You may have seen the infamous clips and afrocentric images of Angela Davis floating around the internet. The Black Power Mixtape was the discovery of lost interviews from multiple rebellious activists of her time they led a strikingly beautiful and inspiring tale.
There’s an array of documentaries that highlight the Black Panther party and it’s affiliates however The Black Power Mixtape gives a deeper insight into a collection of lost interviews from 1967-1975. The film breaks down the “popular historical reputation” and shows the reality of the Black Power Movement from the voices of young revolutionary leaders highlighted for the first time.
I discovered this documentary at Miami film festival in art school and was immediately intrigued. At the time I found myself on this deep dive through my own “personal black discovery”. I appreciated how they focused on young leaders outside MLK and Malcolm X because I had no idea who Eldridge Cleaver or Stokely Charmicheal was. This whole new world of information on systematic developments verses emotional protests was refreshing. Understanding that women like Angela Davis - who weren’t often talked about on the frontlines - played a very vital role in the movement. Also seeing that The Black Panthers provided health care, education, and child care centers outside their militant perception is highly essential. So many important inspiring stories brought this film to life.
“In order for non violence to work your opponent must have a conscious, America has none.” -Stokley Charmichael
I think what makes the documentary more polarizing is it’s unbiased approach from these Swedish filmmakers exposing this “new” story. All these images of pure black life even in through the fire are so hypnotizing. You see this raw footage of black children and raw interviews unmanipulated with romantic music is authentically provoking. The narration from cultural icons like Erykah Badu, Melvin Van Peebles, Danny Glover, etc make it relatable and pushes it’s appeal.
Favorite parts: There’s a moment where they strolled through Harlem just showing black people being black people. Full of afros, children playing on a hot summer day, and black owned businesses - visually stunning.
Favorite lines/characters: Lewis H. Michaux owned the African National Bookstore and boy was he full of progressive thought and a very strong opinion that spoke the truth. One message stuck with me until this day: “Black is beautiful but black is not power, KNOWLEDGE is power” Now that is a word!
Where to watch: Luckily it’s easy to find on Youtube, Google Play, Sling TV, or PBS
I’m a sucker for documentaries. Although we’re currently going through tiring times and nothing seems to have changed - watching this film brings me so much confidence as an African American women. It’s safe to say it Hood Approved √