The Man Who Challenged The Racism of Early Hollywood

Born in 1884, in rural Illinois, was the filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. Micheaux was the son of former slaves, and when he was born, movies barely existed. When he left his home at the age of 17, however, movies had progressed far beyond the galloping horses of Eadweard Muybridge. Micheaux wanted to be a part of this emerging industry, and so he decided that he would make films as well.

He would start making his own films in 1919, though they were fairly different from the mainstream fare coming out of the new Hollywood studios. Micheaux’s movies featured predominantly black casts, playing characters who pushed back against the cruel caricatures of black Americans seen in popular films like The Birth of a Nation. Working out of his own independent company on a shoestring budget, Micheaux gave his characters a dignity and humanity that was rarely seen on screens at the time. He presented an unflinching look at the legacy of white supremacy in America with his famous—and, at the time, controversial—film Within Our Gates.

More details about his life and works over at JSTOR Daily.

(Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)


Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"The Man Who Challenged The Racism of Early Hollywood"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More