Medford Human Rights, Disability Commissions Launch Community Film Series

The Medford Disability & Human Rights Commissions are beginning a film series highlighting issues that touch us all. Our first showing will be a selection from Eyes on the Prize. It will be Wednesday, December 8th at 6:00PM at the Medford Library Magoun Room.

Eyes on the Prize is an award-winning 14-hour television series produced by Blackside and narrated by Julian Bond. Through contemporary interviews and historical footage, the series covers all of the major events of the civil rights movement from 1954-1985.

Series topics range from the Montgomery bus boycott in 1954 to the Voting Rights Act in 1965; from community power in schools to “Black Power” in the streets; from early acts of individual courage through to the flowering of a mass movement and its eventual split into factions.

Eyes on the Prize was created and executive produced by Henry Hampton (1940-1998), one of the most influential documentary filmmakers in the 20th century. His work chronicled America’s great political and social movements and set new standards for broadcast quality.

Judi Hampton, Henry’s sister who now heads Blackside, will be on hand to introduce an lead discussion on this film selection.

– Information from Diane McLeod, Human Rights Commission Director