Words by Heart is a poignant 1985 TV movie that explores themes of racial prejudice and resilience through the eyes of a young African American girl, Lena Sills, in a small Midwestern town. Words by Heart was directed by Robert C. Thompson and features performances by actors such as Robert Hooks and Alfre Woodard. The film is based on the 1979 novel by Ouida Sebestyen, which further enriches its narrative depth. Storyline: After moving north from the Deep South at the turn of the 20th century, the Sills family finds prejudice waiting for them in the small Midwestern town of Bethel Springs, as seen through the eyes of the family's young daughter, Lena. In a town where the rules of segregation apply to all manner of daily life, do the values of empathy, forgiveness, and friendship stand a chance? Themes: The film addresses important themes such as empathy, forgiveness, and the struggle against racial injustice. It portrays the Sills family's determination to overcome adversity and the moral conflicts that arise in a racially divided society. The narrative emphasizes the importance of community, understanding, and resilience in the face of prejudice. We do not own the rights to any of this film. This film is being used for historical and educational purposes only. No copyright infringement intended. Black Excellence:

Starring Ed Call, Leo Geter, Robert Hooks

Scott Joplin is a 1977 biographical film directed by Jeremy Kagan and based on the life of African American composer and pianist Scott Joplin. It stars Billy Dee Williams and Clifton Davis. Its script won an award from the Writers Guild of America in 1979. Eubie Blake makes an appearance in the movie. Plot: The story of the gifted composer and pianist, known as ”The King of Ragtime,” who composed over 100 original pieces, including operas and a ballet. Synopsis: Details the life story of Scott Joplin and how he became the greatest ragtime composer of all time. Production: The film was made as a TV movie that was to air on NBC as Motown Productions' first venture into dramatic television. However, the film was given a theatrical release instead after Universal Pictures executives thought it had box-office potential. We do not own the rights to any of this film. This film is being used for historical and educational purposes only. No copyright infringement intended. Black Excellence:

Hollow Image is a 1979 made for TV drama film that focuses on Harriet Gittens (Saundra Sharp), a black businesswoman who works in the fashion industry as a buyer. Harriet's pursuit of success has taken her far from her Harlem background and past connections there--including ex-boyfriend Danny. Harriet suddenly finds herself torn between her current life "uptown" (glamorous career, fancy NY apartment, lawyer boyfriend) and the life she left behind. A refreshing departure from 70's Blaxploitation fare, Hollow Image is still relevant today. The cast is uniformly excellent, with standout performances from Hattie Winston (Harriet's sassy cousin Ivy), Anna Maria Horsford (Danny's girlfriend who does NOT want Harriet back in the picture), and Morgan Freeman (Sweet Talk who was once a ladies' man, now a junkie.) Plot: A black woman who has left her Harlem roots behind to find success on a white corporate ladder must come to terms with the survivor's guilt she feels when she returns home for a visit. Storyline: A Black New York career girl who has made it big in the fashion world is torn between her new life "downtown" and her roots in Harlem with an old boyfriend still living there. This ABC Theater movie was made at the tail end of the 70's and you can feel the consumerist 80's creeping in; bougie depictions of Black success are contrasted with a portrait of Harlem as a scary place ruined with drugs and crime. The drama is compelling and studded with luminaries like Anna Maria Horsford, Morgan Freeman, Dick Anthony Williams and Hattie Winston. But while the class politics and nuances of the situations shown feel remarkably rare and candid, the film is very careful to avoid laying any blame at the feet of capitalism, racist policing, the drug war, government policies, white supremacy, wealth inequality or anything that might cause white viewers discomfort. It never quite rises above the specifically American myths we are fed when the rare escapees of poverty are waved in everyone's face as proof that anyone can be so fortunate. It also suffers from some colorism in the casting. We do not own the rights to any of this film. This film is being used for historical and educational purposes only. No copyright infringement intended. Black Excellence:

Starring Robert Hooks, S. Pearl Sharp, Dick Anthony Williams

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is an American television film based on the autobiography of the same name by Maya Angelou, first aired April 28, 1979, on CBS. Angelou and Leonora Thuna wrote the screenplay, and the movie was directed by Fielder Cook. Constance Good played the young Maya Angelou. Also appearing were Esther Rolle, Roger E. Mosley, Diahann Carroll, Ruby Dee, and Madge Sinclair. Filming took place in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The movie traces Maya's life from when she and her brother move in with their grandmother to the trauma of being raped as a young girl by one of her mother's boyfriends and the several years of silence that came after the attack. Plot: Based on writer Maya Angelou's childhood, this story is about a young girl in the South who is sent to live with her grandmother after her parents divorce. Storyline: A true story based on the early life of actress, professor and author Maya Angelou. The story traces her life from when she and her brother move in with her mother to the trauma of being raped as a little girl by one of her mother's boyfriends and the several years of silence that came after the attack. We do not own the rights to any of this film. This film is being used for historical and educational purposes only. No copyright infringement intended. Black Excellence:

