1 00:00:06,173 --> 00:00:08,374 (glass shattering) 2 00:00:08,409 --> 00:00:12,678 Narrator: In 1989, resentment over racial injustice in the us reached 3 00:00:12,713 --> 00:00:14,480 A new breaking point, 4 00:00:14,515 --> 00:00:18,000 And a powerful movement gained a voice through popular culture. 5 00:00:18,402 --> 00:00:20,202 Man: Why it gotta be about africa! 6 00:00:20,237 --> 00:00:21,937 Narrator: Calling for change on screen. 7 00:00:21,972 --> 00:00:24,623 Reporter (over tv): Spike lee's new film do the right thing is controversial. 8 00:00:24,658 --> 00:00:27,076 Danielle: This movie hit you in the face! 9 00:00:27,411 --> 00:00:30,679 Narrator: Taking the power of music to a new level... 10 00:00:30,715 --> 00:00:33,899 Chuck d: It was a revelation to the white communities that it noticed 11 00:00:33,934 --> 00:00:35,934 It was taking place. 12 00:00:35,970 --> 00:00:39,538 Narrator: And forging a connection with an entire nation through late-night tv. 13 00:00:40,341 --> 00:00:42,641 Arsenio: If hip-hop is the news of the ghetto, 14 00:00:43,544 --> 00:00:46,879 My show was cnn's headquarters in atlanta. 15 00:00:48,082 --> 00:00:50,899 Narrator: It was also a year american history would be made. 16 00:00:51,736 --> 00:00:55,304 Reporter (over tv): A grandson of slaves was sworn in today as the nation's 17 00:00:55,339 --> 00:00:57,389 First elected black governor. 18 00:00:57,908 --> 00:01:01,977 Arsenio: 1989, it was indicative of all the black communities, 19 00:01:02,913 --> 00:01:04,680 Having a consciousness, 20 00:01:04,715 --> 00:01:07,499 That (bleep) had to change. 21 00:01:08,803 --> 00:01:13,572 (theme music plays) 22 00:01:23,734 --> 00:01:27,870 Bush: I believe in a society that is free from discrimination and bigotry of 23 00:01:28,806 --> 00:01:33,709 Any kind, and I will work to knock down the barriers left by past discrimination. 24 00:01:36,947 --> 00:01:40,599 Narrator: In 1989, there were no black senators, and there had never been 25 00:01:40,634 --> 00:01:43,068 An elected black governor in american history. 26 00:01:44,738 --> 00:01:49,007 As for representation in popular american culture, hollywood's portrayal of the 27 00:01:49,043 --> 00:01:51,343 Black experience was lacking. 28 00:01:52,213 --> 00:01:56,048 African americans were often represented as wholesome sit-com characters 29 00:01:56,901 --> 00:01:59,601 Or 'street-wise' anti-hero's. 30 00:01:59,870 --> 00:02:03,005 Neither a true reflection of their complex challenges. 31 00:02:03,808 --> 00:02:07,442 Chuck d: I come from long island, I come from a square mile black town that was 32 00:02:07,845 --> 00:02:12,181 Besieged with crack in the middle of the 1980's and it had taken on a devastating, 33 00:02:13,317 --> 00:02:16,034 Torrid path of destruction. 34 00:02:16,604 --> 00:02:20,772 Smith: Primetime tv presents a distorted picture of blacks and other minorities, 35 00:02:20,808 --> 00:02:23,976 And it makes racial tensions seem invisible, 36 00:02:24,011 --> 00:02:26,879 Although it is commonplace in the real world. 37 00:02:27,281 --> 00:02:30,866 Futrell: Our society is changing rapidly, it is becoming much more diverse 38 00:02:31,669 --> 00:02:34,136 Racially, culturally, ethnically. 39 00:02:34,171 --> 00:02:36,572 But the shows do not reflect that. 40 00:02:36,607 --> 00:02:39,308 The picture which is painted is much too rosy. 41 00:02:39,710 --> 00:02:43,846 Chuck d: The value of black culture, other than the mainstream "americana" 42 00:02:45,049 --> 00:02:47,499 Culture, was overlooked. 43 00:02:47,535 --> 00:02:49,902 Danielle: The communities were not being listened to. 44 00:02:49,937 --> 00:02:52,104 Black people were not being listened to. 45 00:02:52,139 --> 00:02:53,906 (chanting inaudibly) 46 00:02:56,277 --> 00:02:57,943 Reagan: I'm trying to tell you! 47 00:02:58,279 --> 00:02:59,745 Woman: Continue! 