Bibliographic Information:
Title: Summer of Soul (... Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
Executive Producer: Questlove
Network: Searchlight Pictures/Disney+
Release Date: 2021
Cast: Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Fifth Dimension, B.B. King, and more
Age Rating: PG-13
Genre / Format of the Title: Documentary / Film
Plot Summary:
1969 was a great year for music: everyone knows about the Woodstock music festival that began that year, but the lesser known Harlem Cultural Festival also took place that summer, but unlike Woodstock it was free for all and had over 300,000 attendees. Taking place on six Sundays over the course of a month and a half in Mount Morris Park, now known as Marcus Garvey Park after the known Black activist leader, the Harlem Cultural Festival celebrated Black American culture via music, art, and politics. The Summer of Soul shows footage of the performances and speeches that took place at the festival, intermittently including interviews with those who attended, performed, or have studied the festival. Throughout the documentary it is discussed how this festival was a milestone for Black culture, but how it seems to have been forgotten from pop culture compared to Woodstock.
Creator Background:
Popularly known as Questlove, Ahmir K. Thompson is a drummer and music producer who has been working in music and the arts since 1987. Summer of Soul is Questlove’s directorial debut, having been brought the project by RadicalMedia and other producers who wanted the project to finally come to fruition, in which Questlove was interested in due to the historical significance of the event. Questlove had never heard of the event until the project was brought to his attention, and his shock at the fact he had never heard of it, let alone that the footage sat unused for so many decades, was enough to peak his interest in directing the movie (Questlove, 2004).
Critical Evaluation:
The fact that this footage, shot on film, sat in a basement for fifty years and is still in such great quality is absolutely amazing. The foresight that the creator of the festival had to have it be recorded was genius, and as sad as it is that it took so long for the documentary to actually be made, it could not have come at a better time. There has been a lot of division when looking at the achievements and contributions of Black Americans to American history and culture over the existence of the nation, but especially during the pandemic did things become more intense. The fact that this documentary was released during that time, showing just how much Black American culture influenced the country is so important to remember.
As for the documentary itself, it has a perfect blend of old footage, new interviews, and background given on the artists performing to make someone who may have never heard of the event or even some of the artists understand everything that they are being shown. Although it is his first directing job, Questlove successfully tells the story of the Harlem Cultural Festival through the footage and interviews that proves it deserved the awards it won.
Creative Use for a Library Program:
I would want everyone to pick a performer from the Harlem Cultural Festival that is mentioned in the movie and see if that same artist ever played at Woodstock, whether the same year or a later one. Then, a discussion of why they may have not been invited to Woodstock, why some artists were only allowed at certain festivals, etc. I want young adults to work on their research skills as well as their critical thinking.
Speed-Round Recommendation:
Forgotten in a basement for over fifty years, the footage of the Harlem Cultural Festival sat waiting for the story of the event to be told. Finally, Summer of Soul presents the event along with stories of how it came to be, how it came to be forgotten, and poses the question as why, compared to Woodstock which took place the same year, only Woodstock is remembered fondly. Documenting the celebration of Black American culture over six Sundays in the Summer of 1969, the Summer of Soul looks at Civil Rights from a cultural point of view as opposed to political and reminds viewers that popular culture does not always include Black culture.
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:
The only issue I can potentially see is the fact that the Black Panther Party was used as security by the festival, and that is talked about in the film for a little while. While some find the Black Panther Party and their ethics, rules, and political leanings to be questionable, they were an important part of the Civil Rights Movement and their being used as security instead of police shows that it was them who the organizers felt comfortable ensuring the safety of the crowd with instead of police. For those who challenge the movie because they were mentioned, I would recommend learning more about the party or simply not watching the movie if it does bother them that much.
Reason for Inclusion:
Documentaries do not get the love they deserve - with the exception of Summer of Soul. After winning numerous awards and accolades, this documentary has cemented a place for itself in the collective memory of those who enjoy the genre. As such, including it in the collection simply makes sense: it discusses the intersection of culture and politics, why some events are left to be forgotten, and why they need to be remembered. Visually striking, entertaining, and educational all in one - The Summer of Soul deserves to be included and watched over and over again.
References:
(2004, November 14). Questlove. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Questlove
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