Great Debaters The

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00:00:52 THE GREAT DEBATERS
00:01:09 Heavenly Father, we come before Thee,
00:01:12 knee-bent and body-bowed,
00:01:17 Father who controls and knows all things:
00:01:20 Both the living and dying of all creatures.
00:01:26 Give us strength and
00:01:30 In God's name we pray.
00:01:36 Amen.
00:01:58 When I was slippin' up, she looked down,
00:02:02 ...was right there in
00:02:03 She told me it was a wild animal.
00:02:05 I say then it was Gods revenge.
00:02:07 You go heathen, Henry.
00:02:09 You know what I've got right here?
00:02:11 What?
00:02:13 Something very wild
00:02:14 /"When I was a child, I spake as a child,
00:02:20 /I understood as a child,
00:02:24 /I thought as a child.
00:02:27 /But when I became a man,
00:02:31 /I put away all childish things."
00:02:57 /Freshman Class,
00:02:58 /I believe we are the most
00:03:04 /Because we have the
00:03:10 /in America.
00:03:12 /The education of our young people.
00:03:46 Trudell!
00:03:48 Who the hell is he?
00:03:49 Just my husband.
00:03:54 I'm gonna cut your head off.
00:03:56 /We must impress upon our young people.
00:04:01 /That there will be
00:04:09 You're scared, ain't you?
00:04:11 You do raise
00:04:13 /They must defeat them.
00:04:18 /They must do what
00:04:21 /...in order to do what they want to do.
00:04:30 /Education is the only way out.
00:04:36 Get up, get up, baby, come on.
00:04:39 /The way out of ignorance.
00:04:41 Like cut people? Home boy?
00:04:43 Want to cut people, Trudell, uhm?
00:04:46 Get your hands off me!
00:04:48 The way out of darkness
00:04:58 Into the glorious light.
00:05:18 WHITES Only
00:05:49 Come on, give me back,
00:05:52 - "To precious Hamilton."
00:05:54 Give me back.
00:06:19 Have a seat.
00:06:25 /I am...
00:06:28 /...the darker brother.
00:06:31 /They send me to eat in the kitchen
00:06:33 /But I laugh, and eat well,
00:06:38 /Tomorrow I'll sit at the table
00:06:42 /Nobody'll dare say to me,
00:06:46 /Besides, they'll see how beautiful I am
00:06:51 /And be ashamed, --
00:06:54 /I, too, am America.
00:07:00 Who wrote that?
00:07:03 Langston Hughes, 1924.
00:07:05 1925.
00:07:07 /Hating you shall be a game...
00:07:11 /played with cool hands...
00:07:14 R E V O L U T I O N
00:07:16 /Memory will lay its hands...
00:07:19 /upon your breast.
00:07:21 /And you will understand my hatred.
00:07:26 Gwendolyn Bennett wrote that.
00:07:28 She was born in 1902.
00:07:31 Unofficially.
00:07:33 You see in most states...
00:07:35 negroes were denied
00:07:37 which means I can lie about my
00:07:42 You think that's funny?
00:07:45 To be born without record.
00:07:51 Mr. Reed, hand this up.
00:07:54 I'm going to introduce you
00:07:56 There is revolution going on in the north.
00:07:59 In Harlem, they're changing the way...
00:08:02 negroes in America think.
00:08:04 I am talking about poets like
00:08:07 Zora Neale Hurston, Countee Cullen.
00:08:10 /Some are teethed on a silver spoon,
00:08:15 /I cut my teeth as the black raccoon...
00:08:17 /...for implements of battle.
00:08:28 Meet me after class.
00:08:41 What's a professor doing
00:08:43 dressed like a corn-chopper?
00:08:45 What is a student doing
00:08:48 It's funny, I thought
00:08:53 I remember you.
00:08:55 Couple years ago
00:08:58 What happened?
00:09:00 I come and go, whatever it suits me.
00:09:02 - Suspension?
00:09:07 Why did you come back?
00:09:09 School is the only place
00:09:11 Except prison.
00:09:15 I want you to come
00:09:18 Corner of Junho Campos.
00:09:19 Why would I do that?
00:09:20 Holding try-outs for
00:09:24 You're sure you want somebody like me?
00:09:26 No, that's why you're trying out.
00:09:30 7:30, Junho Campos.
00:09:59 /"...driven by the wind and tossed..."
00:10:05 Do well tonight, Junior.
00:10:11 /Of the 360 students here
00:10:13 /Only 45 of you were
00:10:15 /to try out for the debate team.
00:10:17 /Of that 45 only 4 be who'll remain
00:10:21 /Why? Because debate
00:10:25 It's combat, but your weapons are words.
00:10:29 Come on in. Now that Mr. Farmer
00:10:32 Sit down, Mr. Farmer.
00:10:35 James, come this way!
00:10:38 - Good evening Mrs. Tolson.
00:10:41 - We're waiting for you Mr. Farmer.
00:10:44 Thank you, Mr. Farmer.
00:10:47 - Thank you, sir.
00:10:51 Gentelmen and Lady!
00:10:52 This is the hot...
00:10:57 ...spot.
00:10:59 You will enter it at your own risk.
00:11:02 Mr Tolson, what about debaters
00:11:04 Don't ask a question you
00:11:06 Get up, you will be first.
00:11:10 Debate starts with a proposition,
00:11:13 Child labor should be regulated
00:11:17 The first debater
00:11:19 Affirmative means that you afford something.
00:11:21 Mr. Reed will argue affirmative,
00:11:24 - Negative means that you are what?
00:11:27 Brilliant, Mr. Burgess.
00:11:28 You shall argue the affirmative,
00:11:32 Well, sir I begin with a quote
00:11:37 /"The golf links lie so near the mill...
00:11:41 /That almost every day
00:11:46 /- And...
00:11:53 It that what you learned
00:11:56 To start something and not finish it, is it?
00:11:59 - No sir.
00:12:06 Who's next?
00:12:12 Is getting late, how much longer can you hide?
