( ENSPIRE Exclusive ) The Things That Went On ‘Behind The Movement’ Will Come To Light Thanks To TV One’s Original Film
Black History Month comes and goes so fast for those who aren’t, well…black and as an African American woman nothing makes me prouder than embracing the history and strength of my ancestors; however, I get the honor of doing so 365 days of the year. This doesn’t mean that I know all the historical facts about my culture. The truth is, I am not nearly as knowledgeable as I’d like to be about the great heroes who have paved the way for me. For those of you not cognizant of African American history, there was a time where knowing how to read as an African American resulted in your death.
Things are by no means perfect now, but the things African Americans had to endure in the not so distant past are incomparably agonizing. In an effort to blanket the truth about the host of heroes in Black History our educational system tends to purposely miss the mark. They then breed generalizations and stereotypes which leave not only the African American community but the world, misinformed on the noble distinctions associated with our true history. No tea, just honest shade.
That is why I am thrilled about the original and empowering film “Behind the Movement” premiering on TV One Sunday, February 11th. Not only does the film give you a glimpse into those things we didn’t know took place, you are inclined to see the value and importance of taking a stance for what is right.
Set during the tumultuous Civil Rights era, Behind the Movement offers a closer look at how Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger launched the history-making Montgomery Bus Boycott. This film is the exemplification of the phrase “You think you know, but you have no idea.” The original film, starring Meta Golding as Rosa Parks, Loretta Devine as Jo Ann Robinson, Isaiah Washington as Edgar “E.D. Nixon” and Roger Guenveur Smith as Raymond Parks, features the actual bus where Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger on December 1, 1955, spiraled into the historic Montgomery Bus Boycott. Playing such a monumental figure such as Rosa Parks looks easy as Meta is almost a carbon copy of the civil rights activist, but actress Meta Golding admitted that there were things she didn’t know about Mrs. Parks as well:
Of course I knew who Rosa Parks was and what she did, but I didn’t know anything about her past. I knew about her image. I didn’t know that she was a seasoned activist before giving up her seat in 1955. I didn’t know that she was the secretary of the NAACP. Mrs.Parks was a woman of faith and she gained a lot of her strength from her faith.
Meta Golding as Rosa Parks and the historical bus Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in.
The network says, “Premiering during Black History Month, this original made-for-television movie honors the contributions of many unsung heroes of this watershed moment in the Civil Rights struggle. The film recounts the inner workings and behind the scenes preparation that took place during three intense days between the fateful evening when Parks refused to give up her seat through the launch of this significant protest. While Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent leader of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, there was a chorus of lesser-known heroes, including Rosa Parks, who galvanized the most successful boycott of its time.” (Almost Spoiler Alert) The beauty I saw represented in this film is captivating and monumental and a must-see. You will fall in love with the way each actor and actress embody our real-life heroes. What will also give you chills are the unending unification of community leaders pulling together and sticking together behind the scenes to ensure that their voices were heard. Actress Loretta Divine who plays Jo Ann Robinson was so moved by her character that she stated:
The character I played was so riveted to her cause and she was such a vocal woman that I aspire to be like her.[caption id="attachment_8151" align="aligncenter" width="5472"]
Loretta Divine as the “Get in-formation” sergeant Jo Ann Robinson (Watch the film and tell me that title doesn’t fit her).[/caption]
Isaiah Washington feels that this movie will aid in the projection of our movements current trajectory as these hidden figures emboldened him to transform himself for his role as Edgar E.D. Nixon.
I felt an unbelievable duty to not only the heroes we are aware of, but an insatiable duty to try to get it as right as possible for these unbelievable leaders that we weren’t told about.[caption id="attachment_8144" align="aligncenter" width="4104"]
Isaiah Washington as Edgar “E.D. Nixon” on the set of TV One’s original film’Behind The Movement’, premiering February 11th 7/8c.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8142" align="aligncenter" width="5199"]
Actor Shaun Clay plays Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.[/caption]
During Black History Month enlightening knowledge about African American culture is celebrated and embraced by those who are seeking out the truth and or interested in the beauty of other cultures outside of what a textbook teaches. My suggestion: Tap a friend on the shoulder who may need to be enlightened and suggest this riveting film to them. Behind the Movement premieres on TV One Sunday, February 11 at 7/8C.
Behind the Movement is written by Katrina M. O’Gilvie and directed by Aric Avelino. The film is produced for TV One by Eric Tomosunas, Keith Neal, James Seppelfrick and Darien Baldwin for Swirl Films. Casting is provided by Leah Daniels-Butler and George Pierre. For TV One, Karen Peterkin is Director of Scripted Original Programming and shares Executive in charge of production duties with Tia A. Smith, Sr. Director of Original Programming & Production. Donyell McCullough is Senior Director of Talent & Casting; Robyn Greene-Arrington is VP of Original Programming, and D’Angela Proctor is Head of Original Programming and Production.]]>
