Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored (1996)

Synopsis: This film provides a slice-of-life glimpse into black history as it follows a young boy named Cliff growing up in the segregated South. The story begins in 1946, when Cliff is born. He is... This film provides a slice-of-life glimpse into black history as it follows a young boy named Cliff growing up in the segregated South. The story begins in 1946, when Cliff is born. He is initially raised by his great-grandparents, who expose him to such things as a KKK rally to teach him about the racism blacks have to endure. When he's older, Cliff is reared by his great-aunt, and meets liberal whites such as Mrs. Maybry, who, since blacks are prohibited from entering the library, checks books out for them. But despite the omnipresent bigotry Cliff encounters, his life is also filled with rich childhood experiences, such as fishing trips and family picnics. And perhaps best of all, the young man is fortunate enough to be raised in a tight-knit family that finds its strength in unity. [More]

Starring: Al Freeman, Phylicia Rashad, Leon, Paula Kelly

Starring: Al Freeman, Phylicia Rashad, Leon, Paula Kelly, Salli Richardson, Anna Maria Horsford, Bernie Casey, Isaac Hayes, Willie Norwood, Karen Malina White, Damon Hines, Taj Mahal, Iona Morris, Phill Lewis, Polly Bergen, Richard Roundtree

Director: Tim Reid

Director: Tim Reid

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