00:12:14 I'm not hiding, sir.
00:12:16 I transfered from my college
00:12:18 I am deeply moved.
00:12:20 - Samantha Booke.
00:12:23 - With an "e".
00:12:28 Into the hotspot
00:12:32 You know there's never been a female
00:12:36 Yes, sir. I know that.
00:12:38 What makes you think
00:12:40 - Because I am just as qualified as...
00:12:43 -...anybody else. My gender has nothing...
00:12:46 Welfare
00:12:48 - You're logging the negative.
00:12:51 Walfare takes away a man
00:12:57 Which is survival.
00:12:59 And that weakness the will of the poor.
00:13:04 I would say it does not.
00:13:06 Most of the new deal goes to
00:13:09 - ...and to old people.
00:13:12 - It is a fact.
00:13:14 - It is a fact.
00:13:16 - The President.
00:13:18 Yes, sir.
00:13:20 That's your primary source?
00:13:21 You spoke to president
00:13:22 Of course not. I did not speak to him personally.
00:13:25 But I listen to his "Fire Side Chat".
00:13:27 - A radio broadcast?
00:13:30 Any other sources?
00:13:36 Yes, there are other sources...
00:13:38 Like that looking at a mother's eyes
00:13:42 Without welfare, Mr. Tolson,
00:13:45 - Who is starving, Miss Booke?
00:13:47 Mr. Burgess here, he is unemployed
00:13:53 I drew you in, Miss Booke.
00:13:55 You gave a faulty premise,
00:13:59 - Syllogism?
00:14:01 Major premise,
00:14:03 Minor premise,
00:14:05 Conclusion, Mr. Burgess
00:14:08 Your major premise was
00:14:10 Classic fallacy.
00:14:14 Who's next?
00:14:21 You were right.
00:14:24 - Tell us your name.
00:14:27 All right, Mr. Lowe. I will name a subject,
00:14:32 opportune quote from the literature.
00:14:34 Go ahead.
00:14:37 Beauty.
00:14:40 /"I heard the old, old men say
00:14:43 /...like the waters."
00:14:45 Very good.
00:14:49 And name the author this time.
00:14:50 /"History is a nightmare
00:14:54 James Joyce.
00:14:58 Self-pity.
00:15:03 /"I never saw a wild thing
00:15:07 D. H. Lawrence.
00:15:10 I love D. H. Lawrence,
00:15:13 - Mr. Farmer.
00:15:17 I have eyes on the back of my
00:15:19 Stand up.
00:15:23 Tell me the irony in the name
00:15:28 Bethlehem is the bithplace
00:15:33 And Bethlehem Steel makes weapons of war.
00:15:36 Very good, sit down.
00:15:39 Good.
00:15:41 /Who's next?
00:15:45 Samantha.
00:15:53 Mr. Tolson, he is tough, isn't he?
00:15:55 Sure he is.
00:15:59 I'm James.
00:16:01 Is your father Dr. James Farmer?
00:16:03 Yes, he is.
00:16:05 I'm taking the eulogy from him and that
00:16:09 French, Greek, Hebrew, Latin.
00:16:12 - Seven languages.
00:16:17 He must be the smartest
00:16:20 That's not saying much.
00:16:23 So why do you want
00:16:25 I think, it would be a good training.
00:16:28 - For what?
00:16:31 Lawyer? It's great.
00:16:34 You know how many negro women
00:16:37 - Two.
00:16:39 One it was a hot.
00:16:41 But look at you, Mr. Farmer,
00:16:46 I'll be 16.
00:16:48 In 21 months.
00:16:50 Young lady, James!
00:16:54 - For what?
00:16:57 I mean, how many other students
00:16:59 - I did.
00:17:02 And I spout off few quotes.
00:17:04 Miss Brooke with an "e"...
00:17:06 - She fought back.
00:17:10 But you did't have to lose. Why isn't the
00:17:15 Because Tolson said so?
00:17:17 Nobody has better access to
00:17:23 If you'd have called Tolson
00:17:27 I don't know. I'm sure that
00:17:31 Goodnight, James!
00:17:33 Goodnight, Samantha.
00:17:35 Can you believe that he's 14
00:17:40 You are gifted, all of you.
00:17:42 But I want you to know that I chose
00:17:44 And none of you should
00:17:48 As a denigration of your intellect.
00:17:50 Denigrate, that's the word for you.
00:17:51 From Latin word "Niger", to defame, to black.
00:17:57 Even in the speech of a negro professor.
00:18:00 Somehow black is always
00:18:05 Well write in your own dictionary and
00:18:10 Whether you make the team or not.
00:18:13 The Wiley College for Ransack
00:18:18 The debaters will be...
00:18:21 Mr. Hamilton Burgess,
00:18:25 Sit down, Mr. Burgess.
00:18:28 Mr. Henry Lowe.
00:18:31 Our alternates, Miss
00:18:37 And finally...
00:18:41 Junior!
00:18:43 - Where is dad?
00:18:50 - Dad.
00:18:53 What is the greatest
00:18:58 Not believing? Doubt?
00:19:01 That's it. Thank you Junior.
00:19:05 Matthew 14:31.
00:19:06 That will be the lesson.
00:19:08 Dad.
00:19:09 /"Oh, you of little faith
00:19:15 - Dad.
00:19:17 I made the debate team.
00:19:20 Well, congratulations!
00:19:24 There is 4 of us,
00:19:28 Who's ahead of you?
00:19:29 Hamilton Burgess and Henry Lowe.
00:19:31 And another alternate
00:19:34 - There's a girl?
00:19:39 - Lawyer?
00:19:44 Is she pretty?
00:19:47 I don't know.
00:19:49 Because extracurricular activities
00:19:53 But you must not take
00:19:55 Yes, sir.
00:19:59 So, what do we do here?
00:20:01 We do we have to do,
00:20:05 - What do you have to do right now?
00:20:09 - Do get toward.
00:20:20 My daddy owns grubs so there're as
00:20:23 donuts, eggs, figs and gonzolabic.
