Film festival offers time capsule of African-American experiences

By Kenya Vaughn of the St. Louis American

For many, seeing historical illustrations of the African-American experience on film – whether it’s documentary or fiction – evokes a range of emotions.

There is the spirit of hope and possibility that comes with watching ancestors of the diaspora operating against seemingly insurmountable odds and circumstances, from fighting for freedom to the never-ending battle for equality.

And as we see young people unite to change the face of a nation for what would become the Civil Rights Movement – peacefully protesting for the liberties often taken for granted today – we are provoked to at least toy with the idea of taking action to make a difference for the advancement of black people.