48 00:02:59,780 --> 00:03:02,915 Danielle: There was this frustration that we were supposed to have been 49 00:03:02,950 --> 00:03:05,901 To the mountaintop, as martin luther king said. 50 00:03:06,804 --> 00:03:11,006 And there was this struggle about what is a way to raise your voice. 51 00:03:13,277 --> 00:03:17,579 Narrator: America in the late 80's was 25 years removed from the March on washington, 52 00:03:18,482 --> 00:03:21,500 And 35 years from brown versus board of education. 53 00:03:22,303 --> 00:03:26,605 But even in its most progressive cities, how far had the country really come? 54 00:03:28,375 --> 00:03:31,610 Rather: Arrests were made today in the new york city version of a racial lynching, 55 00:03:32,179 --> 00:03:34,880 A mob of whites attacking three black men. 56 00:03:34,915 --> 00:03:37,599 Narrator: Howard beach queens, 1986. 57 00:03:38,102 --> 00:03:41,670 A racially motivated attack on three black men led to the death of 58 00:03:41,705 --> 00:03:44,072 23-year-old michael griffith. 59 00:03:45,175 --> 00:03:48,543 The incident raised racial tensions in the city, and inspired 60 00:03:48,579 --> 00:03:51,680 A young director to make a movie with a message. 61 00:03:53,867 --> 00:03:56,602 Reporter (over tv): Spike lee's new film do the right thing is controversial. 62 00:03:56,637 --> 00:03:59,805 Some critics have gone as far as saying it could incite violence. 63 00:03:59,840 --> 00:04:01,240 Reporter 2 (over tv): Do the right thing 64 00:04:01,275 --> 00:04:03,775 Is drawing strong pointed reviews, some praise, 65 00:04:03,811 --> 00:04:05,827 And arousing heated controversy. 66 00:04:05,846 --> 00:04:09,181 Danielle: Do the right thing came out in the summer of 1989. 67 00:04:10,150 --> 00:04:13,302 We have all this racial tension that's happening in the country. 68 00:04:13,337 --> 00:04:15,070 Mookie: Hey! Woman: Hi mookie. 69 00:04:15,105 --> 00:04:19,041 Danielle: The story is essentially an italian family running a pizzeria in a 70 00:04:19,076 --> 00:04:22,778 Neighborhood that's changed from being an italian neighborhood, and now it's a 71 00:04:22,813 --> 00:04:26,248 Black neighborhood, and so there's all that tension of these business owners. 72 00:04:26,283 --> 00:04:29,134 Man: Turn that jungle music off, we ain't in africa! 73 00:04:29,470 --> 00:04:31,236 Man 2: Why it gotta be about jungle music! 74 00:04:31,272 --> 00:04:33,272 Why it gotta be about africa! 75 00:04:33,307 --> 00:04:38,810 Danielle: And they get into some basic arguments that then turn into a riot... 76 00:04:45,803 --> 00:04:50,639 Instead of shying away from the racial tensions that were happening at the moment 77 00:04:51,108 --> 00:04:53,942 In the country, this movie hit you in the face. 78 00:04:56,513 --> 00:04:59,014 Lee: Well what we're trying to do is to have people start discussing and start 79 00:04:59,049 --> 00:05:03,068 Dialoguing about race relations in this country to provoke thought. 80 00:05:03,604 --> 00:05:06,705 Dego, wop, ginny, garlic breath, pizza slinger. 81 00:05:06,740 --> 00:05:09,107 (inaudible) 82 00:05:09,143 --> 00:05:12,144 Man: Fried chicken and biscut eatin' monkey. 83 00:05:12,179 --> 00:05:14,112 Ape, baboon, big thigh... 84 00:05:14,148 --> 00:05:17,299 Danielle: I had a roommate who cried through the entire movie. 85 00:05:17,334 --> 00:05:21,937 It touched off such an emotional response in her because she had grown up in 86 00:05:21,972 --> 00:05:25,474 What she described as an extremely racist environment. 87 00:05:27,544 --> 00:05:33,048 The movie is a way for americans of all different races to really confront what 88 00:05:33,083 --> 00:05:35,200 Is a racist nightmare. 89 00:05:36,470 --> 00:05:38,503 Ebert: Spike lee's do the right thing, 90 00:05:38,539 --> 00:05:40,439 It was a strong, courageous film, 91 00:05:40,474 --> 00:05:43,842 One of the few american films in recent years that uncompromisingly tried 92 00:05:43,877 --> 00:05:47,079 To say something serious about race relations in our country. 93 00:05:47,848 --> 00:05:52,034 Siskel: It's an absolutely wonderful film, it's the best film of 1989, clearly. 