Nationtime

Nationtime is an epic, American documentary film produced in 1972, directed by renowned filmmaker William Greaves. The film chronicles a historical moment in the 20th century when black American politics sparked significant milestones that shaped the country’s political landscape, propelling the fight for racial justice and equality.

The film is a remarkable record of the National Black Political Convention held in Gary, Indiana, in March 1972. It saw black activists, politicians, entertainers, and thousands of African Americans from all walks of life gather to assert their political power and discuss shared objectives that would be put forth as the National Black Agenda. The convention saw more than 8,000 delegates confront the political establishment to strategically move forward the fight against racial and economic inequities.

Nationtime embodies the impassioned voices of the delegates as they wrestle with political strategies, ideology, and the tangible meaning of their collective power for their people. The film is named after a poem composed by the influential black playwright Leroi Jones, also known as Amiri Baraka, whose performance of Nationtime is a core segment of the documentary.

Amiri Baraka, the iconic Beat poet turned Black Nationalist, is a central character in the film. His arousing and incisive recital of his poem "Nationtime" frames the film's powerful narrative, reflecting the collective aspirations and spirit of the black community. Baraka's hard-hitting words effectively encapsulate the essence of the convention, connecting black consciousness with the struggle for political representation and assertive action.

Charles C. Diggs Jr., a pioneering African-American Congressman from Detroit, Michigan, is another featured powerhouse of the documentary. His participation added a strong political backbone to the proceedings with his insightful input, vast experience, and motivating speeches. Representative Diggs, as the Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus, brought a key perspective to the convention, representing black politicians already working within the system for civil rights and equality.

Richard Hatcher, one of the first African American mayors of a U.S. city (Gary, Indiana) and one of the conveners of the convention, is also a critical figure within the documentary. His role is prismatic, reflecting the various factions of black political thought, community engagement, and local governance that contributed to the convention's dynamic discourse.

High-profile delegates making grand appearances in the film include figures like the fiery congresswoman Shirley Chisholm – the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Congress and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination – and Reverend Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights activist, and later, a presidential candidate.

The film provides a unique blend of impassioned oratory, debate, and music, capturing the essence of an era defined by a quest for black empowerment. Thanks to Greaves's deft direction, and the expressive, rhythmic editing by Victor Kanefsky, Nationtime moves beyond presenting mere footage of a convention but expertly weaves together elements that make viewers feel the high spirits, heated debates, and unifying cause entrenched in the politics of the era.

The narrative is anchored by actor Sidney Poitier's narration, full of gravity and calm – navigating the intense and charged atmosphere of the convention with requisite balance. Producers José García and Louise Greaves added to the aesthetic composition, and the score, curated by Sounds of Liberation, complements the stirring visuals and engaging narrative.

Originally cut to 58 minutes for its initial public television broadcast, Nationtime was later restored into full-length in a restored 4K version by IndieCollect, making available the complete narrative of this unforgettable three-day event.

In summation, Nationtime remains an essential historical document. It encapsulates a meaningful time in American history when the black community, disheartened by non-responsive political mechanisms, rallied together to reinvent the existing norms to advocate for their rights. As a piece of historical documentation, Nationtime shines a light on the past to enlighten the present, reminding us that the quest for equality amid diversity is a continuous process rooted in unity, resilience, and bold vision.