African-American Studies

What does it mean to be exiled in your own country? In the aftermath of Katrina, two filmmakers embark on a road trip to meet displaced evacuees. An important American documentary, The Axe in the Attic tackles questions of race, class, and the breakdown of trust between a government and its citizens.

When the Loyola basketball team started four African-American players in 1963 they were suddenly thrust into the national spotlight. The Game of Change reaches far beyond sports, demonstrating this particular event's significance in the battle for race equality in a largely segregated country.

The first Mardi Gras in America was celebrated in Mobile, Alabama in 1703. In 2008, it is still racially segregated. A fascinating investigation into our nation's history and traditions, this acclaimed, award-winning documentary illuminates the complexities of race relations in 21st century America.

An eye-opening look at a pioneering program in which victims of violent crimes meet face-to-face with their perpetrators. This documentary, featured on Oprah, introduces us to a process that could have far-reaching repercussions for the ways we approach crime, criminal justice, and conflict resolution.

There was a time when the Salton Sea was known as the Riviera of the West - a premiere vacation destination for the rich and famous. Today, it's considered one of America's worst ecological disasters. Narrated by John Waters, this irreverent documentary looks at exactly what went wrong.

Re-released for 2020. Ever wonder why Jews and Rastafarians both use the Star of David and make references to Zion? This exuberant documentary explores the surprising connections between reggae culture and Judaism.

A wonderful film that illustrates the significance of gardens and green spaces in the face of ever growing urbanization and development.

Chronicles the history of the black auto racing league through the life of the circuit's greatest driver, Charlie Wiggins, a four-time champion revered as the Negro Speed King. Set to a memorable retro jazz score by Pulitzer and Grammy nominee Dr. David Baker.

The documentary tells the personal stories of the dancers at Philadanco, the Philadelphia-based African-American modern dance company, with sincere testimonials from young dancers.

Basketball star Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf caused a national stir when the NBA suspended him for refusing to stand during the national anthem because of his "Muslim conscience."

New and revised. This documentary examines the current controversy over the issue of slave reparations, addressing the most often voiced objections ("It’s long over," "I had nothing to do with it," "Affirmative Action is enough," etc.) to the claim for financial restitution to the ancestors of slaves for the wealth created by black labor in previous centuries.

This documentary chronicles the production of a play at the St. Louis Black Repertory Company, one of the five largest African-American theater companies in the U.S., examining the work of everyone involved, including the actors, director, lighting and set design, sound design, and producer.