94 00:05:52,069 --> 00:05:55,437 Lee: One of the reasons why some people might have some problems with this 95 00:05:55,472 --> 00:05:57,706 Film is that it's not a typical hollywood film. 96 00:05:57,741 --> 00:06:02,944 I do not provide an answer at the end of the movie, for us to solve this problem. 97 00:06:03,680 --> 00:06:05,213 Interviewer: For us, all of us? 98 00:06:05,249 --> 00:06:06,515 Lee: Yes, for all of us. 99 00:06:06,550 --> 00:06:09,401 I don't have the answer; I don't have the solution. 100 00:06:09,970 --> 00:06:13,205 Narrator: But teaming up with a hip hop group known for its politically 101 00:06:13,240 --> 00:06:15,474 Charged lyrics furthered the cause. 102 00:06:19,980 --> 00:06:24,099 Since 1986, public enemy had used music to voice the concerns of 103 00:06:24,134 --> 00:06:26,368 African american communities, 104 00:06:26,403 --> 00:06:28,670 But it was the groundbreaking theme for 105 00:06:28,705 --> 00:06:30,138 Do the right thing 106 00:06:30,174 --> 00:06:32,941 That brought their socially conscious message to the mainstream. 107 00:06:33,777 --> 00:06:36,011 ♪ public enemy: 1989 a number ♪ 108 00:06:36,046 --> 00:06:39,247 ♪ another summer get down sound of a funky drummer ♪♪ 109 00:06:39,917 --> 00:06:43,402 What spike lee wanted from us as music makers, he wanted an anthem. 110 00:06:44,238 --> 00:06:47,739 Spike wanted to nail this racial unrest that was going on. 111 00:06:49,109 --> 00:06:52,477 Yes, there is a problem in the united states of america, in 1989. 112 00:06:54,114 --> 00:06:56,014 So we came up with, 'fight the power.' 113 00:06:56,049 --> 00:06:59,534 ♪ fight the power fight the power ♪ 114 00:07:00,137 --> 00:07:03,705 ♪ fight the power fight the power ♪♪ 115 00:07:04,475 --> 00:07:05,941 Narrator: With just three words, 116 00:07:05,993 --> 00:07:09,077 Public enemy had expressed the frustrations of millions, 117 00:07:09,113 --> 00:07:11,012 And created a timeless anthem. 118 00:07:11,415 --> 00:07:13,932 ♪ chuck d: We gotta fight the powers that be ♪♪ 119 00:07:13,967 --> 00:07:17,502 Danielle: You can listen to 'fight the power' and hear them talking about young 120 00:07:17,538 --> 00:07:20,806 People wanting to stand up for their beliefs, 121 00:07:20,841 --> 00:07:23,508 Young people wanting to have a voice for their community 122 00:07:23,544 --> 00:07:25,110 When no one else will listen to them. 123 00:07:25,145 --> 00:07:28,647 And about the injustice that they see is happening in their communities. 124 00:07:29,216 --> 00:07:34,269 That music was being accepted as a form of political speech. 125 00:07:35,205 --> 00:07:37,572 Chuck d: Check this out man, we rolling this way. 126 00:07:37,608 --> 00:07:40,775 That March in 1963, that was a bit of nonsense. 127 00:07:41,044 --> 00:07:42,611 We ain't rolling like that no more. 128 00:07:42,646 --> 00:07:46,081 Matter-of-fact the young black america, we rolling up with seminars, 129 00:07:46,116 --> 00:07:48,266 Press conferences and straight up rallies. 130 00:07:48,302 --> 00:07:50,035 Am I right? 131 00:07:50,070 --> 00:07:54,506 Narrator: In the late 80's, public enemy wasn't the only group with provocative lyrics, 132 00:07:54,541 --> 00:07:58,310 But back then, most rap music had a less lofty agenda. 133 00:07:59,246 --> 00:08:01,713 ♪ smith: There's no need to argue, parents just don't understand! ♪♪ 134 00:08:02,316 --> 00:08:05,167 Adler: Hip hop was mostly party music. 135 00:08:05,202 --> 00:08:08,503 ♪ humpty: Do the humpty hump, come on and do the humpty hump! ♪ 136 00:08:08,539 --> 00:08:10,805 ♪ check it out ya'll and do the humpty hump ♪♪ 137 00:08:10,841 --> 00:08:14,442 Adler: And then public enemy changed the game in hip-hop, dramatically. 138 00:08:17,181 --> 00:08:22,167 By 89' public enemy were the standard bearers, they were the pioneers in 139 00:08:22,736 --> 00:08:25,670 This medium which hadn't been political before. 140 00:08:25,706 --> 00:08:29,107 It had this immediate impact inspiring other groups. 