DVDS

The New Black

by Yoruba Richen
color. 74 min. , ITV, dist. by California Newsreel, www.newsreel.org. 2014. DVD ISBN 9781572541320. $49.95; acad. libs. $295; DVD/streaming $495.95. SDH subtitles. SOC SCI/GENDER STUDIES
COPY ISBN
This documentary looks at the intersection between gay and African American identities and the conflicts that arise when their cultures and values clash. The setting is Maryland in 2012, when voters went to the polls to support or reject a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in the state. Conservative forces from outside Maryland poured money into the "No on 6" movement, targeting heavily Democratic but socially conservative black churches. The film takes us inside those churches and into residents' homes in which we see struggles and debates among friends and family members on both sides of the issue. While the film is clearly on the side of marriage equality, opponents get their say and are presented fairly.
VERDICT A solid contribution to the ever-growing documentation of the marriage equality movement. While the Maryland battle will ultimately become a footnote in the larger history of gay rights in the United States, it marked the first time (on the same day as in Maine) that gay marriage was supported by a popular vote.
Reviewed by David Gibbs, Lib. of Congress, Washington, DC , Apr 15, 2015
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

MEDIA

Little Gandhi
MEDIA

The Unimaginable Journey of Peter Ertel
by Cahn, Joseph
MEDIA

The Guilty
MEDIA

Poetry in America: Season 1
MEDIA

Angry Inuk
MEDIA

Obsession
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?