Movies

‘Eyes on the Prize III’ arrives on HBO during a renewed ‘assault on equality’

BBG News

The long-developed third installment of the “Eyes on the Prize” series, focusing on the civil rights movement from 1977 to 2015, will debut on HBO this Tuesday. Coincidentally, its release happens during a significant challenge to diversity that could undo some of the advancements depicted in the first two series, making this timing rather serendipitous.

But even if that wasn’t planned, executive producer Dawn Porter isn’t complaining.

She expressed during a recent interview, “There couldn’t be a more opportune moment for this series to debut.” She continued, “It’s challenging to portray history accurately and honestly these days. With the ongoing attacks on equality and attempts to create an unfair advantage, I prefer not to use ‘DEI’ (Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion) as it has been misused in a manner that is completely inappropriate.

As a dedicated cinephile, I’d like to share my thoughts about “Eyes on the Prize,” a groundbreaking documentary series that first graced our screens in 1987. This masterpiece, skillfully crafted by Henry Hampton, holds a unique place not just in the annals of the civil rights movement, but also in the realm of docuseries.

From 1954 to 1965, a pivotal period marked by marches, sit-ins, grassroots organizing, and significant federal legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, this series offered an expansive view of the struggle for equality. It wasn’t just about iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr., who was relatively unknown when he led the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955; it also shone a light on unsung heroes, ordinary men and women who risked everything for justice, such as Moses Wright, who bravely identified the perpetrators of the heinous crime against his great nephew, Emmett Till, that same year.

This series wasn’t just a historical account; it was a testament to courage, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of justice during one of the most transformative periods in American history.

The sequel titled “Eyes,” initially released in 1990 and primarily shown only in educational settings due to copyright restrictions, continues the story from where the original ended, spanning up to the mid-’80s. Furthermore, the updated series, named “We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest,” chronicles events through the Obama administration and nearly reaches the inauguration of the first Trump administration, offering a glimpse into the current and evident antagonism towards the advancements made during the civil rights movement. (Starting Tuesday, HBO will broadcast two episodes back-to-back each night up until Thursday, while all episodes can be streamed on Max.)

Television

The Return of Miss Scott” introduces viewers once more to an exceptional jazz musician, who broke barriers as the initial Black individual to host a TV show. Regrettably, her legacy was nearly obscured by the government.

Smriti Mundhra, the director of Episode 5, remarked, “We find ourselves at the same starting point.” There’s a recurring threat to diversity, equity, and inclusion, she explained, and it seems like part of an ongoing story. Whenever progress is made, there’s a swift reaction against it. However, this doesn’t mean that progress won’t continue; it’s more like two steps forward followed by a step-and-a-quarter back. This pattern hasn’t changed for many generations.

The Mundhra-directed episode titled “We Don’t See Color 1996-2013” explores the battle against affirmative action – a movement aimed at eradicating racism in education, workplaces, and other areas, precursor to what is today known as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). It also delves into efforts to preserve integrated public schools, reminiscent of the Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education ruling. Similar to the other episodes, which tackle themes such as fair housing, environmental racism (a frequent occurrence of toxic chemical accidents in minority communities), and the impact of AIDS on minorities disproportionately, this one primarily focuses on grassroots organizers and activists rather than well-known figures.

In Porter’s perspective, there is a consistent theme running from the initial documentary series to the latest one, which emphasizes ordinary individuals daring to perform courageous acts.

She stated that it’s often believed the civil rights movement was limited to the 1960s. However, a significant aspect of the series is to convey that civil rights efforts persist. The goal is for this series to underscore the idea that we never lose our power, just need to think outside the box when resisting. These stories are inspiring and authentic, yet they also reflect reality.

Revisiting the original series serves as a stark contrast of how far we’ve come, despite moments where familiarity lingers. That initial “Eyes” episode carries an exceptional sense of unadulterated sincerity and conviction. The sight of sheriffs unleashing police dogs on peaceful protesters or white thugs brutally assaulting Black students for simply sitting at a lunch counter can stir immense indignation. Modern issues may be intricately layered, but their urgency remains undiminished.

Today, discrimination often manifests in subtler ways, according to Porter. This includes practices like polluting areas inhabited by Black and brown communities, denying them housing opportunities, and over-policing them. In many respects, the year 2025 is not much different from 1968 than it is from 1988. Therefore, it will be interesting to observe how future generations tackle these issues as this series may continue to evolve.

If it does, it will have quite a story to tell.

Mundhra expressed a sense of struggle against the overwhelming current, stating, ‘I’m hoping this series serves as a reminder that we possess the ability to battle once more. While it’s natural to feel discouraged, now is the time to rally our strength.’

Or, as Porter puts it: “It’s hard to feel active when you’re suffering, but we got to get up.”

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2025-02-25 14:31

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