The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement (2011)

The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement

2011

Documentary History

Synopsis

The film features 85-year-old Mr. Armstrong, an African American barber in Birmingham, Alabama, as he experiences the manifestation of an unimaginable dream: the election of the first African American president. This colorful and courageous activist of the Civil Rights era casts his vote, celebrates Obama's victory and proudly unfurls the American flag as he is inducted into the Foot Soldiers Hall of Fame. Mr. Armstrong links the magnitude of the present paradigm shift with challenges he faced in the past: from his sons' integration into an all white school to the Bloody Sunday march for voting rights. The documentary raises questions about democracy and patriotism in the face of adversity, and the vigilance and action required to ensure continued forward movement to end racial injustice.

Credits

Director

Gail Dolgin

Robin Fryday

Crew

Allen Rosen (Director of Photography)

Ashley James (Director of Photography)

Vicente Franco (Director of Photography)

Jacob Steingroot (Editor)

Kim Roberts (Editor)

Wendy Ettinger (Executive Producer)

B. Quincy Griffin (Original Music Composer)