 "Photo: Courtesy Paladin")
African-Americans fought a long, hard and sometimes violent battle for equality to end discrimination and segregation.
It’s no coincidence the film “Blood Done Sign My Name” is being released during Black History Month, a time in which Americans honor those who have risked their lives for civil rights.
Set in the 1970s, the film depicts the story of the African-American community in Oxford, N.C., faced with injustice after the murder of Henry “Dickie” Marrow, a black Vietnam veteran, by a white local businessman and his two sons.
The film is based on a novel by author Tim Tyson, whose father was a white Methodist minister who tried to unite two communities starting with his own congregation.
The movie focuses on a local schoolteacher, Ben Chavis, and his pursuit of justice. Chavis, played by Nate Parker, organizes a march on the state Capitol in an attempt to get the government’s attention for support of the African-American community. The march began with a small group of Marrow’s family and friends, but turned into a large group numbered in the thousands.
Robert Teel (Nick Searcy) and one of his sons is charged with Morrow’s murder. During the trial, the African-American community riots, vandalizing and burning down white businesses.
With testimonies from several African-American eyewitnesses, the Teels are acquitted on all charges by an all-white jury, despite attempts at deception from defense attorney Billy Watkins (Michael Rooker). The Teels’ acquittal led to African-Americans boycotting local businesses.
“Blood Done Sign My Name” is a powerful adaptation of a community’s fight for equal rights. Although the film is long and drawn-out, director Jeb Stuart (“Die Hard”) carefully pieces the story together. As the plot builds from the murder to the trial and to the riots, the lackluster ending leaves viewers hanging.
Grade: B-
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