00:20:28 - Nice.
00:20:31 Hogwash, hogwash.
00:20:34 Ready, steady, go!
00:20:38 - Apricot.
00:20:42 Look out!
00:20:47 Who was there?
00:20:49 I'm not sure.
00:21:01 - Sit down!
00:21:14 - What is it?
00:21:18 Only pig.
00:21:19 Shut up, dog!
00:21:22 Junior get into the car.
00:21:23 - What the hell happened to my hog?
00:21:27 Came out of nowhere I didn't see coming.
00:21:29 - You kill my hog, boy .
00:21:34 How much? How much you want?
00:21:38 Some cost you 25 dollars.
00:21:41 Only have a few bucks on
00:21:52 I do have a cheque.
00:21:55 My monthly cheque from
00:21:57 It's 17 dollars 36 cents.
00:22:01 You may have that,
00:22:06 You do what?
00:22:09 I will sign the cheque over to you.
00:22:12 - Well, let me see it.
00:22:18 Can I walk to the car now?
00:22:25 Junior, get in the car.
00:22:34 - Give me the salary cheque, Pearl.
00:22:37 Just give me the cheque.
00:22:46 I thought it was in here.
00:22:49 Relax. All right, you'll find.
00:22:53 Here is.
00:22:59 Here it is.
00:23:04 The cheque better be good, boy.
00:23:06 Is good.
00:23:14 Well, pick it up!
00:23:32 What the hell you think you're going?
00:23:34 You gotta help us
00:23:37 Come on, grab the tail in there, boy.
00:23:43 All right, on three.
00:23:44 1, 2, 3.
00:23:46 Damned nigers a bit too good to
00:24:07 - Dad.
00:24:10 When I tell you to do something,
00:24:17 - Who's the judge?
00:24:19 Why is he God?
00:24:20 Because he decides who
00:24:24 - Who is your opponent?
00:24:27 Why does he not exist?
00:24:29 Because he is a mute dissenting
00:24:32 Who is the judge?
00:24:34 The judge is God.
00:24:35 Why is he God?
00:24:37 Because he decides who
00:24:41 - Who's your opponent?
00:24:43 Why does he not exist?
00:24:45 Because he is a mute dissenting
00:24:50 Who is the judge?
00:24:52 The judge is God.
00:24:53 Why is he God?
00:24:54 Because he decides who
00:24:58 - Who is your opponent?
00:25:00 Why does he not exist?
00:25:02 Because he is a mute dissenting
00:25:06 Who is the judge?
00:25:08 - The judge is God.
00:25:09 The judge is God.
00:25:11 Why is he God?
00:25:12 Because he decides who
00:25:16 - Who is your opponent?
00:25:17 Why does he not exist?
00:25:19 Because he is a mute dissenting
00:25:23 Speak the truth!
00:25:24 Speak the truth!
00:25:25 Yes, sir. I do like to talk.
00:25:27 Is that a virtue or a vice?
00:25:29 Well, I have to admit I've always
00:25:33 Only I can't keep my mouth ain't long enough.
00:25:36 Would you punch yourself
00:25:40 No, sir.
00:25:41 Then don't punch yourself
00:25:43 You don't have to make
00:25:45 Use your humor against your opponent.
00:25:50 - Mr. Farmer.
00:25:54 Happy Mr. Farmer, tell us
00:25:58 - He is the first negro PhD.
00:26:05 He walked from Florida to Massachusetts
00:26:10 He graduated magna cum laude.
00:26:14 Mr. Lowe.
00:26:19 Tell us about your father.
00:26:21 Why don't you tell us
00:26:23 I'm trying to get to know
00:26:25 And I'm just trying to get to know you, Mr. Tolson.
00:26:27 I'm not the one on the debate team.
00:26:29 Are we not engaged
00:26:32 All right.
00:26:35 I'll take the affirmative.
00:26:40 Take the meanest, most restless nigger.
00:26:45 Strip him off his clothes
00:26:48 female niggers and niggers infants.
00:26:50 Tar and feather him.
00:26:52 Tie each leg to a horse facing
00:26:55 Set him on fire and beat both horses,
00:26:57 until they tear him apart.
00:27:00 In front of the male,
00:27:04 Both whip and beat the remaining
00:27:08 Do not kill them.
00:27:09 But put the fear
00:27:12 For they can be useful
00:27:15 Anybody know who Willy Lynch was?
00:27:16 Anybody? Raise your hand?
00:27:18 He was a vicious slave-owner in the West Indies.
00:27:21 The slave-masters in the
00:27:24 "controlling" their slaves,
00:27:27 So they sent for Mr.
00:27:30 The word "lynching" came from his last name.
00:27:34 His methods were very simple,
00:27:37 Keep the slave physically strong,
00:27:40 But psychologically weak
00:27:43 Keep the body, take the mind.
00:27:48 I...
00:27:50 ...and any other
00:27:54 ...are here to help you...
00:27:58 ...to find, take back and keep...
00:28:02 ...your righteous mind.
00:28:06 Because obviously you have lost it.
00:28:11 That is all you need
00:28:18 Class dismissed.
00:30:08 - Wanna dance?
00:30:11 Come.
00:30:29 You're good dancer.
00:30:31 Thank you, I practice in my room.
00:30:36 Keep it.
00:30:39 - Excuse me, your punch.
00:30:47 It's better I go to get
00:30:49 Here. Take my if you want.
00:30:53 All right?
00:30:57 You know, I can take you to a place
00:31:01 - I'm not living here, Henry.
00:31:05 And what would my chaperone say?
00:31:09 You'll be back before she ever
00:31:16 What's the matter, you afraid?
00:31:29 What's the matter, you afraid?
00:32:15 Mr. Tolson.
00:32:40 Mr. Tolson!
00:33:55 And tell them the
00:33:59 So they don't have to slip
00:34:01 And that's why the Southern Tenant Farmers
00:34:05 To make things right.
00:34:07 - Well, how? Strike?
