Carolina Theatre of Durham
"Breaking The Booth" Documentary
In the 1960s, America wrestled with the grip of segregation despite earlier victories in the Civil Rights Movement. But on February 8, 1962, the Carolina Theatre in Durham, North Carolina, became the epicenter of change. Inspired by the Greensboro Four's legacy, a group of fearless young activists embarked on an audacious journey. Dressed in their finest, they formed Round Robin lines, refusing to yield until justice was served. Their stand ignited a nationwide wave of sit-ins and demonstrations, sparking a resurgence of the Civil Rights Movement. 'Breaking the Booth' vividly brings this pivotal day to life, showcasing the enduring power of unity and moral courage.
Details
| Non-Profit | Carolina Theatre of Durham |
| Sponsor | PNC Bank |
| Grants | NC Humanities |
| Role | Director/Editor |
Lest We Forget
More than just preserving a vital historical account, "Breaking the Booth" is a clarion call to protect the authentic narratives of marginalized groups too often omitted from the historical record. At its core, the film challenges the erasure of such fundamental stories in the face of restrictive legislation like North Carolina's current ban on accurate teachings about race in America.
With raw, visceral storytelling rooted in the subjective experiences of those who lived through this seminal moment, the documentary is a profound reminder that moral and artistic expression will never be constrained by unjust policies of censorship. "Breaking the Booth" uplifts the very voices systemically suppressed, allowing this transformative 1962 civil rights struggle to inspire and enlighten new generations of audiences.
Entrusted with Remarkable Testimony
I am deeply grateful to Walter Riley, Vivian McCoy, Phil Harris, and Dr. Richard Mizelle for entrusting me with the profound responsibility of bringing their firsthand accounts of the historic 1962 Carolina Theatre protests to life in "Breaking the Booth. Without their candor in reliving the triumphs and traumas of that transformative day, this documentary's clarion call for historical preservation would ring hollow. By courageously sharing their sacred truth, they challenged future generations to honor the enduring legacies of those who fought injustice.