Deacons for Defense (TV 2003)

The words "Black Power" bring back memories of names like Stokely Carmichael, H. Rap Brown, and Eldridge Cleaver, but in Bogalusa, LA a group of harassed Afro-Americans had decided they'd ... See full summary »

Director:

Bill Duke

Writers:

Michael D'Antonio (story), Richard Wesley (teleplay),

Stars:

Forest Whitaker, Chris Britton, Jonathan Silverman

4 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Forest Whitaker	...	Marcus Clay
Chris Britton	...	William Chase
Jonathan Silverman	...	Michael Deane
Ossie Davis	...	Reverend 'Rev' Gregory
Gene Mack	...	T.J.
Tyrone Benskin	...	Archie
Paul Benjamin	...	Otis
Mpho Koaho	...	Baily
Melanie Nicholls-King	...	Rose Clay
Serena Lee	...	Lucille Clay
Khafre Armatrading	...	Brooks Clay
Adam Weiner	...	Charles Hillibrand
Beau Starr	...	Neely
Paulino Nunes	...	Lawson
Aaron Walpole	...	Jimmy

Storyline

The words "Black Power" bring back memories of names like Stokely Carmichael, H. Rap Brown, and Eldridge Cleaver, but in Bogalusa, LA a group of harassed Afro-Americans had decided they'd had enough and took up arms to defend themselves and force the white power structure to listen to them. This took place during "Freedom Summer", 1964, right after the Civil Rights Act had become law. Fact based movie stars Forest Whitaker and Ossie Davis, the former as the founder of the Deacons of Defense and Justice (DDJ) and the latter as a peaceful minister trying to prevent the unavoidable violence that will follow. The story revolves around the white-controlled factory which provides 70% of the town's income and employees 40% of its people. Segregation is still clinging on within the factory, with blacks denied the supervisory positions and forced into separate lunchrooms, bathrooms, and drinking fountains. The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) has its strongest power in this area and, as the DDJ gets armed ...

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Plot Keywords:

ku klux klan | civil rights movement | docudrama | vigilante

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some violent images and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 February 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

A védelem diakónusai

Filming Locations:

Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

78 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

[Getting ready to start the armed patrols of their neighborhood]
Marcus Clay: We started with five men. Now look at us- larger, stronger.
[shouts]
Marcus Clay: Let me hear it.
All: [shouting] Yes, sir.
Marcus Clay: Each squad stays within 100 yards of the other squad. Use your whistles. Don't start talkin' and bunchin' up with other squads. Use your eyes. See them before they see you. All right, let's go.
[shouts]
Marcus Clay: Never again.
All: [shouting] Never again.
Marcus Clay: [shouts] Till peace comes at last.
[...]

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Connections

Featured in 10th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (2004)

User Reviews

Awesome Film About A Little Known Civil Rights Incident

I saw this excellent film and was so impressed with the performances. Forrest Whittaker, in one of his strongest roles, proves once again he is one of the most under appreciated actors working today. In a town of Louisiana in 1964, at the dawn of the Civil Rights movement, he portrays a hard working man who, as a spokesperson for the Black workers in a local paper mill, is simply trying to survive in a United States that refuses to recognize a Black man's truth worth and self dignity. This small town in Louisiana of this time period is very oppressed, racism is overt, the Klu Klux Klan is a dominant force, many of the police are in the Klan, and Whittaker's character wearily knows his place, that he and his brethren will never rise above the oppressive segregation that stifles them and their families each and every day. Two things happen to spur action here. When one of his co-worker friends is beaten by the local white powers that be for simply adding his name on a posted list at work for consideration for a promotion to Supervisor, and 2 white Civil Rights workers (one played impressively by Jonathan Silverman) come to town to help raise consciousness and organize the Black locals for non-violent demonstrations, Whittaker-out of necessity-evolves into a man of purpose (and action). He and his friends form a covert group of armed military man called the "Deacons Of Defense" to protect fellow Blacks from the racist police and covert mill workers who are dead set against any integration. What knocked me out at the core of this film was the uneasy alliance/relationship between Silverman, who, as a young idealist, sincerely wished to promote a non-violent agenda, and Whittaker, who knew the only way to preserve and survive was to arm and fight the white power structure on the same terms as they did. When Silverman (and his Civil Rights coworker) get badly beaten as "nig--r lovers" by the racist locals, and the federal government announces that all forms of segregation must be abolished (per Lyndon B. Johnson's mandate), a final confrontation occurs between the white KKK supremists and the Deacons. The law now reads "local law enforcement officials MUST protect Black citizens". But will they? It is chilling for a TV film to create this level of tension, yet there is a balance in characterization, considering the touchy subject matter. Director Bill Duke shows his flair, style and sensitivity to the historical content. He filmed this explosive film in a quasi-documentary style, using some very disturbing footage, and black and white photography that makes you feel you are there. This material, while little known, was treated with utmost respect and factual data. Ossie Davis is wonderful as the local minister, who grows to finally understand that there is no recourse but to support what the Deacons are doing. And as the previous reviewer well noted, the man just cannot give a bad performance. Supporting roles were well casted and portrayed. But it is Whittaker's show all the way. I feel this film is so relevant today; it needs to be seen by all youth. Actually, everyone should see this movie. It's that moving. A must see film.