Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power 2020
Distributed by Women Make Movies, 115 W. 29th Street, Suite 1200,New York, NY, 10001; 212-925-0606
Produced by Abby Ginzberg
Directed by Abby Ginzberg
Streaming, 83 mins
High School - General Adult
Activism; African Americans; Government
Date Entered: 12/13/2021
Reviewed by Timothy W. Kneeland, History and Political Science Department, Nazareth College of Rochester, Rochester, NYThis brilliant documentary delves deeply into the roots of the life and politics of Representative Barbara Lee. Lee's political and personal biography shows how her history and work in civil rights shaped her broad agenda for a more socially and economically just America. Her work with the Black Panther Party, her encounter with Shirley Chisholm, and her work with Ron Dellums for a dozen years provided Barbara Lee with mentors and insights into changing a system stacked against the poor and the marginalized.
Drawing on insights from her family, friends, and black colleagues in the struggle, the film shows how Lee was far ahead of her time, a tireless worker for the rights of the poor, the oppressed, the imprisoned, and for everyday Americans.
Ginzburg deftly draws in the audience with a strong opening showcasing Lee's lone vote against giving President George W. Bush unlimited powers after the tragedy of September 11, 2001. The film then shifts back and forth in time and provides a mini-history of civil rights from the 1970s to the present.
Although 83 minutes long, the film wastes nothing and seems to end too soon. Highly recommended for high school and beyond.
Awards: Audience Award Runner Up, DOC NYC; Best Documentary, American Film Festival Poland; Best Director Award, Harlem International Film Festival 2021
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