141 00:08:29,142 --> 00:08:31,142 ♪ man: Walk the roads my forefathers walked. ♪ 142 00:08:31,178 --> 00:08:33,411 ♪ climb the trees my forefathers hung from. ♪ 143 00:08:33,447 --> 00:08:36,181 ♪ latifa: U-n-I-t-y. You gotta let em know. ♪ 144 00:08:36,216 --> 00:08:38,600 ♪ u-n-I-t-y. Come on here we go ♪♪ 145 00:08:39,036 --> 00:08:41,136 ♪ 2pac: Brenda's gotta make her own way ♪ 146 00:08:41,171 --> 00:08:43,939 ♪ can't go to a family that won't let her stay ♪♪ 147 00:08:44,708 --> 00:08:47,242 Chuck d: It was a renaissance period where there were a whole bunch of 148 00:08:47,277 --> 00:08:49,511 Creators in music and film, 149 00:08:49,546 --> 00:08:54,032 And these voices were issuing their complaints and went head on against 150 00:08:54,067 --> 00:08:57,502 Some of the racial attitudes that were colliding at that particular time. 151 00:08:59,006 --> 00:09:01,439 Arsenio: You were getting the message, but it was still moving you. 152 00:09:02,509 --> 00:09:05,176 You know, it still was groovin.' 153 00:09:05,212 --> 00:09:07,078 You know you could hear the funky drummer, 154 00:09:07,114 --> 00:09:11,099 But at the same time when the song was over, you were better for it. 155 00:09:12,703 --> 00:09:16,438 Adler: Hip hop transformed popular music, it transformed music video, 156 00:09:17,808 --> 00:09:21,042 It transformed movies, in the person of spike lee. 157 00:09:22,145 --> 00:09:26,281 And then, a little while later, it starts to transform television in the 158 00:09:26,316 --> 00:09:28,233 Form of arsenio hall. 159 00:09:28,902 --> 00:09:31,102 Arsenio: If hip hop is the news of the ghetto, 160 00:09:31,138 --> 00:09:35,340 My show was cnn's headquarters in atlanta. 161 00:09:45,435 --> 00:09:47,369 To main street u.S.A. 162 00:09:47,404 --> 00:09:50,805 Sales last year reached an estimated $5 billion. 163 00:09:51,275 --> 00:09:53,541 ♪ woman: Cause I'm a definite lady with a lotta pizazz. ♪ 164 00:09:53,577 --> 00:09:56,544 ♪ I like r&b, disco, hip-hop and jazz. ♪♪ 165 00:09:56,580 --> 00:10:00,315 Narrator: By 1989, hip-hop's popularity had reached a tipping point. 166 00:10:01,134 --> 00:10:03,134 ♪ kool: Somebody say ho! ♪♪ 167 00:10:04,204 --> 00:10:07,405 Narrator: But in the early 80's, before rap broke into the mainstream, 168 00:10:08,275 --> 00:10:11,242 The musical landscape of america looked much different. 169 00:10:12,112 --> 00:10:15,580 Adler: America's musical taste had become weirdly segregated. 170 00:10:15,616 --> 00:10:19,267 You had white kids listening to rock and roll on rock radio stations, and black kids 171 00:10:19,303 --> 00:10:24,939 Listening to whatever they could on black radio stations, and rap turned it around! 172 00:10:26,410 --> 00:10:27,609 ♪ man: Hit it! ♪♪ 173 00:10:28,078 --> 00:10:30,879 Fab 5 freddy: Yo! Yo fab 5 freddy, welcome to 174 00:10:30,914 --> 00:10:32,314 Yo! Mtv raps! 175 00:10:32,349 --> 00:10:34,899 Adler: Mtv starts yo! Mtv raps. 176 00:10:35,636 --> 00:10:38,870 Fab 5 freddy: Hanging out with easy-e, nwa, we're at the compton. 177 00:10:38,905 --> 00:10:43,241 Adler: It became the most highly rated show on the network. 178 00:10:43,276 --> 00:10:46,077 Fab 5 freddy: Fab 5 freddy with one of the stars of the movie, tupac... 179 00:10:46,113 --> 00:10:48,113 Chuck d: Yo! Mtv raps 180 00:10:48,148 --> 00:10:53,234 Really pushed rap videos and hip hop videos out to americana like never before. 181 00:10:54,538 --> 00:10:58,606 Danielle: If you were a white suburban kid you may not have known very much about 182 00:10:58,642 --> 00:11:00,909 Who fab 5 freddy was, right, 183 00:11:00,944 --> 00:11:06,181 Or, you know who heavy d was, or who was yo-yo or queen latifah, 184 00:11:07,050 --> 00:11:10,268 And all of the sudden every day you could come home from school and watch 185 00:11:10,303 --> 00:11:11,803 Yo! Mtv raps, 186 00:11:11,838 --> 00:11:15,974 That kind of shift in the availability of black culture, 187 00:11:16,943 --> 00:11:19,844 And especially black culture that was considered to be street culture. 