00:34:10 We'll organise them too.
00:34:12 Yes, so they could shoot us all down,
00:34:14 That is exactly what they
00:34:16 The farmer boys
00:34:17 ...they'll make war, but they won't.
00:34:18 They may be fools but they are
00:34:21 And once we organize, they'll see,
00:34:23 Even guns can't stop us.
00:34:25 - They stopped them in Elaine.
00:34:28 About how they killed 100 colored
00:34:31 - That was 1919, friend.
00:34:36 We're sorry about that.
00:34:37 But those men stood
00:34:41 This is 1935.
00:34:43 We got the National Labor-
00:34:45 - We've got the A. F. of L. (American Federation of Labor).
00:34:47 He ain't got shit.
00:35:00 Hey they come!
00:35:02 Get the lights!
00:35:50 Come on. Let's go.
00:36:00 This way.
00:36:37 Come on.
00:36:43 What are doing out here?
00:36:45 I saw you. I was walking by your
00:36:49 I'm dressed like them, son. You think they'd
00:36:53 Listen to me!
00:36:56 You can not tell anybody what
00:36:59 Not even my wife knows about this.
00:37:01 I won't tell anybody.
00:37:03 I promise on Sacred Bible
00:37:06 Jesus...
00:37:12 Come on.
00:37:50 Junior...
00:37:52 Are you just gonna stay in there?
00:37:55 No, sir.
00:38:06 Sorry, I'm late.
00:38:08 You're sorry?
00:38:13 I've been looking
00:38:15 I went to Mr. Tolson's
00:38:21 I thought you might have done that.
00:38:26 I talked to Ruth. She said, Tolson was
00:38:32 Son, I give you another chance.
00:38:38 - I can't tell you, sir.
00:38:41 We've been worried to
00:38:44 Junior, where were you?
00:38:50 - I can't tell you sir.
00:38:52 - I don't know.
00:38:57 I don't know is not
00:39:01 - Junior.
00:39:06 - You've been drinking?
00:39:09 Because you must have been drinking,
00:39:11 ...talking about you don't wanna
00:39:14 - Come on baby, tell me what's the matter.
00:39:18 Now, something is the matter,
00:39:20 Were you with that girl,
00:39:23 No.
00:39:24 Because you're 14 years old, Junior.
00:39:28 I wasn't with Samantha.
00:39:29 Junior.
00:39:32 Then where were you?
00:39:36 Where were you, honey?
00:39:40 You don't wanna talk?
00:39:42 Fine.
00:39:44 But you're not leaving this house.
00:39:46 - What do you mean?
00:39:48 You're not leaving this house
00:39:51 - What about school?
00:39:54 - Mum, what about school?
00:39:56 I'm not raising my voice.
00:39:57 You're gonna raising your
00:39:59 I am not raising my voice!
00:40:01 You do for me the job, pay all the wages?
00:40:03 - I'm not not raising my voice!
00:40:06 I didn't say anything
00:40:09 Like you apologized
00:40:11 What you said, boy?
00:40:20 You go to your room.
00:40:25 Junior...
00:40:38 I'm not going to be weak
00:40:41 I know.
00:40:44 Can't allow my son
00:40:48 You're right.
00:40:53 I'll take him to school in the morning.
00:40:55 - All right?
00:41:11 I will be honest with you, boys.
00:41:14 I'm not well at all
00:41:16 I'm sure sorry
00:41:19 But you look well than me.
00:41:21 Yes, sir.
00:41:24 Now we've got some white fellows
00:41:27 These turn up trouble between
00:41:31 They say that we need
00:41:33 The sharecroppers and the workers,
00:41:36 They need make a union?
00:41:41 I don't know sir. I really
00:41:45 It's a bad idea.
00:41:49 Yes, sir.
00:41:50 And they said that there was some kind of secret
00:41:54 Now, do you boys know about that?
00:41:56 No, sir.
00:41:58 You don't know about that?
00:42:01 - Samuel?
00:42:03 - You didn't hear about that?
00:42:04 - You swear to me?
00:42:10 All right, then.
00:42:14 See you later.
00:42:16 Our first debate...
00:42:19 ...is one week from today.
00:42:22 PAUL QUINN
00:42:23 - One week?
00:42:26 I thought Prairie View is first.
00:42:28 Prairie View is tough, so I thought
00:42:30 With the best negro college
00:42:33 That's right, Mr. Burgess.
00:42:36 Yes, sir.
00:42:38 One week is not enough time
00:42:41 You do the research,
00:42:43 Wait. You?
00:42:46 And you deliver them, Mr. Lowe.
00:42:47 What the hell do I look like,
00:42:49 Hell is where you're headed
00:42:53 In theory you look like a student.
00:42:55 So what you're saying is
00:42:57 Is not a matter of competence
00:43:00 - How do I know you...?
00:43:02 That's the way has been,
00:43:06 Any more questions?
00:43:10 One week.
00:43:15 I'm bringing to you our first
00:43:18 From Paul Quinn College:
00:43:21 Oquery Hobert.
00:43:30 Resolved.
00:43:34 When the depression ends.
00:43:38 If the depression ends.
00:43:39 I've traveled back through
00:43:43 when the first followers of
00:43:45 In those days the dole or
00:43:49 Was founded by voluntary contributions.
00:43:51 But as time passed...
00:43:54 ...the English devised
00:43:56 The first unemployment relief.
00:43:58 Only now it was paid but involuntary contributions.
00:44:02 More commonly known as taxes.
00:44:06 The allowed system was a disaster.
00:44:08 Don't need real unemployment relief
00:44:10 But to do that you have to
00:44:13 Not tax it to death.
00:44:21 When capitalism was young
00:44:23 the old puritanical concept
00:44:26 He who does not work so not eat.
00:44:29 And that made sense when it was
00:44:33 But those days are gone.
00:44:34 Now there are many who want to work,
00:44:38 Now should they not eat?
00:44:40 Because there are no jobs?
