senator Barack Obama have encountered overt racism, will come as a surprise to some people, but not to others.

Try making a movie about race in America today and you learn a lot about how people really feel. You find that there's a fair amount of racial prejudice just beneath the surface. Scratch the surface, for example, just by bringing up the subject, and you can get you an earful. So you have to expect the same to be true for a black person taking a run at the presidency. While some white folks are clearly quite happy to vote for a black president, for others it may just be too much, and that's a sad reflection on our country.

When Dare Not Walk Alone played in Los Angeles last month, here's what the Film Journal critic said: "The racial politics of the current presidential election make this film all the more significant." So, does this make Dare Not Walk Alone a political film?

That's a hard question to answer because politics, like beauty, can be in the eye of the beholder. The film does not preach. There is no narrator making statements. This is not a Michael Moore style documentary. Jeremy Dean lets the events and the people involved speak for themselves. (As Variety noted "Dean's ability to explore history through such a local nexus creates a uniquely intimate document.")

But that doesn't mean some of what is said in the film is not controversial. When a black US congresswoman compares parts of St. John's County, one of the wealthiest counties in Florida, home to the nation's 'oldest city' and The Players Championship, with Haiti, you can bet that riled some white politicians in the county. But then a former politician [white] describes the deplorable lack of proper sanitation. And the camera captures some scenes that are not staged and not very pretty. In the end, most people are going to get the idea that things are far from rosy and the filmmaker is not just making this up.

Is life like that for all African Americans? No. Do all white people think black people complain too much? No. Do all black people think white people can't be trusted? No. Will carrying an Obama sign while white teach you something about race in America? Probably, it pretty much depends where you are carrying it.
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Packs a Punch! What critics are saying about Dare Not Walk Alone

2008-05-06T15:39:00.005-05:00

Here is the cream of the Los Angeles reviews for Dare Not Walk Alone which played there last week.

"Powerful slice of roiling American history" -- LA Times

"Packs a punch" -- LA Weekly

"Mesmerizing and heart-rending" -- L.A. City Beat

"Dean's ability to explore history through such a local nexus creates a uniquely intimate document." -- Variety

"The racial politics of the current presidential election make this film all the more significant." -- Film Journal

"Clear-eyed look at the adversaries of Martin Luther King Jr.’s utopian “dream”...reminds us that, for far too many Americans of color, “free at last” has meant trading one sociological prison for another." -- LA Weekly

"Has great potential to do real good in the world" -- Boxoffice

"A very strong comment on the capacity of people to ascend from their suffering." -- Boxoffice

"Dean handles the historical material with skill, insidiously intercutting vintage travel promos touting St. Augustine's tourist-friendly beaches with sequences of mass chaos in the same locations." -- Variety

"More than just another civil-rights history lesson. This thoughtful documentary brings alive a disturbing time in American history." -- Film Journal

So Long LA and Thanks for all the Reviews

2008-05-02T18:04:00.003-05:00

We want to send out a big THANK YOU to all the DNWA supporters in the Greater Los Angeles area who came out to see the film. Thanks to you, will look set to open in several more cities [details will be posted here on the blog].

The Los Angeles engagement showed that DNWA, made on the kind of budget that doesn't even register on Hollywood's radar, can hold its own in the heart of commercial movie country AND come away with some solid reviews. Very few independent documentaries get this many reviews from major publications.

In fact, the film is currently scoring 100% on the review roundup web site known as Rotten Tomatoes, with 5 positive to 0 negative. And we're talking big name reviewers here, like the Los Angeles Times and Variety. In a few days we will post some of the comments from these reviews, comments that should help the film gain even more "buzz" in the next engagement.

Not that we all agree with all of the reviewers. Many of them don't seem to 'get' the way the second half of the movie works. One could say "it doesn't work for them" but bear in mind most reviewers watch the film on DVD, not in a cinema where you can feel and hear the audience reaction to the film. In our experience a lot of people who see the film in theaters 'get' the material, even though it can be jarring, even disturbing. If you want to check out the reviews, you will find links to them at Rotten Tomatoes.

Scenes from '64: Non-violence in action.

