Producer(s)

Fred Johnson

Theme

Poetry & Literature

Documentary

Coal Black Voices is an intimate mosaic of images, poetry, and storytelling by the Affrilachian Poets as they give glimpses of life in the American Black South and Appalachian region. The ensemble of African-American writers challenge simple notions of an all white Appalachian region and culture while drawing on traditions such as the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Arts Movement, and experiences of the African Diaspora. The poetry of the Affrilachian Poets celebrates their African heritage and rural roots while encompassing themes of racism and Black identity. In this documentary they give voice to the pleasures of family, land, good food, artistic community, music and transformation.

Featuring Poets- Nikky Finney, Frank X Walker, Crystal Wilkinson, Kelly Norman Ellis, Ricardo Nazario-Colon, Paul C. Taylor, Mitchell L.H. Douglas, Bernard Clay, Daundra Scisney-Givens, Shanna Smith

Produced and directed by Fred Johnson and Jean Donohue, Consulting Producer Frank X Walker

 

Coal Black Voices was produced with support from the KET Fund for Independent Production, The Wexner Center Media Arts Program, The Ohio State University, Kentucky Arts Council, Ohio Arts Council, Kentucky Humanities Council, Ohio Humanities Council and Media Working Group.

DVD or VHS 54:30 min

2001