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
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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.