FILM

14 Pews presents The Strange Demise of Jim Crow.  14 Pews is promoting the awareness of the non-profit organization: THE CENTER FOR THE HEALING OF RACISM - part of the proceeds will got to this non-profit. In addition, there will be a talk-back by the filmmaker, BILL HOWZE.

Not all the civil rights victories of the '60s were won at the cost of vicious beatings and mass arrests played-out in front of television cameras. "The Strange Demise of Jim Crow" reveals for the first time on film how many Southern cities were desegregated in a quieter, almost stealthy fashion with behind-the-scenes negotiations, secret deals and controversial news black-outs. It makes visible a fascinating case-study of how urban power is really wielded.

"The Strange Demise of Jim Crow" is a multi-level story of urban power and change: student demonstrators vs. segregationists; the white power structure's fear of integration vs. their greater fear of violence, embarrassing national publicity and financial losses; secret deal-making vs. freedom of the press.

Most of all, the documentary demonstrates how threats of demonstrations and civic strife compelled the power elite to negotiate with more moderate, "responsible" black leaders and neutralize arch-segregationists. At the same time, by censoring news coverage, Houston integrated peacefully but also undermined efforts to build a mass movement that might truly threaten and destabilize white power and privilege.

"The Strange Demise of Jim Crow" completes the story of the civil rights movement and is ideal for political science, sociology and history courses.

FILMMAKERS:
Thomas R. Cole, creator and executive producer ; David Berman, director and camera ; Tom Curtis, scriptwriter and co-producer ; Bill Howze, editor and co-producer.

QUOTES:
"A remarkable, riveting and thought-provoking documentary. A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at secret meetings, unexpected alliances and the suppression of the news."
Houston Chronicle

"The most important story that then Houston newsman Dan Rather never covered...Sheds light on integration and a rare news black-out."
Los Angeles Times