188 00:11:20,981 --> 00:11:24,015 It became the music of the people everywhere. 189 00:11:25,035 --> 00:11:27,402 Reporter: Millions of white suburban kids have adopted black 190 00:11:27,437 --> 00:11:29,571 Urban culture as their own. 191 00:11:29,606 --> 00:11:31,706 So why do these teenagers do it? 192 00:11:31,875 --> 00:11:34,542 Is it a form of rebellion? Or just the way to be cool? 193 00:11:35,379 --> 00:11:38,012 Man: I don't know how to explain it man, it's just different. 194 00:11:38,215 --> 00:11:39,814 That's the culture that I want to be connected to. 195 00:11:39,850 --> 00:11:41,499 Woman: I mean, it's crazy. 196 00:11:41,535 --> 00:11:45,103 It's white kids who like wanna be, wanna be black kids. 197 00:11:46,173 --> 00:11:49,174 Adler: There is some pushback still, at that point. 198 00:11:50,243 --> 00:11:53,178 You know the kids themselves; I think most of them would just shrug it off. 199 00:11:53,213 --> 00:11:55,480 'you are gonna try and box me in this way? 200 00:11:56,650 --> 00:12:01,102 This happens to be speaking to me, I feel something, and I love it.' 201 00:12:02,506 --> 00:12:04,072 Narrator: Through yo! Mtv raps, 202 00:12:04,107 --> 00:12:08,042 Black culture entered the living rooms of white suburbia, and it was 203 00:12:08,078 --> 00:12:12,113 About to gain a stronger foothold with a show that would change 204 00:12:12,516 --> 00:12:15,433 The television landscape. 205 00:12:15,902 --> 00:12:21,206 Announcer: Crank it up! It's arsenio hall! 206 00:12:28,048 --> 00:12:31,900 Adler: Late night tv had basically been the province of older white guys. 207 00:12:33,236 --> 00:12:35,437 Chuck d: I loved johnny carson, 208 00:12:35,939 --> 00:12:38,907 But I know johnny carson's not there for me. 209 00:12:39,309 --> 00:12:41,042 Arsenio: I would watch the tonight show, 210 00:12:41,077 --> 00:12:43,478 I was a huge fan of johnny's, I wanted to be johnny. 211 00:12:43,513 --> 00:12:49,033 But as a young black man, you could go a whole month and not see al green, 212 00:12:49,603 --> 00:12:51,870 Or someone who looked like you, 213 00:12:51,905 --> 00:12:54,706 Someone who was in your album collection. 214 00:12:54,941 --> 00:12:57,242 The thing that I did is, instead of going after carson, 215 00:12:57,277 --> 00:12:59,177 I went after everything he leaves over. 216 00:12:59,212 --> 00:13:01,946 The people that watch johnny, I went after their kids. 217 00:13:01,982 --> 00:13:03,648 Chuck d: When arsenio came along, 218 00:13:03,683 --> 00:13:08,002 Arsenio was like 'I know that there's a whole new generation out there 219 00:13:08,038 --> 00:13:12,607 Who culturally are somewhere else, who want something else speaking to them, 220 00:13:13,743 --> 00:13:16,311 Who will never ever make johnny carson's show. 221 00:13:16,346 --> 00:13:18,246 I could dig that. 222 00:13:18,281 --> 00:13:20,682 Arsenio: Please welcome chuck d and flava flav, public enemy. 223 00:13:22,969 --> 00:13:27,605 I used to fight for the guests that I wanted, because at that time paramount, 224 00:13:27,641 --> 00:13:31,342 They wanted to keep doing the same things that the other guys were doing and 225 00:13:31,378 --> 00:13:33,978 Compete with the other guys. 226 00:13:34,014 --> 00:13:38,066 I remember the first time I pitched nwa, cause I met ice cube and he gave 227 00:13:38,101 --> 00:13:39,601 Me a cassette tape, 228 00:13:39,636 --> 00:13:44,005 Which tells you how long ago it was, and on the cassette tape written with 229 00:13:44,040 --> 00:13:45,373 An ink pen it said, 230 00:13:45,408 --> 00:13:49,143 '(bleep) the police,' and I'm like 'this is gonna be a hard pitch.' 231 00:13:50,647 --> 00:13:54,048 But I kept pushing and kept fighting, because I knew they didn't know. 232 00:13:54,084 --> 00:13:57,802 Danielle: It was a black show, black host, lots of black guests, 233 00:13:58,605 --> 00:14:02,190 Definitely a perspective on music that was mostly black. 