Voices
We have interviewed more than 120 people who recall their own or their ancestors’ relevant activities, often planned at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham (UUCB), which was a key gathering place for white liberals during the Movement. Mostly in their 80s and 90s now, they recall their own experiences and activism during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, as well as the contributions of others who have passed away.
The stories that are presented illustrate the complexity of the cultural, racial, and religious factors that influenced the civil rights struggle and the ethical values and commitment that empowered those who stood up for justice to work together to create positive change.
Voices
We have interviewed more than 120 people who recall their own or their ancestors’ relevant activities, often planned at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham (UUCB), which was a key gathering place for white liberals during the Movement. Mostly in their 80s and 90s now, they recall their own experiences and activism during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, as well as the contributions of others who have passed away.
The stories that are presented illustrate the complexity of the cultural, racial, and religious factors that influenced the civil rights struggle and the ethical values and commitment that empowered those who stood up for justice to work together to create positive change.
Interviewees whose stories are told in the film include an African-American radio personality, also now in his 80s, who talks about his struggle to register to vote in Alabama in the 1960s, as well as current obstacles to voting for some citizens; an African-American radio personality, also now in his 80s, who will talk about the importance of radio and music in getting the word out (in code) to the black community about the protests and marches in Birmingham during the Movement; and a white physician, now deceased, who oversaw the treatment of marchers and others injured during the protest marches and after bombings in Birmingham, including the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church.
Capturing their stories was critical due to the advanced ages of many of the living witnesses.
In addition to Alabamians, the series features two of the children of Viola Liuzzo, the civil rights worker from Detroit who was killed by the Klan in Alabama after the final Selma march in 1965, and the daughter and granddaughter of Rev. James Reeb, the Unitarian minister from Boston who was also killed during the Selma marches. The stories of Anthony Liuzzo, Jr., Mary Liuzzo Lilliboe, Anne Reeb and Leah Reeb Varela are powerful illustrations of both the horrific consequences of racial hatred and the human capacity for healing and hope.
allies were able to transcend their own “kind” and fight for the rights of all people.
Those who led the fight for racial justice had unusual courage.
They witnessed segregation and racial strife in Birmingham.
Interviewees whose stories are told in the film include an African-American radio personality, also now in his 80s, who talks about his struggle to register to vote in Alabama in the 1960s, as well as current obstacles to voting for some citizens; an African-American radio personality, also now in his 80s, who will talk about the importance of radio and music in getting the word out (in code) to the black community about the protests and marches in Birmingham during the Movement; and a white physician, now deceased, who oversaw the treatment of marchers and others injured during the protest marches and after bombings in Birmingham, including the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church.
Capturing their stories was critical due to the advanced ages of many of the living witnesses.
In addition to Alabamians, the series features two of the children of Viola Liuzzo, the civil rights worker from Detroit who was killed by the Klan in Alabama after the final Selma march in 1965, and the daughter and granddaughter of Rev. James Reeb, the Unitarian minister from Boston who was also killed during the Selma marches. The stories of Anthony Liuzzo, Jr., Mary Liuzzo Lilliboe, Anne Reeb and Leah Reeb Varela are powerful illustrations of both the horrific consequences of racial hatred and the human capacity for healing and hope.
We present a special focus on the courage of those who led the fight for racial justice.
More than a dozen longtime Titusville residents recently participated in a video-interviewing project, “Unheard Voices of Titusville,” about the community of their youth in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s. They recalled a happily vibrant community that lacked for little, with high quality education and residents from all walks of life, including doctors, dentists, business owners, and other professionals. The Bending the Arc Project interviewed more than a dozen people for the “Unheard Voices of Titusville” project. There is a treasure trove of information and history here.
The Bending the Arc Project features the stories of both African Americans and a small group of little-known white allies who fought for racial justice during the Civil Rights Movement.
film@uucbham.org
(205) 945-8109
The Bending the Arc Project features the stories of both African Americans and a small group of little-known white allies who fought for racial justice during the Civil Rights Movement.