On this the 45th anniversary of the Greensboro sit-ins (more at edcone.com) which, as I now understand, had consequences in Chapel Hill, it's sad to note that "Eyes on the Prize" is in jeopardy. For the past decade this crucial documentary has not been available on VCR or TV because of expired copyright licenses. An organization called Downhill Battle has attempted to make digital versions available for download this year during Black History Month. It has been aiming for a nationwide showing on February 8. But it has halted the downloading as a result of legal threats.
Even so, there are 27 locations across the country where screenings will occur on February 8. Unfortunately none is in North Carolina.
I've taught whole courses organized around this invaluable screen archive, and I hope to do so again next year. That is, if the UNC library's copy is not worn out.
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