2008-04-26T16:06:00.007-05:00

A campaign of non-violent protest does not mean there will be no violence; it means you may suffer violence but you do not fight back. This places the people against whose position you are protesting in a very difficult, often untenable position. This was Dr. King's brilliant, and successful, strategy in St. Augustine in 1964.

Meet the Filmmaker: Dare Not Walk Alone's Jeremy Dean

2008-04-23T20:45:00.013-05:00

At the 7:45PM showings of Dare Not Walk Alone this coming Friday and Saturday at the Laemmle Grande 4-Plex in Los Angeles, filmgoers will have a chance to meet the filmmaker, Jeremy Dean.
And 'filmmaker' aptly describes Jeremy Dean, who not only wrote and directed Dare Not Walk Alone, he also has producer, editor, and cinematographer credits on the film.

Hope you can be there! Click here for tickets.

Film Brings Dr. Martin Luther King's Florida Encarceration to Light

2008-04-22T09:52:00.009-05:00

An Old Town Trolley Tour is one of the best ways to see Saint Augustine, the oldest city of European origin in America; the tour guides are famous for their entertaining but fact-packed monologues, and Trolley Tours management, which has a strong Ben & Jerry social responsibility flavor to it, takes its educational role very seriously. So imagine their surprise when a recent visitor, a professor from California no less, complained that her tour guide was over-selling the city's role in the civil rights movement. She went so far as to state that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was NOT jailed in Saint Augustine.

Dr. King most certainly WAS jailed in Saint Augustine, as were hundreds of other people. Sometimes so many people were arrested that St. John's County Sheriff's Department held them in open air stockages, in the Florida sun. Dr. King is shown in custody in Florida in the above photograph from the Library of Congress AND in newsreels excerpted in Dare Not Walk Alone AND as described in Jeremy Dean's 2005 interview with the late James Brock, the man whose restaurant Dr. King was attempting to enter when the police bundled him into the back seat of a police car (with a large police dog for company).

Not only that, one of the houses at which Dr. King stayed during his time in Saint Augustine was fired upon, as reported in the St. Augustine Record, and recorded in this great AP photo captioned: "Dr. King looks at a glass door of his rented beach cottage in St. Augustine, Fla. that was shot into by someone unknown on June 5, 1964. King took time out from conferring with St. Augustine integration leaders to inspect the house, which no one was in at the time of the shooting."

That bullet hole is still there today, that's how much the people who own the house respect Dr. King's legacy. It is historical fact that Dr. King spent a large part of April through June of 1964 coordinating what he referred to as "our push here in St. Augustine" describing it as a prelude to "a long hot summer." (You can hear his exact words in the film's trailer.) This carefully worded statement was a warning to the Southern Democrats in the US Senate who had vowed to kill the civil rights act with procedural maneuvers.

Dr. King made it clear that he and his followers were prepared to "march the streets of this city until the walls of segregation come tumbling down." For Dr. King had figured out there was a limit to how many nights in a row politicians could watch scenes of demonstrators being beaten by police and white extremists before they did the right thing and make segregation illegal.

There is enormous irony in someone suggesting that Saint Augustine is today 'over-playing its civil rights hand.' In fact, it has taken years of effort and pressure from people like historian David Nolan and groups like the 40th Accord and their supporters, to bring this part of the city's past into the light alongside other momentous local events (like the landing of Ponce De Leon in 1513, the slaughter of the Huguenots and founding of the city in 1565, and so much more).

Given all that, we at DNWA were prepared to be quite upset with the person who complained to Trolley Tours, but then we took a deep breath and looked around. That's when it became clear that across most of America the role of Saint Augustine in the civil rights movement has been left out or glossed over for the past 40 years, to such an extent that many people, even scholars, react in disbelief when they hear the historical facts. For example, Dr. King's efforts and arrest in Saint Augustine do not appear in many of the timelines of civil rights movement.