234 00:14:04,177 --> 00:14:06,644 But it was served to everyone. 235 00:14:08,248 --> 00:14:11,332 This was a party that everyone was invited to. 236 00:14:11,368 --> 00:14:15,370 Arsenio: My mission, is through laughter, to try and bring people together. 237 00:14:16,439 --> 00:14:19,407 Now who does that sound like to you? 238 00:14:20,377 --> 00:14:22,176 My idol, the martin luther king, 239 00:14:22,212 --> 00:14:24,479 Of comedy is what I would like to be. 240 00:14:24,514 --> 00:14:28,867 Danielle: Arsenio hall was a huge part of making what was black culture 241 00:14:29,903 --> 00:14:32,904 A part of just american culture. 242 00:14:34,040 --> 00:14:39,377 Arsenio: My show was like a keyhole that you could peek through and see some stuff, 243 00:14:40,247 --> 00:14:44,332 That maybe was intimidating, but watch it because you didn't have to fear in your 244 00:14:44,367 --> 00:14:49,170 Own living room that it would jump out and get you, and throw a clock on your neck. 245 00:14:52,008 --> 00:14:54,275 Chuck d: What he showed and what he could do across the united states 246 00:14:54,311 --> 00:14:57,312 Of america is make people nod their head and respect what 247 00:14:57,347 --> 00:14:59,814 Came out of black people. 248 00:14:59,849 --> 00:15:02,433 It was a gigantic step for the culture. 249 00:15:03,870 --> 00:15:07,205 Narrator: While black culture's authentic voice was finally being heard 250 00:15:07,240 --> 00:15:12,043 Around the nation, in the south, 1989 would culminate with another 251 00:15:12,445 --> 00:15:14,812 Giant step for america... 252 00:15:14,848 --> 00:15:17,732 A hard-won political breakthrough, 253 00:15:17,767 --> 00:15:21,536 That would help fuel historic change to come. 254 00:15:33,316 --> 00:15:35,600 Political history was being made in the south. 255 00:15:36,670 --> 00:15:39,804 Reporter: On a blustery sunny day in a city that was once the capital of 256 00:15:39,839 --> 00:15:43,675 The confederacy, a grandson of slaves was sworn in today, 257 00:15:44,110 --> 00:15:46,411 As the nation's first elected black governor. 258 00:15:46,746 --> 00:15:47,779 Man: Congratulations. 259 00:15:47,814 --> 00:15:49,113 Wilder: Thank you so very much. 260 00:15:49,149 --> 00:15:52,133 Man: This is a great day for virginia. 261 00:15:52,969 --> 00:15:57,205 Narrator: By a margin of less than 7,000 votes, douglas wilder was elected 262 00:15:57,240 --> 00:15:59,007 Governor of virginia. 263 00:15:59,275 --> 00:16:02,477 Wilder: When I could read that all men were created equal, 264 00:16:02,512 --> 00:16:06,981 And that they were endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, 265 00:16:07,650 --> 00:16:11,069 And that among these were life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, 266 00:16:11,104 --> 00:16:13,187 I knew it meant me! 267 00:16:13,673 --> 00:16:15,306 People said, 'you gonna vote for this guy?' 268 00:16:15,342 --> 00:16:17,258 They said, 'well we don't know, we haven't heard from him.' 269 00:16:17,293 --> 00:16:19,444 Someone said, 'well you do know where...' 270 00:16:19,479 --> 00:16:22,447 And they said 'yes, we do know but we've never had an opportunity 271 00:16:22,482 --> 00:16:24,766 To vote for someone of color, 272 00:16:24,801 --> 00:16:28,202 So how could we know whether that's going to be good or not?' 273 00:16:28,471 --> 00:16:33,741 I think 89' was very significant to the extent that it was showing the 274 00:16:33,777 --> 00:16:36,544 Possibilities of what could happen. 275 00:16:36,813 --> 00:16:41,599 Danielle: It showed that there was a black politician who was able to bring together a 276 00:16:41,634 --> 00:16:45,069 Coalition of people to vote for him, in a state of the old confederacy. 