Starring Paul Benjamin, Diahann Carroll, Ruby Dee

The Neighborhood is a 1982 television movie starring Howard Rollins and Sheryl Lee Ralph,. Storyline: A neighborhood in Brooklyn reacts to the first black families moving into the community. Synopsis: Residents of a blue-collar neighborhood in the New York borough of Queens become alarmed when several black families move in to change the ethnic make-up. This pilot to a prospective series was filmed on location in Brooklyn in 1979, several years before Howard E. Rollins, Jr., gained celebrity as an Academy Award nominee for "Ragtime". Synopsis: Based on a story by Jimmy Breslin, "The Neighborhood" takes place in an all-white, blue collar neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. A "blockbuster" real estate agent begins selling houses to black families (among the new neighbors is recent Oscar nominee Howard Rollins Jr.), resulting in mixed emotions (most of them leaning towards hostility) from the white residents. There are isolated incidents of terrorism, including a burning cross, before wiser heads prevail and the neighbors learn to live together in harmony. The nicer white residents include Christine Belford and Ron Masak, playing the sort of altruistic types that seem to exist exclusively in TV movies. Filmed in 1979, but did not air until 1982. The contrived upbeat ending of "The Neighborhood" is something we can only dream about in real life Amerikkka. Trivia: Although made in 1979, this film was not shown on television until 1982. We do not own the rights to any of this film. This film is being used for historical and educational purposes only. No copyright infringement intended. Black Excellence:

"Hypnotize" is the lead single from the 1997 album Life After Death by The Notorious B.I.G., and was the final song released during his lifetime. The track, which samples Herb Alpert's 1979 song "Rise," reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance. The work of The Notorious B.I.G. on this track contributed to the sound of mainstream hip hop in the late 90s, blending a high-budget sound with street-level narratives. Directed by: Paul Hunter Subscribe to The Notorious B.I.G. channel: The Notorious B.I.G. - Greatest Hits – The Notorious B.I.G. - Official Music Videos – Christopher Wallace, known professionally as The Notorious B.I.G., Biggie, or Biggie Smalls, was an American rapper and songwriter. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 21, 1972. His debut album Ready to Die was released in September 1994 and included singles such as “Juicy”, “Big Poppa”, and “One More Chance”. Wallace was shot and killed in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997. Two weeks later, his second album, Life After Death, was released posthumously and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, receiving RIAA Diamond certification. During his career, Biggie received four Grammy nominations, and his catalog remains part of hip hop history. The Notorious B.I.G. – Hypnotize (Official Music Video)

This weekend, we bring you the 1976 cult classic The Monkey Hu$tle starring Yaphet Kotto, alongside an ensemble cast featuring Rosalind Cash, Rudy Ray Moore, and Thomas Carter. Set in the vibrant streets of Chicago, this comedy-drama is packed with charm, hustle, and heart. When a new highway threatens to destroy their neighborhood, a group of colorful locals, led by Kotto’s charismatic character, band together and throw a block party in protest. The Monkey Hu$tle is a joyous and rebellious celebration of community spirit and creativity. About Yaphet Kotto: Yaphet Kotto, born November 15, 1939, was a towering figure in Hollywood known for his ability to balance strength and subtlety in his performances. From playing the iconic villain in Live and Let Die (1973) to the tough but relatable Parker in Alien (1979), Kotto’s range as an actor was unmatched. The Monkey Hu$tle showcased his lighter side, proving he could shine in comedic and dramatic roles alike. Kotto passed away on March 15, 2021, leaving a legacy of diverse and unforgettable performances. About The Monkey Hu$tle (1976): Directed by Arthur Marks, The Monkey Hu$tle is a unique blend of comedy, crime, and drama. The film captures the lively spirit of Chicago as its residents fight to save their homes from a looming highway project. With memorable performances by Yaphet Kotto as “Daddy Fox” and Rudy Ray Moore delivering his signature charisma, this film is a snapshot of resilience and joy in the face of adversity. Other Notable Yaphet Kotto Films: • Live and Let Die (1973) • Alien (1979) • The Running Man (1987) • Across 110th Street (1972) • Midnight Run (1988) • Blue Collar (1978) • Brubaker (1980) Call to Action: Celebrate the genius of Yaphet Kotto and his incredible filmography by subscribing to our channel! Don’t miss out on this and more cinematic gems: YouTube.com/BlackTreeMedia. You can now become a member of this channel to get access to exclusive perks, including behind-the-scenes content and early access to videos! If you've been a longtime fan of this channel, then this is your chance to show your support and get even closer to the action. Join the channel today at BlackTree TV is your premier destination for the best in entertainment, culture, and lifestyle content. With a focus on in-depth interviews, exclusive coverage, and a dedication to showcasing diverse voices and stories, BlackTree TV brings you closer to the icons and influencers shaping our world. From the red carpet to behind-the-scenes, BlackTree TV provides an insider's view into the magic of movies, music, fashion, and more. For more exclusive content, interviews, and in-depth coverage, subscribe to our channel and follow us on our journey to celebrate the art of storytelling. Copyright © BlackTree Enterprises Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of BlackTree Enterprises Inc. For License inquiry please email blacktree.com. Https://www.youtube.com/blacktreemedia?sub_confirmation=1

