ALA Booklist (Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2009)

One of the most appealing titles in the Lucent Library of Black History series, this volume on black actors in American cinema begins with the Toms found in early silent films and goes all the way up to recent Oscar winners Jamie Foxx and Morgan Freeman. The introduction makes a strong case that life imitates art imitates life; in other words, film portrayals are often based on some form of reality, but reality sometimes emulates those very portrayals. Using high-quality film stills and boxed sections focusing on major themes and personalities, Lace takes the reader through the early blackface actors, the servant roles so prevalent in Depression-era cinema, the broadened awareness of African Americans following World War II, the blaxploitation films of the '60s, and the impact of Spike Lee's 1989 film, Do the Right Thing. Special care is given to the career of Sidney Poitier, and the critiques of his 1967 classic, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, are particularly revealing. Endnotes, a chronology, and index complete the package.

Horn Book (Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

These volumes provide historical overviews of African Americans' contributions to the worlds of visual, literary, and performing arts. Problems of racism and stereotyping as well as overcoming obstacles are discussed. The texts are dense but informative. Some illustrations and photographs help break up the pages. Film includes a timeline. Reading list, websites. Ind.

School Library Journal (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

LACE, William W. Blacks in Film . chron. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-4205-0084-4 . LC 2008018289. ROBSON, David . The Black Arts Movement . Web sites. ISBN 978-1-4205-0053-0 . LC 2008016446. ea vol: 104p. (Lucent Library of Black History Series). photos. reprods. further reading. index. notes. CIP. Gale/Lucent . 2008. Tr $32.45. Gr 7 Up The books are highly accessible and provide cultural context to help readers understand each topic. In Folklore , they are treated to a discussion of the origins of the genre and its various permutations. Film 's investigation centers on the struggle to confront and overcome hateful stereotypes, starting with silent movies and continuing through to the present. Finally, Black Arts focuses on a movement that is often overlooked, but whose impact is felt today in literature, music, and art. Each book includes captioned color and black-and-white photographs and reproductions on every spread. Well-organized and clearly written titles. Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