I previewed a sensational new documentary about the murder of five labor activists in Greensboro in 1979 called “Greensboro – Closer to Truth.” It was so great to see the amazing murders right on camera, and then to see that all of the men who are shown murdering the activists were found innocent by local juries. And then to see the recent “Truth and Reconciliation” events where two of the men actually testify in public about their roles in the murders.
One particular angle on the film I enjoyed the most was showing how the black and white, men and women, who organized in 1979 to unionize South Charolina textile workers are still activists, and very much living by their morales rather than “selling out.” Over the years, many people have asked me why I moved South from Minnesota, working in a low-paid job promoting films in West Virginia. I told some that I was a genuine activist, and really believed that I could help the people of West Virginia. I think that I have, and in this film, several Yankees, some Jewish, are shown to be the idealists they were then and still are.I also found the near death bed confessions of one Neo-Nazi to be quite touching. However, I am absolutely astonished that the men have not been charged, just as other such people have been in Mississippi and elsewhere. I shall have to investigate further.
Hopefully this film will be shown in West Virginia. I am sure that eventually it will be shown on PBS or some other such venue. It would also make a nice double feature with the new film on Brandeis. Both films are about the search for justice by people who live not too far from West Virginia.
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