These timelines often have a big gap between the introduction of the Civil Rights Act in 1963 and its signing in July of 1964. What do they think Dr. King was doing in that time? He sure as heck was not on vacation. Yet while many timelines credit 'Bloody Sunday' in Selma, in March of 1965, as the catalyst for the Voting Rights Act passing in August of 1965, few note the repeated beatings and imprisonment that people suffered in Saint Augustine in relation to the very first civil rights act. Even the Library of Congress listing for the photo above has it wrongly identified as being taken in 1962.

So, we understand why people might be surprised to learn the true story of Saint Augustine's fight for equality in 1963 and 1964. After all, the all-white city fathers of the time worked very hard to hush it up, afraid that it would hurt the tourism trade on which the city was economically dependent. These days we see signs of a more enlightened attitude, a willingness to honor those who risked their lives so that all of us could enjoy 'a more perfect union.'
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Show Times for Dare Not Walk Alone at the Laemmle Grande 4-Plex

2008-04-18T14:05:00.004-05:00

Several of you have asked for the show times. This table lists all shows currently scheduled. All times are PM.

For the latest show times, theater details, and tickets click here.

Civil Rights Movie "Right on Time" and "Coming to a Theater Near You"

2008-04-18T11:30:00.005-05:00

As the dialog about race in America spreads from the campaign trail to the Sunday talk shows, from blogs to bars and coffee shops, there is one movie ideally placed to serve as the centerpiece of that dialog: Dare Not Walk Alone.

This is a documentary that doesn't shy away from hard-to-watch images of past intolerance or present inequality, yet manages to find signs of hope in both the past and present.

Hailed by critics as "brave filmmaking" and "a triumph of outrage and empathy" it opens next week in Los Angeles. (For show times and all the other info click here.) If enough people go see this movie in the first week it can secure openings in other cities across America and thus serve as tool by which to tear down the walls of suspicion and discomfort that too often separate Americans along racial lines.

At the beginning of the film we hear Dr. King, speaking in 1964, make what must have sounded at the time like a huge leap of faith: "I believe that the negroes of St. Augustine and their allies in the white community are determined to march the streets of the city until the walls of segregation come crumbling down."

Yet those brave souls, marching in a county where the KKK enjoyed open support, did indeed bring down the walls of segregation. Their determination to meet violence with non-violence, blacks arm-in-arm with whites, eventually forced the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. However, as the film documents, stark inequities remain, in the very place where people fought for equality forty years ago.

As one Orange County blogger pointed out, Dare Not Walk Alone is the film to see if you want to understand Where the Anger Comes From. It is also a film for those who want to understand how equality and justice can be best served by coming together and seeing eye-to-eye.

(And if enough people turn out to see the film in LA, the rest of America will get a chance to see it too.)

Dare Not Walk Alone Getting Hot, Getting Noticed

2008-04-10T10:33:00.006-05:00

The recent press release did not make the front page of any old media [yet] but it did get a shout on several blogs, including Clyde Smith's Hip-Hop Logic. Thanks Clyde, much appreciated. The trailer is already starting to heat up on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9lh4dGMHjo

Also got a nice post on Vernon Hadnot's D210 TV, a cutting edge video/magazine show focusing on "positive images and role models for today’s young adults, through the latest in music videos, entertainment news, artist spotlights and local community events." Thanks Vernon! We appreciate you tagging the story 'What's Hot' because we think DNWA is hot--and a bunch of people will soon be kicking themselves for not seeing that sooner. The trailer is already starting to heat up on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9lh4dGMHjo

And the prize for 'far-out blog post' has to go to the University of Göteborg Resistance Studies Network. Yes, that's Goteborg in Sweden. And you might wonder what Sweden has to do with civil rights in America. Let's play random association:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the youngest person to win the Nobel Prize, awarded by Sweden just a few months after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the brilliant non-violent campaign for which is documented in DNWA .
The official Dare Not Walk Alone web site was built with a template designed by a very cool twenty-something web designer from Jokkmokk, Sweden, Andreas Viklund.
The University of Göteborg puts on an annual conference about gender and religion and this year's keynote speaker was Prof. Ursula King, a renowned expert in religious studies and good friend of one of Dare Not Walk Alone's producers.

