For Immediate Release: January 1, 1998
Further information: Tom McNaught (617) 514-1662
As part of its special programming to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the historical events surrounding the nation’s struggle for civil rights, the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum today announced its documentary film series: “Facing a Moral Crisis — The Struggle for Civil Rights in America.”
The films, taken from the Kennedy Library’s extensive audio-visual archives, include rarely seen television coverage and footage of some of the most dramatic events of the early 1960s, including the integration of the University of Alabama; the March on Washington; the civil rights demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama; and President Kennedy’s televised address to the nation on civil rights.
The film series is free and open to the public. Films will be shown in the Dave Powers’ Room at the Kennedy Library on Columbia Point, Boston. They will run continuously throughout the day from 11:30 am through 5:00 pm.
Monday, January 19: “Dr. Martin Luther King's ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech”(20 mins.)
King's eloquent speech delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington.
“Legacy of a Dream: Martin Luther King” (30 mins.) Narrated by James Earl Jones, this film chronicles the events that secured the vote for African Americans and led to the death of the great civil rights leader.
Saturday, January 31: “The March on Washington” (60 mins)
Highlights of the August 28, 1963 March on Washington.
Sunday, February 1: “CBS Reports: The Other Face of Dixie” ( 60 mins.)
Highlights of CBS news coverage of the racial crisis in the south, particularly in Mississippi, and the response by President Kennedy and his administration.
Saturday, February 7: “Black American Odyssey” (21 mins.)
Covers the period from 1964 through 1983, from President Johnson signing the Civil Rights Act to the first black astronaut to orbit the earth. Also features such celebrities as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Langston Hughes, and James Baldwin.
Sunday, February 8: “We Face a Moral Crisis” (20 mins.)
President Kennedy's June 11, 1963 televised address to the nation on civil rights.
Saturday, February 14: “Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment” (47 mins.)
Cinema verite production on the confrontation between Governor George Wallace and the U.S. government over the admission of two black students to the University of Alabama.
Sunday, February 15: “Great Americans: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” (24 mins.)
Using documentary footage and photographs, this film traces Dr. King's actions as he commits his life to the struggle for civil rights.
Monday, February 16: “Paul Robeson, Tribute to an Artist” (25 mins.)
An in-depth view of the brilliant actor, including dramatic footage from many of his famous roles.
Tuesday, February 17: “Legacy of a Dream: Martin Luther King” (30 mins.)
Narrated by James Earl Jones, this film chronicles the events that secured the vote for African Americans and led to the death of the great civil rights leader.
Wednesday, February 18: “Eyewitness: The U.S. vs Mississippi” (30 mins.)
The story of James Meredith and the Kennedy Administration’s struggles to desegregate the University of Mississippi. Features interviews by a very young Dan Rather in one of his earliest assignments.
Thursday, February 19:“We Face a Moral Crisis” (20 mins.)
President Kennedy's June 11, 1963 televised address to the nation on civil rights.
Friday, February 20: “Black American Odyssey” (21 mins.)
Covers the period from 1964 through 1983, from President Johnson signing the Civil Rights Act to the first black astronaut to orbit the earth. Also features such celebrities as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Langston Hughes, James Baldwin and Richard Wright.
Saturday, February 21: “Eyewitness: Week of Decision” (30 mins.)
Reviews civil rights struggles in North Carolina and Alabama; Charles Collingwood reports on the assassination of Medgar Evers; Governor George Wallace speaks on segregation policy; and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. comments on the struggles.
Sunday, February 22: “Eyewitness: The President Meets the Racial Crisis” (30 mins.)
Part of the CBS network’s “Eyewitness” series, this film chronicles the actions taken by President Kennedy in reaction to mounting civil rights crises of the spring of 1963, including excerpts of the President’s televised address to the nation on civil rights.
Saturday, February 28: “Eyewitness: The U.S. vs Mississippi” (30 mins.)
The story of James Meredith and the Kennedy Administration’s struggles to desegregate the University of Mississippi. Features interviews by a very young Dan Rather in one of his earliest assignments.
Sunday, March 1: “Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment” (47 mins.)
Cinema verite production on the confrontation between Governor George Wallace and the U.S. government over the admission of two black students to the University of Alabama.