Film Lens
This documentary examines the role of media in the civil rights movement, particularly focusing on the Freedom Riders' journey in 1961 from Los Angeles to Houston, Texas. It shows how the Freedom Riders used media to document their experiences and bring national attention to the injustices of segregation in interstate transportation. The film features insights from Lonnie Bunch, the first African-American secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, who discusses the importance of visibility in creating moral awareness among Americans regarding civil rights issues.
The documentary also connects historical struggles for social justice with contemporary events, emphasizing the ongoing significance of media in documenting these issues. Bunch notes that the Freedom Riders understood the necessity of telling their own stories to ensure that their experiences were not overlooked by mainstream media. The film illustrates how this tradition continues today with citizen journalists capturing injustices across the country.
Why Watch
- •See how Freedom Riders used media to fight segregation.
- •Meet Lonnie Bunch discussing the importance of visibility.
- •Find out how citizen journalists document current injustices.
Did You Know
•On August 9th, 1961, Freedom Riders left Los Angeles for Houston, Texas.
•The Freedom Riders momentarily desegregated a station in Houston.
•Black newspapers have been telling their own stories since 1827.
•Lonnie Bunch is the first African-American secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
Perfect For
Civil rights historyMedia studiesSocial justice activism