Tuesday, February 25 at 8 p.m.
The civil rights movement was set in motion by activists of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). While some of its leaders are familiar, Walter White, NAACP head from 1929 to 1955 and one of America’s most influential Black men, has been all but forgotten. This film traces the fascinating and complex life of this neglected civil rights hero.
With his blond hair and blue eyes, Walter White looked white; he described himself as “an enigma, a Black man occupying a white body.” Like virtually all light-skinned African Americans of his day, White was descended from enslaved Black women and powerful white men.
He was Black and that was underscored — by law, identity, and conviction. He spent his entire adult life fighting for Black civil rights. White studied at Atlanta University, where he caught the eye of James Weldon Johnson, the leader of the recently formed National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
An integrated, multiracial organization, the stated goals of the NAACP were almost unimaginable for most Americans of the time — full political, legal, and social equality for all African Americans.
Celebrate Black History Month with diverse programming with Arizona PBS. Recognizing cultural contributions as well as victories and sacrifices, these programs unearth remarkable stories of African Americans across generations, both nationwide and within our community. Watch featured documentaries, music specials, local interviews, and enjoy resources for families and educators.
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