Ep 11. Adjust You Color: The Truth of Petey Greene

In "Adjust Your Color: The Truth of Petey Greene," Independent Lens explores the life and legacy of Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene Jr., a pioneering African American television and radio personality in Washington, D.C. The 90-minute documentary combines archival footage, interviews with friends and colleagues, and commentary from contemporary figures to tell the story of Greene's rise from prison inmate to cultural icon.

Glynn Washington, host of the storytelling podcast Snap Judgment, serves as the narrator and primary interviewer for the film. He situates Greene's life within the context of the civil rights movement and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America. Greene was born in 1931 and grew up in a segregated D.C. neighborhood, where he faced discrimination and poverty. After serving time in prison for armed robbery, he discovered his talent for public speaking and began hosting a radio show from behind bars. His charisma and humor made him a popular figure among both the inmates and the guards.

In 1966, after his release from prison, Greene was offered a morning radio show on WOL-AM in D.C. He quickly became a household name in the city, known for his frank discussions about race, politics, and social justice issues. He also hosted a local television show called "Petey Greene's Washington," where he interviewed politicians, activists, and artists. The film features clips from both the radio and television shows, showcasing Greene's natural talent for engaging with his guests and entertaining his audience.

One of the central themes of "Adjust Your Color" is the idea that Greene's success was due in large part to his authenticity. He spoke in a vernacular that was familiar to many African Americans living in urban areas, and he was unafraid to address controversial topics or use profanity. His raw honesty and vulnerability made him a powerful voice for his community at a time when mainstream media was largely controlled by white gatekeepers. As commentator Esther Rolle notes in the film, "Petey Greene was the voice of black America."

But Greene's unapologetic nature also made him a polarizing figure. Some African American leaders criticized him for reinforcing negative stereotypes about black people, while some white listeners found his language and subject matter offensive. In one memorable clip from the film, Greene confronts a white caller who accuses him of being a "race-baiter" and tells him to "go back to the jungle." Greene responds with a fusillade of profanity and challenges the caller to a fistfight, before hanging up on him. It's a moment that encapsulates both the power and the danger of Greene's style.

"Adjust Your Color" also explores Greene's personal life, including his relationships with women and his struggles with addiction. In interviews with Greene's former wife, children, and friends, we see a more vulnerable side of the man who was often depicted as larger than life. Greene's experiences with addiction and recovery are particularly moving, as he speaks candidly about the despair he felt during his lowest moments and the sense of purpose he found through his work.

Ultimately, "Adjust Your Color" presents a nuanced and complex portrait of a cultural figure who is often overlooked in mainstream histories of the civil rights movement. Greene's legacy as a media pioneer and social justice advocate is undeniable, and the film does an admirable job of capturing the many facets of his personality and career. It's a fitting tribute to a man who once said, "I may not be perfect, but I'm real."