Interesting connections and they remind us that, long before the Internet, people of conscience from around the world were working together to end injustice and bring about positive change. People in Europe supported Dr. King in America, and later Nelson Mandela in South Africa, through lobbying and letter-writing, marching and generally making a nuisance of themselves to anyone clinging to the injustices of the past.
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Florida's Formal Slavery Apology and the Power of Low Budget Movies

2008-04-06T14:26:00.007-05:00

You might have missed it among all bad news about about the economy and the important coverage of the fortieth anniversary of Dr. King's assassination, but it deserves attention. The state of Florida recently offered a formal apology for slavery.

Apparently it was an emotional vote. The Miami Herald ran a picture showing Senator Tony Hill, who has been a strong supporter of Dare Not Walk Alone, being embraced by Senate President Ken Pruitt at the capitol in Tallahassee.

While Dare Not Walk Alone cannot claim credit for this apology, the film is directly responsible for a related bill now making its way through the Florida legislature. The Pardons/Restoration of Rights/Rosa Parks Act seeks a full pardon for "any person convicted of protesting or challenging a state law or local government ordinance the purpose of which was to maintain racial segregation of or racial discrimination against individuals." In other words, a pardon for the brave marchers and protestors of Saint Augustine featured in the film. The bill was introduced by Senator Hill after attending the first public screening of the film.

"The documentary was so moving that, as chairman of the Black Caucus of the State of Florida, I have filed a bill for the 2007 legislative session in the House and the Senate to have all records cleared for anyone who was arrested because of segregated laws. That is how compelling the film was to me."

Senator Hill was true to his word and the bill is moving forward. Who says movies can't make a difference!
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Robert Kennedy on the Death of Martin Luther King, Jr.

2008-04-05T17:41:00.001-05:00

We thought people might want to hear this remarkable moment in history, when Robert Kennedy, brother of slain President John F. Kennedy, spoke of the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. just a few hours after it happened.

A Committed Life: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2008-04-04T07:49:00.006-05:00

Dr. King's Legacy of Non-Violence Kept Alive

2008-04-03T08:30:00.007-05:00

As we approach one of the saddest and most tragic anniversaries of our time, the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. forty years ago this week, we are honored to play a small part in preserving his great legacy in Dare Not Walk Alone, one of the few films we know of that documents in detail the practical genius of Dr. King's non-violence principles..

In the film we see exactly how Dr. King focused world attention on the injustices of the Jim Crow laws of the segregated South. Because he persuaded supporters to remain peaceful on marches, sit-ins, beach bus-ins, and boycotts, despite increasingly hysterical violence and provocation from those who opposed desegregation, the world was treated to image after image of white Americans, police with dogs, youths with clubs and chains, assaulting innocent black people.

The contrast proved too much for Washington politicians in the summer of 1964. The motel owner, James Brock (shown speaking with Dr. King in this rarely seen archive footage from the film) whose segregated establishment had been picketed for many months, finally snapped and used acid to get black and white bathers out of his "Whites Only" swimming pool.

Within days of that incident the first civil rights act was passed. For it showed the world how futile segregation was when some black and white Americans were prepared to link arms and stand united to put their lives on the line for freedom and justice for all. May we strive to honor Dr. King's legacy by continuing to stand together to achieve that goal.

Obama and DNWA: The dialogue starts here

2008-03-19T21:16:00.008-05:00

When Senator Barack Obama gave his recent speech titled "A More Perfect Union" he referred to the gap "between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time." Anyone who has seen Dare Not Walk Alone will know what that gap looks like and that it still exists today.

Here's a link to the text and video of the speech and here's the passage that describes what Dare Not Walk Alone has so effectively documented:

"...words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part - through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk - to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time."

Those words capture the spirit of the struggles that played out on the streets of St. Augustine in 1964, where ordinary people, black and white, Christian and Jewish--and doubtless other faiths and philosophies as well--put their lives on the line to pass legislation that would finally dismantle the Jim Crow laws and move America closer to "a more perfect Union."