00:44:41 People, today we need
00:44:44 The right of the individual
00:44:46 is just as much as he
00:44:52 We clutch on anything
00:44:55 60 million dollars on month
00:44:59 Pay it out if it'll sweep
00:45:02 One seventh of the population
00:45:07 Fine, as long as it
00:45:09 A nation as desperate as this...
00:45:12 ...is a danger to itself.
00:45:18 Once, a Roman general brought
00:45:24 ...by killing all its citizens.
00:45:27 Even the stalled Romans were shocked.
00:45:28 One of them wrote:
00:45:32 Which means they create
00:45:37 Now for all their facts and figures the
00:45:42 And call it peace.
00:45:43 They would allow the unemployed to die
00:46:05 A brilliant young woman
00:46:07 to support her argument in favor
00:46:11 She named the most
00:46:14 The look in a mother's face
00:46:22 Can you look that hungry child
00:46:25 See the blood on his feet from walking
00:46:28 Or do you ask his baby sister
00:46:31 she cares about her daddy's
00:46:44 He is good.
00:46:46 Wiley! Wiley!
00:47:05 The only thing that matters that
00:47:08 and the color of the fish
00:47:11 WON 2.
00:47:13 If in the state of Missisipi was turned a head
00:47:18 You've seen the Federal
00:47:26 WON 3. LOST 0.
00:47:35 Wiley! Wiley!
00:47:41 WON 6.
00:47:57 And the winner is...
00:48:02 Wiley College.
00:48:11 WON 8.
00:48:14 WON: Infinity.
00:48:24 WILEY COLLEGE DEBATERS
00:48:42 That's right captain,
00:48:48 All right, if that's what you want.
00:48:51 Yes, okey-dokey then.
00:48:57 - Shit.
00:48:59 Captain Wainwright.
00:49:01 Texas Rangers?
00:49:06 He wants me to hold off
00:49:09 until him and his boys get up here.
00:49:12 Shit.
00:49:15 Yeah. We do all of the work
00:49:22 I guess that's the way the world is.
00:49:26 Am I right Samuel?
00:49:34 I've an announcement to make.
00:49:38 Recently I
00:49:41 Sent some letters to
00:49:45 Told them all about us, our team,
00:49:50 And yesterday we've got response.
00:49:54 From Oklahoma City University.
00:49:57 - Are they a...?
00:49:59 We'll be the first negro college in America,
00:50:02 Well, one of the first negro
00:50:04 To have a debate in
00:50:05 All right.
00:50:07 University of Oklahoma.
00:50:08 Not University of Oklahoma.
00:50:11 The debate will take place at
00:50:15 Wait. At out-campus site? Why?
00:50:17 Because sometimes, Mr. Lowe you have to
00:50:20 So what you're saying is that
00:50:22 ...ain't gonna allow us in the campus?
00:50:23 No, what I'm saying is that you have to
00:50:26 - This is a great opportunity.
00:50:29 A great opportunity? The master just is gonna
00:50:37 What?
00:50:39 I think Lowe here is afraid.
00:50:42 What am I afraid of, James?
00:50:44 I think you're afraid to debate white people.
00:50:46 - Anglo-Saxons.
00:50:47 - Thank you very much.
00:50:50 I mean I'll debate Anglo-Saxons anywhere.
00:50:54 In a dark alley with no light...
00:50:55 ...with a candle, and the people
00:50:58 Now. I'll debate
00:51:00 - I ain't afraid.
00:51:08 Mr. Tolson when I came here today.
00:51:10 I saw the Sheriff outside
00:51:13 What's going on?
00:51:20 Maybe you should
00:51:21 I've been hearing a lot of rumours
00:51:24 My dad just called Dean last week.
00:51:26 And asked what is a communist doing and
00:51:29 My polics are my business, Mr. Burgees
00:51:31 and I promise you that
00:51:34 But, sir. It is being endangered.
00:51:36 I came to Wiley College to be
00:51:39 - I understand.
00:51:41 If my parents...
00:51:44 I'm sorry.
00:51:47 Mr. Tolson, please. Just tell me
00:51:51 Otherwise what?
00:51:56 Otherwise what?
00:51:58 My father said I have to quit.
00:51:59 - Nobody wants that.
00:52:05 As I said, my polics are my business.
00:52:12 I guess I have to resign.
00:52:24 Mrs. Tolson, thank you for
00:52:29 You're welcome, Hamilton.
00:52:33 Good luck in Oklahoma.
00:52:37 I know you'll win.
00:52:54 All right. Well...
00:52:56 If anybody else wants to quit, I'll understand.
00:53:33 MOUNT SINAI.
00:53:45 Resolved: The negroes should be...
00:53:49 ...should be admitted...
00:53:52 I can't hear you!
00:53:56 Resolved:
00:53:59 Negroes...
00:54:00 ...should be admitted...
00:54:03 ...to state universities.
00:54:06 My partner and I will prove that...
00:54:09 ...blocking a negroe's admission...
00:54:13 ...to a state university
00:54:16 It is absurd.
00:54:19 The negro people are not
00:54:25 They are the thread that
00:54:28 Consider the legal and historical record.
00:54:32 May 13, 1865,
00:54:35 ...is the last soldier to
00:54:39 In 1918 the first
00:54:41 ...decorated for bravery in France...
00:54:44 ...are negroes Henry
00:54:47 1920, The New York Times
00:54:52 ...would hereafter be capitalize.
00:54:55 To force upon south what
00:54:59 would result in nothing
00:55:03 Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois, he is perhaps
00:55:08 He comments:
00:55:10 /"It's a silly waste of money...
00:55:12 /...time and temper...
00:55:14 /...to try to pelt a powerful majority to do...
00:55:17 /...what they're determined
00:55:20 My opponent so conveniently
00:55:24 That W. E. B. Du Bois
00:55:28 From a white college
00:55:31 Dr. Du Bois, he adds:
00:55:32 /"It is impossible,
00:55:34 /"Impossible for a negro
00:55:39 /...at a white college."
