50 Years On: Remembering the fight to pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act

Fifty years ago today, the 72-year-old mother of the Governor of Massachusetts, Mary Parkman Peabody, was arrested at the Ponce de Leon Motor Lodge in St. Augustine, Florida, for attempting to be served in an integrated group at a racially segregated restaurant. This mixed race group was one of many trying to put pressure on congress to pass the Civil Rights act which was being filibustered.

We encourage you to look at this archive photo of the event, the "reading of the sit-in law" to a group of elderly ladies and an African American dentist (Dr. Hayling, whose fingers were intentionally broken by the KKK). The man making the arrest is St. John County Sheriff L.O. Davis.

The attention paid to this event by the national media foreshadowed the impact of another, even more dramatic integration protest, when an image of black and white Americans united against segregation would grab headlines around the world and lead the President of the United States to say: "Our whole foreign policy and everything else could go to hell over this."

You can read a lot more about these historic events, many of which have long been overlooked in the gentrified mainstream histories of the civil rights movement, at this Civil Rights Movement Veterans website, hosted by Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS.

Note that some versions of the Parkman Peabody Ponce de Leon arrest have the date as March 30 or April 1. We went with March 31 as a compromise.

Also note that we are not showing the Parkman Peabody arrest photo on this page because is owned by Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft. Mr Gates' company, Corbis, charges $1,000 a year to put this photo on a web page, so we took the cheap route and provided a link to the catalog.

Another year of being on sale with very few sales

Just a quick update in the final quarter of 2013 to say that the film is still very much in the red. The odd DVD sale and streaming rental has produced just a few dollars since the last update in 2012. That's when we pointed out that having your movie offered for sale at websites like Amazon or Walmart does not mean it is being sold.

Andrew Young being assaulted during a night march to the
historic Slave Market in St. Augustine, Florida, 1964

The financial net worth of the project is still less than zero, meaning that if even if we gave away the rights to the movie they would come with debts to be paid. Of course, the positive reports we get from time to time, submitted by people who have seen the film, support our continued belief that the project was 100% worthwhile. And we will be forever thankful to all who helped make the film a reality.

We do know that every February the film gets screened in many classrooms around the country--usually in violation of copyright law, but hey, we're not going to report anybody--so that thousands of kids get to see what non-violent struggle is really like: black and white people taking a beating without fighting back. That was the brilliant strategy that won the passage of the first civil rights act, 50 years ago this year.

Policeman cattle prods a white student "sitting in" to protest segregation
and support civil rights in St. Augustine, Florida, 1964

5 Years On: On sale but not selling

Five years ago we began negotiating the theatrical and DVD release of Dare Not Walk Alone. We had high hopes that this would lead to revenue, enough to pay back the people who lent their time and money to making the film, and then give something back to the community whose story is told in the film. Sadly those hopes have faded, as reflected in the film's latest financial statement. Stephen Cobb has blogged about this over on his personal blog.

Fortunately, we think the film will live on, in community screenings, often around the time of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday. And hopefully there are still people out there who were inspired by the film to make a difference in their communities.

Dare Not Walk Alone featured at the Tallahassee Film Festival 2012 Tribute to African-American Films

We're proud to see Dare Not Walk Alone featured at the Tallahassee Film Festival 2012 Tribute to African-American Films.

If you can't make the screenings, you can always rent or buy online from amazon instant video.

With many thanks from the film's producers...Jeremy Dean, Stephen Cobb, and Richard Mergener

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

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

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

This month, May of 2011, St. Johns County in Florida took another step towards reconciling its racial divisions: the unveiling of the St. Augustine Foot Soldiers Monument.

Photo by Carlstak

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 Jr.'s strategy of non-violence, often orchestrated by Andrew Young, and executed by "ordinary" men, women, and sometimes children, who became, through their actions, "extraordinary."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Black History Month Movie Suggestion: Dare Not Walk Alone

May we suggest, for this year's Black History Month, you watch this film: Dare Not Walk Alone. You can watch the trailer and read all about this award-winning civil rights documentary on IMDB  and Rotten Tomatoes where it has excellent ratings (8.8/10 and 86%).

[Update, 2025: Sadly, you can no longer rent Dare Not Walk Alone on NetFlix or Amazon Prime due to the exorbitant cost of licensing the old TV news footage in the film.] 

Amazon still offers Dare Not Walk Alone on DVD and you can find used DVDs on eBay US and eBay UK.

Why watch Dare Not Walk Alone? Consider these unsolicited 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

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.

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

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"

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

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

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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