The Golden Age of Hollywood was also an age of segregation. But just because anti-Blackness permeated the industry and streets didn’t mean we didn’t enjoy movies.
In the face of police and white moviegoers’ attempts to shame and brutalize Black Americans out of white cinemas, Black film lovers found all sorts of ways to take action.
Black-designated theaters in Black neighborhoods struggled to access newly-released movies. But owners and moviegoers turned them into community spaces.
Audiences chose whether or not to screen anti-Black movies. Foreign films got more recognition, and films with Black actors were celebrated and emphasized in ads.
At white theaters, Black moviegoers staged stand-ins and drive-ins, winning lawsuits against theaters and employees. Black newspapers published letters calling out the discrimination. Activists spread flyers to residents, educating them on their rights.
Residents figured if they didn’t fight back in theaters, segregation could continue its grip indefinitely. Black people could be shut out of cities completely.
Years later, action in cinema continues today. Filmmakers tell Black history stories. Writers and actors strike for workers’ rights. Moviegoers participate in film, director, and distributor boycotts.
And, though rare, Black-owned movie theaters have showings today - potentially near you.
Resistance has and must occur anywhere, from transit and weapons manufacturing plants to movie theaters and Capitol Hill. We make history everywhere we are.