A retired cop, now nightclub owner known as the Disco Godfather, declares war on drug dealers after his nephew has a bad trip on angel dust. Film: Disco Godfather (1979) Studio: Transvue Pictures Director: J. Robert Wagoner Writer: Cliff Roquemore J. Robert Wagoner Cast: Rudy Ray Moore Carol Speed For more classic movies and clips, subscribe to Retrospective: www.youtube.com/c/Retrospectivefilms Licensed from: Legacy Distribution

This is my trailer compilation of Grindhouse movie trailers from the 1970s and 1980s! Credit to everyone! Trailers used: Frogs (1972) House of Psychotic Women (1976) Family Honor (1973) Nocturna (1979) Penitentiary (1979) The Mad Butcher (1971) Master of the Flying Guillotine (1976) Blood of the Dragon (1971) Hangar 18 (1980) Disco Fever (1978) The Chicken Chronicles (1977) Inframan (1975) and MORE!!!

Here are the grindhouse movie trailers: Danger: Diabolik (1968) Hercules and the Captive Women (1963) Squirm (1976) The Shape of Things to Come (1979) City of Fire (1979) Frogs (1972) The Loners (1972) Zaat (1971) The Touch of Satan (1971) Trouble Man (1972) Tales that Witness Madness (1973) Run Angel Run (1969) Sweet Kill (1973) The Possession of Joel Delaney (1972) Blood of the Dragon (1971) Candy (1968) The Born Losers (1967) etc.

Here are some of the trailers: Willie Dynamite (1974) Shark (1969) Force Five (1981) The Scaremaker (1982) Woman of Bloody Terror (1970)/Night of Bloody Horror (1969) Double Feature The Lawyer (1970) Little Fauss and Big Halsy (1970) Voyage of the Rock Aliens (1984) The Final Programme (1973) H.O.T.S. (1979) The Ultimate Warrior (1975) They Came From Beyond Space (1966) Captain Apache (1971) and more!

1. The Gauntlet (1977) 2. Death Race 2000 (1975) 3. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) 4. Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) 5. Halloween (1978) 6. Halloween II (1981) 7. Escape from New York (1981) 8. Scanners (1981) 9. Penitentiary (1979) 10. Semi-Tough (1977) 11. Roller Boogie (1979) 12. North Dallas Forty (1979) 13. Hero At Large (1980) 14. Eating Raoul (1982) 15. Up the Academy (1980) 16. Galaxina (1980) 17. The Funhouse (1981) 18. An American Werewolf in London (1981) 19. Zorro, the Gay Blade (1981) 20. Strange Brew (1983) 21. California Dreaming (1979) 22. Checkered Flag or Crash (1977) 23. American Nitro (1979) 24. Stunt Rock (1978) 25. Rock and Roll High School (1979) 26. Cannonball (1976) 27. The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977) 28. The Chicken Chronicles (1977) 29. Get Crazy (1983) 30. Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn (1983) 31. They Call Me Bruce (1982) 32. One Down, Two to Go (1982) 33. Rancho Deluxe (1975) 34. Partners (1982) 35. King of the Mountain (1981) 36. Marathon Man (1976) 37. Zorro (1975) 38. Infra-Man (1975) 39. The Chinatown Kid (1979) 40. Breakout (1975) 41. The Glove (1979) 42. The Van (1977) 43. Seven (1979) 44. Nighthawks (1981) 45. Jaguar Lives (1979) 46. Disco Fever (1978) Examine a donation if you like, any amount is appreciated at paypal.me/liammulvena You can send me a payment on Venmo: -Mulvena406