00:55:41 The most eminent negro
00:55:43 ...is the product of the
00:55:45 You see, Du Bois knows all too well the
00:55:49 But that's no reason to keep a
00:55:53 If someone didn't force upon
00:55:55 I'd still be in chain, and Miss Booke
00:56:03 I do admit it.
00:56:06 Far too many whites are afflicted
00:56:11 And because of racism it would
00:56:15 ...in a southern white college today.
00:56:18 And if someone is unhappy...
00:56:20 ...it is impossible to see how they could
00:56:25 Yes, the time will come when negroes
00:56:29 And we will share the same classrooms.
00:56:34 But sadly that day is not today.
00:56:37 As long as schools are segregated...
00:56:41 ...negroes will receive
00:56:43 ...separate and unequal.
00:56:46 By Oklahoma is on reckoning...
00:56:48 ...the state is currently spending
00:56:52 ...for the education of a white child...
00:56:54 ...than in the spending to
00:56:56 That means better textbooks
00:57:00 I say that's a shame.
00:57:02 But my opponent says
00:57:07 ...for whites and coloreds
00:57:10 To share the same campus.
00:57:12 To walk in the same classroom.
00:57:14 Well, would you curently tell me
00:57:17 Is it gonna come tomorrow?
00:57:19 Is it gonna come next week?
00:57:21 Never?
00:57:23 No! The time for justice, the time
00:57:27 Is always, is always right now!
00:57:48 Thank you.
00:58:01 What is this?
00:58:03 I told you is holy wine,
00:58:06 - If you say so.
00:58:09 You will bat on me as if you'll need it.
00:58:18 And my weapon were words.
00:58:20 I don't need a gun,
00:58:25 Meet me outside in 5 minutes.
00:58:28 And then what?
00:58:42 Honey, nobody knows that better
00:58:46 - How are you doing, Pearl?
00:58:48 How do you do, I'm just like you.
00:58:50 He is in the study.
00:59:06 - Dr. Farmer.
00:59:10 - Thank you.
00:59:12 Well, your son is doing great job,
00:59:15 That's good to hear, good to hear.
00:59:18 Listen.
00:59:19 There're people around town who aren't
00:59:25 They're calling you a radical.
00:59:27 In fact I wouldn't be a bit suprised
00:59:29 When in the mornin' when I woke up
00:59:32 They have to catch me first.
00:59:34 This is serious, Melvin. Very serious.
00:59:37 A hungry negro steals
00:59:40 A rich businessman steals barns,
00:59:43 I think that's wrong.
00:59:45 And that makes me radical,
00:59:47 Amen.
00:59:49 - Jesus was radical.
00:59:50 - Yes, he was, Jesus was radical.
00:59:52 Mental institutions are filled with people
00:59:57 You confess to Jesus Christ now?
00:59:59 You confess to Jesus Christ?
01:00:02 - Come on now.
01:00:04 Don't wanna confuse yourself
01:00:05 No, I am not confused, I'm convinced.
01:00:08 I'm not judging you.
01:00:11 I'm just concerned about your methods.
01:00:16 What methods?
01:00:18 James was there that night, wasn't he?
01:00:22 He was not with me.
01:00:24 - Is he involved in this?
01:00:26 I've done everything in my power
01:00:29 To keep him out? What? Does he want to be involved?
01:00:31 No, he doesn't. Maybe this is something
01:00:34 I'm discussing here with you right now and
01:00:37 No, you're getting a straight answer...
01:00:39 I think that you were
01:00:41 - He was not with me.
01:00:43 I understand that, James.
01:00:44 And I'll do whatever I have to do to
01:00:47 Do anybody thirsty?
01:00:50 - Thank you, thank you.
01:00:55 - Ruth, this is a fine party.
01:00:59 I think it's time for some
01:01:00 - Please.
01:01:11 Not the time to talk about it.
01:01:13 - Congratulations.
01:01:39 It's so beautiful out here.
01:01:43 Yeah.
01:01:44 I was born near here,
01:01:49 I come here since I was a little boy.
01:01:52 Your parents still live around here?
01:01:55 No, they're gone.
01:01:57 My grandparents raised me.
01:02:00 My papa here spent his live building
01:02:05 He was a slave?
01:02:08 My grandma was always
01:02:10 Be good or else the Confederates
01:02:13 out of the Marshall cemetery,
01:02:22 What?
01:02:24 I've just never seen this
01:02:28 What side?
00:00:03 You seem so calm, so peaceful.
00:00:07 I think the lake does it to me.
00:00:09 I am happy when I'm up here, you know?
00:00:13 It's funny...
00:00:29 A part of me wants just to
00:00:34 To read books all day,
00:00:40 And the other part want to go
00:00:43 I want to go to New Orleans,
00:00:47 ...and even San Francisco.
00:00:51 So I wanna go...
00:00:57 ...and disappear.
00:01:02 Maybe you can take me with you.
00:02:53 - Come, over.
00:02:54 The schoolband is playing
00:02:55 What? Oh my Jesus!
00:02:56 I thought you said that
00:02:59 Nobody ever does come here, Samantha.
00:03:00 Hold on, hold on.
00:03:01 Henry, come on!
00:03:04 Henry!
00:03:06 Get dressed.
00:03:08 What's going on?
00:03:09 We gonna go get Mr. Tolson and
00:03:12 And have a paper hour.
00:03:14 Come on, get dressed.
00:03:15 You know, you go get Tolson and I
00:03:19 Come on, Lowe. You know
00:03:34 I guess I tell them you're gonna join us later.
00:03:50 He's gonna join us later.
00:03:53 /Just has to clean his house,
00:04:12 Great news, great news,
00:04:16 My phone has been ringing off the hook.
00:04:20 University of Michigan wants to
00:04:22 So does SMU (Southern Methodist
00:04:25 When do I get to debate?
00:04:27 Sooner than you think, James.
00:04:30 When?
00:04:31 When you're ready.
00:04:32 I am ready now.
00:04:33 Mr. Tolson, I do not mind if James...
