Most of the seven men and women interviewed in the documentary came from the Deep South, escaping the harsh realities of the Jim Crow laws. Still it was hard in Utah because the discrimination and prejudice were subtler in Utah making it harder to know one's place and often didn't know the rules until it was too late. In other words, they had to learn to navigate de facto racism.
Yet, there was blatant discrimination and prejudice as well:
- Blacks were only welcome in Chinese restaurants
- Blacks had to sit in theater balconies
- Blacks could only use the public swimming pools one day a week--the day life guards weren't on duty
- Blacks could only live and buy homes in certain areas because of unspoken restrictions
- Available jobs for blacks were largely in domestic service or the railroads
What impressed me the most in the documentary was the courage, stamina, strength, and spunk of these people who were interviewed. They challenged the injustice. One kept applying for a job as an elementary teacher until she finally was given the job. She was such an excellent teacher parents of all ethnic backgrounds wanted her to be their child's teacher. Another couple purposefully bought a house, with the help of a bank, in an area where neighbors didn't want Blacks.
More than these qualities, though, I was impressed with their insights and advice to the younger generation:
- Trust in God
- Get an education
- Take advantage of all the opportunities now open to you
- Have faith in your own worth
- See opportunities in spite of challenges and don't use obstacles as excuses
My heart was touched as I sensed no bitterness. Rather they had a deep spirituality which probably helped them to overcome any traces of bitterness and that helped them to have this deep well of wisdom.
Phyllis Caruth, the executive producer of the documentary, said that education is the purpose of her film--"I believe that the key is opening your heart to other people, hearing their stories." It definitely educated me and opened my heart. I highly recommend it as a documentary that every Utahn (and people in the U.S.) needs to see.
Note: To request a showing, contact Phyllis Caruth at (891) 414-0501.
