The House on Coco Road

"The House on Coco Road" is a captivating 2016 documentary that shines a revealing light on a powerful and significant chapter in the history of black liberation, mediated through the fierce love of a mother for her daughter. The film is a labor of love by director Damani Baker, whose mother, Fannie Haughton, is the focal point of this engaging narrative. Haughton, an unwavering activist, scholar, and teacher, from Oakland, California, carries the main narrative of the film, alongside notable personalities Angela Davis and Fania Davis, all seeking to put up a brave resistance against racial prejudice and inequality.

The film is set against the historical backdrop of the 1980s United States, a time fraught with tension and conflict, painted against the ever-present issues of racial inequality and civil rights. In the backdrop, Ronald Reagan has just become the President, and racial tensions are at a high. Amidst these turbulent times, Haughton, a single mother grappling with the racial inequality permeating the education system, makes a bold choice to relocate her family to Grenada. The small, tropical island country is undergoing a bloodless social revolution under the visionary leader Maurice Bishop, striving for a better society insulated from racial prejudices, and promising an egalitarian Utopia with excellent educational opportunities - an irresistible draw for Haughton.

"The House on Coco Road" becomes a personal journey, a cultural exploration, as the film follows Haughton and her family to Grenada, portraying the nurturing environment, the scenic landscapes, and the sense of shared community that emerges when racial barriers are broken down. The inherent beauty and tranquility of the island quickly become a beacon of hope, not only for Haughton's family but also for other families seeking a different path to equality and racial harmony.

The intimate storytelling is accentuated by riveting archival footage, interwoven with personal anecdotes and recollections from Angela Davis, a renowned political activist and lifelong friend of Haughton, and Fania Davis, a civil rights attorney and Angela's sister. The firsthand accounts of these pioneering women add a depth of context and nuance, giving viewers a closer look into this intriguing chapter of history. Alongside, their exploration of the radical action, international intrigue, and personal bravery that collectively aimed for a better future, the narrative brings to the fore the powerful stories of these women who faced the societal ills of the time.

As the film progresses, it touches upon the complexities of history, family, and nation-building. The beacon of hope soon transforms into a vortex of political intrigue. The tranquil island is invaded by the U.S. forces under the guise of protecting American nationals, causing Haughton's family and the utopian dreams of Grenada to be tragically caught in the crossfire. From this point onwards, the film meditates on the poignant struggles faced by Haughton and her family, carefully accentuating the lesser-known narratives of the Grenadian people who witnessed the invasion firsthand.

"The House on Coco Road" is a testament to the resilience and determination of its central characters, drawing parallels between personal narratives and political dialogues. Despite the haunting backdrop of racial tension and war, the film is also a celebration of women, their strength, their prophetic voices, and their unwavering spirit, which continues to pave the way for future generations.

Through an insightful blend of personal narrative and poignant socio-political commentary, the film transcends typical memoir territories to engage, educate, and enlighten viewers about the pursuit of racial equality. It's a compelling examination of global policies, love, resilience, group resistance and oppression, marking an emotional and political journey that traverses boundaries of race, time, and geography.

In the end, "The House on Coco Road" is a story of hope, resilience, and resistance, reminding us that the struggles against inequality were importunate, but a plethora of unsung heroes and heroines never ceased to combat them. The film stands as a tribute to Fannie Haughton's courage, a salute to diverse, brave women like Angela Davis, and an ode to the unbowed spirit of the Grenadian people. This moving narrative reclaims a moment in time, a moment marked by love, war, resistance, diaspora, and a mother's fervent hope for a better world for her children.