00:04:39 What's wrong?
00:04:41 Maybe I'm tired of this.
00:04:43 Of what?
00:04:44 Of watching another people debate.
00:04:46 When am I get a chance to prove myself?
00:04:48 You are the best researcher, James.
00:04:50 We could not do this without you.
00:04:52 You do plenty without me.
00:04:59 Excuse me.
00:05:03 - James.
00:05:05 James, you wait.
00:05:08 It was so mean what you said in there.
00:05:14 I don't wanna lose your friendship...
00:05:16 How can you lose
00:05:19 You were never my friend?
00:05:21 Maybe I don't wanna just
00:05:23 Maybe it hurts me to be your friend.
00:05:42 Get stringed.
00:05:47 Mr. Tolson!
00:05:55 Where is he?
00:05:56 - Calm down, Henry.
00:05:58 No, they don't let us.
00:05:59 - Ain't did unto you, did they?
00:06:01 Good day.
00:06:02 I am dr. James Farmer, Wiley College.
00:06:04 This is William Taylor,
00:06:06 - And this is his wife, Ruth.
00:06:08 I'd like to see my client, please.
00:06:10 William.
00:06:11 - Sir Dozier, dr James Farmer, this is...
00:06:13 How are you doing today?
00:06:15 - Fine, sir. And you?
00:06:18 Me and William we go a way back.
00:06:22 Could I see my client
00:06:24 Your client?
00:06:26 The fact of the business is, William
00:06:30 Busy doing what?
00:06:31 Sheriff, sheriff.
00:06:36 It's a situation...
00:06:38 - Get some boys out there.
00:06:41 Let him go, let him go...
00:06:48 Let him go! Let him go!
00:07:00 - They're with you?
00:07:02 See, this is what happens to a town
00:07:06 ...starts trouble.
00:07:07 People get all wild up about nothing.
00:07:10 One of us is liable to get hurt.
00:07:14 Sheriff, it is clear
00:07:17 To arrest Mr. Tolson.
00:07:19 So I suggest you let him go.
00:07:21 You suggest it? Who the hell are you?
00:07:25 Couple months ago...
00:07:27 ...there was a raid on the floor
00:07:30 It was a peaceful and lawful
00:07:34 Who were brutally attacked by a
00:07:39 Now witnesses say that
00:07:42 If you led that raid, Sheriff,
00:07:46 You're the one who
00:07:51 Are you threatening me, boy?
00:07:53 No, sir.
00:07:55 I wouldn't do that.
00:07:57 But I can not speak for
00:08:01 An unjust law is
00:08:05 What does that mean?
00:08:07 A mass-slaughter of citizens.
00:08:10 Both white and colored...
00:08:13 by Texas Rangers.
00:08:15 It's that really what you want
00:08:21 Now if you'd let Tolson go home,
00:08:24 I believe, I believe these folks outside...
00:08:29 ...they go home as well.
00:08:57 - That pig wasn't worth 25 dollars.
00:09:00 You owe my father some money.
00:10:02 Have a seat, Mr. Farmer.
00:10:05 Oh, Lord...
00:10:12 SMU (Southern Methodist University)
00:10:15 University of Georgia sounds
00:10:19 Why?
00:10:21 I've been blacklisted.
00:10:24 They're talking about censoring me,
00:10:26 Dean claiming the board have asked me to...
00:10:28 Stop working with
00:10:31 They say that is not my fight.
00:10:35 So...
00:10:37 Things are bad.
00:10:39 My academic career is in jeopardy,
00:10:40 My debate team has nowhere to go.
00:10:45 Anyone know who Antaeus was?
00:10:47 Sure, he was a gigantic wrestler
00:10:52 His mother was Gaia, the Goddess of Earth, and...
00:10:57 I mean he was unbeatable,
00:10:59 because any time he was thrown down
00:11:01 That's correct, it would
00:11:04 Defeat would make him stronger.
00:11:08 You are my students,
00:11:10 I think that is a sacred trust.
00:11:13 So what do I say to you now?
00:11:16 Because the Dean says so?
00:11:19 Because the Texas Rangers says so?
00:11:22 I am diametrically oppose to that.
00:11:25 My message to you is to never quit.
00:11:27 We are not quiting.
00:11:29 Good.
00:11:30 What do you wanna us to do?
00:11:31 - Debate Harvard.
00:11:33 Harvard University. They're the
00:11:36 If we defeat them,
00:11:39 Mr.Tolson, sir!
00:11:41 Harvard ain't gonna debate us.
00:11:43 Not a little Wiley College
00:11:45 They know who we are, Henry.
00:11:47 I've been writing them letters,
00:11:49 But how do we get them
00:11:50 By continuing to win.
00:11:52 Dr. Farmer has informed me,
00:11:54 is gonna be in Prairie View next week.
00:11:56 We annihilated Fisk (Univ.)
00:11:58 If we eliminate Howard...
00:11:59 ...we will have beaten the two
00:12:03 I can guarantee you that I will see
00:12:06 All right?
00:12:08 Yes.
00:12:19 - Look forward on that, you don't see on that?
00:12:21 - Prairie View, Texas. 127.
00:12:25 127, near Waxer Hutch.
00:12:27 - It's not there.
00:12:30 I see 2 and I see 7.
00:12:32 Right, now look for 1 in front
00:12:36 After 126,
00:12:41 I really don't think...
00:13:27 What are you doing?
00:13:28 I'll come down.
00:13:31 Back in the car, shut the door.
00:13:35 Nobody move.
00:13:38 Get down, get down.
00:13:44 Get down, too.
00:14:02 There is a negro in that car.
00:14:05 Come on, let's pick it.
00:14:54 All right. Everybody
00:14:58 ...I'll get the keys.
00:15:10 - How you doing, Mrs. Baker?
00:15:11 - Are you all right?
00:15:13 - Nice if you come in.
00:15:22 Henry.
00:15:28 Henry!
00:15:30 Henry!
00:16:33 Hi baby, how you doing?
