Independent Lens Season 18 Episode 7 Birth Of A Movement

In "Birth of a Movement," viewers gain insight into the tumultuous racial climate in early 20th century America and the efforts made by activists to combat the propaganda machine that stood against the African American community. This episode follows the story of William Monroe Trotter, a journalist and civil rights leader who became a vocal opponent of D.W. Griffith's 1915 blockbuster film, "The Birth of a Nation."

The film, which glorified the Ku Klux Klan, was a hit among audiences, and its depiction of black people as subhuman perpetuated harmful stereotypes and fueled violence against African Americans. But Trotter, determined to spread the truth about the film's harmful messages, launched a series of protests and sparked a national conversation about the dangers of propaganda.

Using archival footage and interviews with historians, the film explores Trotter's fearless activism and the ways in which his message resonated with a new generation of civil rights leaders. It also delves into the film industry's history of perpetuating racist stereotypes and the ways in which independent media has played a crucial role in fighting for social justice over the years.

"Birth of a Movement" is a powerful tribute to the activists who have fought tirelessly to combat the harmful effects of propaganda and racism in American culture. By shining a light on Trotter's story, the film invites viewers to celebrate the power of grassroots organizing and the importance of speaking truth to power.