277 00:16:46,139 --> 00:16:49,107 Man: Words can't really explain how great of a feeling it is. 278 00:16:49,609 --> 00:16:52,810 Woman: I wanted to be a part of it and I wanted my children to be a part of it. 279 00:16:52,846 --> 00:16:55,813 Wilder: Thank you and god bless all of you. 280 00:16:55,849 --> 00:16:58,933 Narrator: Black politicians had won elections before, 281 00:16:58,968 --> 00:17:01,602 But wilder's hard-fought win to become the nation's 282 00:17:01,638 --> 00:17:03,838 First elected black governor, 283 00:17:03,873 --> 00:17:06,941 Along with the 1989 election of david dinkins 284 00:17:07,377 --> 00:17:10,411 As new york's first black mayor, broke political barriers. 285 00:17:12,282 --> 00:17:16,167 The mtv generation took note and, with rock the vote a year later, 286 00:17:17,103 --> 00:17:19,504 Black voices were further empowered. 287 00:17:19,539 --> 00:17:22,140 Loder: Rock the vote is a youth oriented voter registration campaign 288 00:17:22,175 --> 00:17:25,410 Launched by virgin records that's seeking to rally music fans to fight back 289 00:17:25,445 --> 00:17:26,577 At the polls. 290 00:17:26,613 --> 00:17:27,979 Mix-a-lot: Yo what's up! 291 00:17:28,014 --> 00:17:30,148 It's real popular in rap music right now to dis the establishment, 292 00:17:30,183 --> 00:17:32,133 Or complain about the establishment's faults... 293 00:17:32,168 --> 00:17:34,869 What needs to be popular is getting you all out there to vote, 294 00:17:34,904 --> 00:17:36,404 You know what I'm saying. 295 00:17:36,439 --> 00:17:39,173 Narrator: The new youth-driven, politically astute voice of black 296 00:17:39,209 --> 00:17:42,376 Entertainment was now affecting the electorate. 297 00:17:42,412 --> 00:17:47,682 This culminated in the fall of 1992, when a presidential candidate struggling in the 298 00:17:47,717 --> 00:17:51,869 Polls chose the arsenio hall show to help him reach a new audience, 299 00:17:52,872 --> 00:17:54,372 And stage a comeback. 300 00:17:55,341 --> 00:17:59,110 Announcer: It's arsenio hall! 301 00:17:59,946 --> 00:18:04,415 (heartbreak hotel plays) 302 00:18:08,938 --> 00:18:14,275 Adler: Bill clinton comes on, he's just relaxed and charming. 303 00:18:15,612 --> 00:18:18,513 Clinton: You've got millions of people in this country today who just don't feel 304 00:18:18,548 --> 00:18:22,567 Connected to the lives the rest of us want to live, I mean, you tell them to 305 00:18:22,602 --> 00:18:25,303 Register to vote, get an education, go to work and they say, 306 00:18:25,338 --> 00:18:28,506 'I may not have a job, but if I deal drugs I can make money.' 307 00:18:29,175 --> 00:18:31,075 You tell them they ought to register to vote and 308 00:18:31,111 --> 00:18:35,213 They say 'why, I'll still be unsafe on my streets.' what this election is about in a 309 00:18:35,248 --> 00:18:39,167 Way is reconnecting more folks to the american dream, making them feel like they 310 00:18:39,202 --> 00:18:43,471 Are a part of our community, making them feel like tomorrow can be better than today. 311 00:18:43,773 --> 00:18:47,875 Danielle: That became a phenomena, it really humanized him late in the presidential 312 00:18:47,911 --> 00:18:51,445 Race and made him seem like a man of the people. 313 00:18:52,682 --> 00:18:55,933 Clinton: I, william jefferson clinton, do solemnly swear... 314 00:18:57,337 --> 00:19:00,171 Arsenio: People were calling bill clinton the first black president. 315 00:19:00,206 --> 00:19:04,175 The coolest compliment is he called me once, he said to me, 316 00:19:05,261 --> 00:19:08,279 'if it wasn't for you I wouldn't have been president.' 317 00:19:08,314 --> 00:19:10,314 That's the ultimate compliment. 318 00:19:11,467 --> 00:19:15,970 Narrator: And in 2008, another young, idealistic candidate would use the 319 00:19:16,005 --> 00:19:19,273 Same inclusive language of those who came before him, 320 00:19:19,309 --> 00:19:21,976 To ride a wave of hope into the history books. 321 00:19:22,979 --> 00:19:26,247 Obama: There is not a liberal america and a conservative america, 322 00:19:26,282 --> 00:19:28,633 There is the united states of america. 323 00:19:30,203 --> 00:19:33,571 Reporter (over tv): Senator barack obama of illinois will be the next president 324 00:19:34,140 --> 00:19:35,773 Of the united states. 