But Jim Crow laws rose up after slavery was struck down, and more subtle forms of discrimination took hold after the civil rights acts struck down Jim Crow. The gap was narrowed but not closed. And when the film turns its cameras on the present we clearly see "that legacy of defeat" which Senator Obama refers to as being "passed on to future generations - those young men and increasingly young women who we see standing on street corners or languishing in our prisons, without hope or prospects for the future."

Yet the film also shows how meaningful steps can be taken toward healing divisions that still exists more than forty years after the heroic struggles of 1964. And surely now is the time to face up to the challenge, not by glossing over grim realities, not by absolving individuals of responsibility for their own actions, but by extending the hand of friendship, finding a kind word, accepting good will at face value, and having some faith in our fellow citizens, angry and hurt though they may be.

As Senator Obama put it: "the anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races." The goal of Dare Not Walk Alone has always been to expand our understanding, close that chasm, narrow the gap, help the dialogue begin and take hold.
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New Dare Not Walk Alone Trailer

2008-03-18T21:28:00.011-05:00

[Update April 21: Over 1,500 people have watched the trailer on YouTube!]

P.S. For the geeks out there, here is code to embed the trailer from YouTube:
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/s9lh4dGMHjo&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/s9lh4dGMHjo&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

A Powerhouse of a Picture: Latest review of Dare Not Walk Alone

2008-02-21T11:11:00.004-05:00

The upcoming screening of Dare Not Walk Alone in Portland this next Saturday led to a review in the Willamette Week which is Portland's Pulitzer-winning alternative newspaper. Here are some memorable quotes:

"A POWERHOUSE OF A PICTURE"

"MINUTELY ATTUNED TO DISPARITIES OF CLASS AND RACE"

"A TRIUMPH OF OUTRAGE AND EMPATHY"

Needless to say, we think the reviewer really 'got' what Dare Not Walk Alone is all about. You can read the full review online on this page, just scroll down the movie list.

And just a reminder, there will be a free screening of Dare Not Walk Alone on Saturday, February 23 at 4:00 p.m. at the New Columbia Community Education Center (4625 N. Trenton Street, Portland, 97203). Bring your family, bring your friends.
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Free Screening of Dare Not Walk Alone, Portland, OR, Feb 23

2008-02-18T16:00:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Film Action Oregon and The New Columbia Community Education Center there will be a free screening of Dare Not Walk Alone on Saturday, February 23 at 4:00 p.m. in Portland, Oregon. This is the film's first showing in Oregon so were are asking all our friends and supporters to tell everyone they know in Oregon about this event.

This screening is part of The New Columbia Film Series, featuring films from around the world that address important issues such as race, ethnicity and cultural traditions. The film will be shown at the New Columbia Community Education Center (4625 N. Trenton Street, Portland, 97203). To find out more and help publicize this event, which includes other films, you can download the flyer here.
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DNWA Civil Rights Film Comes to Texas: DFW at SMU on Jan 24

2008-01-22T09:42:00.001-05:00

Greetings Texas! The award-winning indie documentary Dare Not Walk Alone will be showing on Thursday, January 24 at 7 p.m. in Hughes-Trigg Theatre on the campus of Southern Methodist University as part of the schoool's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Week. Please tell as many people as you can about this event. (Location is 3140 Dyer Street, Dallas, TX 75205)

Dare Not Walk Alone tells the story of the 1964 "war of ideas" in St. Augustine, Florida, that led to the passage of the first civil rights bill on July 2 of that year; events never before documented in this fashion; events that speak to the heart of the current political debate over race in America and the role of Dr. King, who was jailed in St. Augustine, versus that of President Johnson (tapes from the LBJ White House are heard in opening scene of the film).

Described as the "most gritty version of civil rights history" put on film, Dare Not Walk Alone has been acclaimed by film festival audiences across the country. It offers a rare look at Dr. King's non-violent campaign tactics in action and shows the tremendous courage and heroism required of those who put them into practice to break a political stalemate and give America a landmark law, desegregating hotels, restaurants, swimming pools and other public places, as well as establishing the federal entity that has probably done more than any other to bring equality to working Americans, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

If you can encourage people to attend, and to vote at IMDB, you will be helping this important film obtain wider release. Thank you!