Reflections Unheard: Black Women in Civil Rights

The Civil Rights movement was one of the most important movements of the 20th century. It initiated nonviolent campaigns that secured legal rights for African Americans that other Americans already had. As progressive as the movement was, it was also highly male dominated. Documentary maker Nevline Nnaji researched the black female contributions, difficulties and experiences in her documentary Reflections Unheard: Black Women in Civil Rights.

What was the role of black women in the Civil Rights movement? Do societal movements have to be diverse in order to be successful? And what lessons can be learned for future female roles to create an inclusive society?

Through the personal stories of several former black female Civil Rights activists she uncovers the lesser-known story of black women’s political marginalization between the male-dominated Black Power movement, and the predominantly white and middle class Feminist movement during the 1960s and 70s. The documentary also reveals how this marginalization led to the mobilization of black and other women of colour, raising awareness and the formation into a united Feminist movement.

After the screening there will be a Q&A with the director Nevline Nnaji, the event will be moderated by Amarantha Groen and Çağlar Köseoğlu.

Nevline Nnaji is a film director, and multi-media artist from Northampton, MA. Her work focus on the internal struggles and transformative experiences of black female characters, using experimental and non-linear storytelling devices in film. Reflections Unheard: Black Women in Civil Rights is her first feature-length documentary. Nnaji currently lives and works in Berlin, Germany.

Amarantha Groen is tutor in the Humanities at Erasmus University College. She recently developed and currently teaches the course Feminist Philosophy. Çağlar Köseoğlu is also tutor at Erasmus University College, he teaches mostly on literature, politics and postcolonial theory. Both are also published poets.