In the over 200-year history of the United States, many monumental events have rocked the nation. One of which was an unfortunate one called slavery and it existed well after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was issued. After Lincoln’s executive order was passed, slavery was hit hard but it wasn’t completely gone. PBS’ documentary Slavery by Another Name explores slavery and its existence after the Civil War.
Narrated by Laurence Fishburne, Slavery by Another Name is a powerful and gripping documentary which sheds light on one of America’s darkest chapters in history. The film is based upon Douglas A. Blackmon’s book of the same name and it is a riveting program. Mostly innocent African-American men usually in the South would be arrested and forced into involuntary servitude. The legal practices of United States were seriously flawed and this documentary chronicles this terrible time.
Slavery by Another Name is yet another one of PBS’ sensational documentaries. The testimonials of actual descendants of slaves are moving and documents preserved over time are valuable physical pieces of evidence that further tell this important story. Author Douglas A. Blackmon has opened a case file on American history here. The information he has provided for us is essential to the education of the United States history. Also to note are the dramatic reenactments and the talented actors who made them possible, very realistic and emotional. Slavery by Another Name is a top notch documentary and should be viewed if you are curious about a very unfortunate but very real time in America.
DVD Bonus Features
The bonus features for Slavery by Another Name are okay at best. There are two documentaries: The Bricks We Stand On and Behind the Scenes.
"Slavery by Another Name" is on sale February 21, 2012 and is not rated. Documentary. Directed by Samuel D Pollard. Written by Sheila Curran Bernard, Douglas A. Blackmon. Starring Laurence Fishburne, Turron Kofi Alleyne, Tyler Hollinger, Tom Martin, Douglas A Blackmon.
