The Long Black Line Trilogy is an American story, though one not so frequently told. It chronicles the African American rise in the 1930's and 1940's, from discrimination, poverty and educational inequality to new opportunities and possibilities for young Black Americans. This is one of many similar stories of African American families across the South during troubled times, how they persevered, preparing their young people to partake in the building of a better nation.

Eventually the story leaves East Texas, becoming interwoven with global events of the 1950's and 1960's -civil rights and war. And yet, the story never leaves the rural communities where strong mothers gave, as Lincoln stated in his Gettysburg address,"their last full measure" to push their children into a larger world

The Long Black Line remembers where my family came from and provides a model of success for a new generation as they seek their way into an ever more complex and challenging world. The film also recognizes the function of family and community in helping young people realize their goals. But most significantly, it celebrates those strong women, mothers and grandmothers, who not only keep the family stories that remind us of who we are and what we are capable of, but are also the glue that holds us together.

The Long Black Line Trilogy consists of The Long Black Line, The Bridge and The 21st Century.

In all films we examine the history of African Americans back to emancipation, and we look for historical “paths” that may exist for young people facing life in the 21st century.  We ask the question, where do we go from here? We examine the sacrifice of generations back to the time of slavery and its relation to the advances made today.

The long black line explores American history through a small lens. Instead of looking at the life and exploits of famous people, the film examines famous people and events through the lives of ordinary people who lived through and were transformed by extraordinary times.

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The Long Black Line

Part One, The Long Black Line, examines the pioneer spirit of blacks, the culture of early 1900’s, and their education in the Rosenwald schools before integration.

This film chronicles the life and times of the people of Mt. Union, a farming community in rural southeast Texas. Mt. Union was founded in the mid-1800s by a group of families who were bound by common blood and mutual poverty. The residents were predominantly African-American, many of them former slaves striving for greater freedom of opportunity.

The story is told through the eyes of an extended family, the Wrights and the Bookers. It is the story of strong-willed parents who taught their children the meaning of entrepreneurship, and molded a group of future leaders

It is a story of family and faith, hard work and heroes, and – ultimately – progress. It is the story of Mt. Union, Texas… a story of America’s past, and an insight into its future....more

The Bridge

Part Two, The Bridge, asks the question, “Did African Americans achieve integration in the 1960’s or desegregation?” We examine the fate of black institutions that were part of the black community such as its universities, schools and businesses. The military portion seen in this film focuses on the military as one of few opportunities that were available to African Americans before the 1960’s. (In Production)

The 21st Century

Part Three, The 21st Century, focuses on the generation that came of age after 1990 and those who may have been graduates of either historically black or mainstream universities. There will be a focus on this generation’s lesson around entrepreneurialism. (In Production)