MFAH Virtual Films: Nationtime – Gary

In March 1972, an estimated 10,000 Black politicians, activists, artists, and performers congregated at the National Black Political Convention in Gary, Indiana. Attendees included Amiri Baraka, Dick Gregory,
Isaac Hayes, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Coretta Scott King, and Bobby Seale. William Greaves (1926–2014), the established documentarian of Black history, culture and politics, directed a camera crew and captured it all. Narrated by Sidney Poitier with poetry recited by Harry Belafonte, the film was thought at the time to be too radical for television broadcast and was drastically edited. Now restored to its original length, this essential documentary reveals a rousing, at times contentious, yet undeniably significant historical event.