325 00:19:35,808 --> 00:19:39,844 Wilder: President obama said to me that we provided the leadership for the 326 00:19:39,879 --> 00:19:43,548 Opportunities for him to be elected. 327 00:19:44,834 --> 00:19:48,469 Narrator: In 1989, politics and pop culture collided. 328 00:19:49,505 --> 00:19:53,441 Today, the bond they share is ingrained in artistic expression, 329 00:19:53,476 --> 00:19:55,943 And echoed in the words of our leaders. 330 00:19:56,880 --> 00:20:01,699 Clarke: In the words of a prolific, poetic philosopher, kanye west... 331 00:20:02,902 --> 00:20:07,171 Richmond: Tupac said, 'they got the money for war, but they can't feed the poor.' 332 00:20:08,875 --> 00:20:12,210 Narrator: While america's representatives better reflect its demographics 333 00:20:12,245 --> 00:20:16,080 Today than in 1989, progress remains elusive. 334 00:20:17,383 --> 00:20:20,534 Wilder: We have now, far more elected officials of color than we've ever had 335 00:20:20,570 --> 00:20:22,169 In the history of the country. 336 00:20:22,205 --> 00:20:25,506 But has it brought about the kinds of change that many of us thought it 337 00:20:25,541 --> 00:20:26,841 Would have brought about? 338 00:20:26,876 --> 00:20:29,243 The answer is obviously, no. 339 00:20:29,746 --> 00:20:32,647 Arsenio: I remember watching barack obama, 340 00:20:32,682 --> 00:20:35,533 And you're thinking 'we're there, we're finally there.' 341 00:20:35,969 --> 00:20:40,571 And as time went on I began to realize how naive I am. 342 00:20:42,208 --> 00:20:44,809 Reporter (over tv): New details about the tragic shooting death of 17-year old 343 00:20:44,844 --> 00:20:46,410 Trayvon martin. 344 00:20:46,446 --> 00:20:48,479 Reporter 2 (over tv): There is growing outrage tonight after an unarmed 345 00:20:48,514 --> 00:20:51,399 African american teenager was shot and killed by police. 346 00:20:51,901 --> 00:20:54,168 Reporter 3 (over tv): A white police officer is in custody and 347 00:20:54,203 --> 00:20:56,771 Is being charged in murder in the shooting death of a black man 348 00:20:56,806 --> 00:20:58,406 After a traffic stop. 349 00:20:58,441 --> 00:21:01,075 Reporter 4 (over tv): Protests are spreading after an officer today shot and 350 00:21:01,110 --> 00:21:04,111 Killed an african american man. 351 00:21:04,414 --> 00:21:06,180 Danielle: In 1989 do the right thing 352 00:21:06,215 --> 00:21:08,399 Was a touchstone cultural moment but there is 353 00:21:08,434 --> 00:21:13,271 No doubt that that kind of racial tension, anger, energy is something that we're 354 00:21:13,306 --> 00:21:15,640 Experiencing in the country right now. 355 00:21:16,976 --> 00:21:21,012 We're at a time I think more than any since the civil rights movement, 356 00:21:21,047 --> 00:21:25,466 Where you do see a lot of on the ground political activity. 357 00:21:27,270 --> 00:21:31,872 That kind of protest movement is driven by culture, is driven by art, in black 358 00:21:32,108 --> 00:21:35,743 Culture and for the black community, we're trying to find our way. 359 00:21:36,679 --> 00:21:41,482 Narrator: But unlike 1989, today more people can find platforms to speak out. 360 00:21:42,735 --> 00:21:48,105 Arsenio: We're going to have to make an amazing comeback, but there are some kids that 361 00:21:48,908 --> 00:21:52,243 Are seriious and they're educating themselves 362 00:21:52,578 --> 00:21:55,646 When you go to rallies now, you don't see jesse jackson, you see kids. 363 00:21:56,115 --> 00:21:58,315 You see children saying, 'I'm afraid to go to school.' 364 00:21:58,334 --> 00:22:00,167 You see kids giving speeches! 365 00:22:00,203 --> 00:22:03,337 Girl: I am here today to acknowledge and represent the african american girls whose 366 00:22:03,373 --> 00:22:06,707 Stories don't make the front page of every national newspaper. 367 00:22:07,643 --> 00:22:10,211 Arsenio: And that makes me believe in the future man. 368 00:22:10,480 --> 00:22:11,479 Captioned by cotter captionign services.