00:16:37 Still waiting for me?
00:16:43 What's the matter baby?
00:16:45 Baby!
00:16:48 Samantha!
00:16:51 Shut up, let's go.
00:16:52 - Where?
00:16:56 - Where we going?
00:17:02 Got him, Mr. Tolson.
00:17:21 Ok, sit...
00:17:27 Come here.
00:17:29 Give me a hug.
00:17:32 Stop.
00:17:37 /...what I see, great big nigger hanging on the tree...
00:17:43 You're worthless...
00:17:44 What?
00:17:46 You think you are the only one hurt?
00:17:54 Ok, I'm sorry...
00:17:56 For everything...
00:18:00 For drinking...
00:18:03 I apologise.
00:18:06 I'm not talking about me.
00:18:24 You're right.
00:18:27 I'm gonna talk to her.
00:18:29 No, no. You won't allowed.
00:18:33 No, is ok.
00:18:34 Can you leave me alone?
00:18:42 Calm down, boy. Stop.
00:18:46 Stop. I am not playing with you.
00:18:48 Calm down.
00:18:49 You're crazy?
00:18:55 You're never gon' forgot what
00:18:58 You're never gon' forgot what
00:19:00 Can hang and they easy tore off you sometimes
00:19:02 Your toes, your nose, your ears.
00:19:05 Sometimes they cut your coverts off.
00:19:07 Sometimes they skin you alive.
00:19:13 You'll never be able to forget.
00:19:30 What do you think he did?
00:19:31 He did not have to do nothing
00:19:34 In Texas, they lynch negroes.
00:19:37 Do you understand?
00:19:41 So it doesn't matter how good
00:19:43 What do you talk? What?
00:19:44 This is all useless.
00:19:46 What are you talking about?
00:19:49 We're just a bunch of negroes debating
00:19:53 James, don't talk like that.
00:19:56 - Why not?
00:20:00 Not you.
00:20:46 Bye. God bless.
00:20:52 Where is Samantha?
00:20:54 She's not going with us.
00:20:55 Why not?
00:20:57 What do you think?
00:20:59 I took her to the bus-station.
00:21:00 She wanted to go back to school.
00:21:04 You wanted your chance?
00:21:14 How can any negro...
00:21:17 ...defend the punishment of prison...
00:21:19 When he sees so much
00:21:24 How?
00:21:26 Because crime itself
00:21:31 And negroes fall victim
00:21:35 than any other race in America.
00:21:41 For us...
00:21:42 Prison not only offers
00:21:47 Yes, it is.
00:21:48 And for the criminal...
00:21:49 It is a dark gift...
00:21:53 The hardship that
00:21:58 That rouses his
00:22:01 His hope for redemption.
00:22:11 Our next debater from
00:22:14 Mr. James Farmer Junior.
00:22:16 Mr. Farmer.
00:23:23 Mum.
00:23:30 Mum.
00:24:03 Honey!
00:24:05 Hi!
00:24:10 So...
00:24:13 We lost.
00:24:15 I'm sorry.
00:24:18 This came...
00:24:22 Harvard?
00:24:24 Who sent this?
00:24:26 - Go on, open it! And read it.
00:24:29 Not me.
00:24:31 - You didn't open it already?
00:24:35 You are not a good liar.
00:24:41 Out loud!
00:24:47 Dear Mr. Tolson.
00:24:49 about your historical victory
00:24:52 I'm sure you realize
00:24:55 but today we received another
00:24:57 written by Mr. Henry Lowe.
00:24:59 with an "e".
00:25:01 He told us from his student's
00:25:04 ...about your undefeated season.
00:25:05 - Well, we are not undefeted any more.
00:25:08 We wish to extend
00:25:23 We wish to extend invitation to
00:25:28 Here in Cambridge.
00:25:30 Let us know if this is agreeable to you.
00:25:42 - Don't tell anybody.
00:25:57 You don't have to thank me.
00:25:59 - I just wanted to show you I could write too.
00:26:03 You could do me a favor.
00:26:05 What's that?
00:26:10 Can keep Samantha on the team...
00:26:15 Why I wanna do that?
00:26:17 Mr. Tolson it was a rough night.
00:26:19 Yes it was, Mr. Lowe.
00:26:21 For all of us.
00:26:23 And she walked out on us
00:26:26 No, sir. She did not walk out on us.
00:26:30 She walked out on me.
00:26:40 It's a good tea.
00:26:42 Resolved:
00:26:43 Capitalism is a immoral.
00:26:48 To a bunch of Wall Street bankers.
00:26:53 Mr. Tolson, I owe you and my teammates...
00:26:56 You're late, come in, sit down.
00:27:08 Samantha, I am not...
00:27:19 Resolved.
00:27:31 You've got macaroni cheese, fried chicken,
00:27:35 red beans and rice, corn-bread, candy canes,
00:27:38 And red pudding too. I know that you don't
00:27:43 Thank you, mom.
00:27:45 Good luck, son.
00:27:49 Dad...
00:27:51 Yes, Junior.
00:27:57 You get bolster by regards, yeah?
00:27:59 Yes sir.
00:28:03 Come on, train's leaving.
00:28:05 Coming.
00:28:13 - Bye mom.
00:28:18 I love you.
00:28:19 We love you, too.
00:28:31 All aboard.
00:28:35 - I'm not going with you.
00:28:38 I can not leave the state.
00:28:40 You can't let them stop you.
00:28:42 They're not stopping me.
00:28:44 I just don't wanna jeopardize
00:28:48 You did want without me, this is what
00:28:51 It's right.
00:28:53 Why didn't you tell us before?
00:28:54 Because I didn't want to hear your arguments.
00:29:05 All right, Mr. Lowe.
00:29:07 Whatever your instinct will tell you,
00:29:10 - Yes, sir.
00:29:17 What we supposed to do without you?
00:29:19 Win.
00:31:02 I thought someone supposed to meet us.
00:31:10 - Wiley College?
00:31:12 I'm Harland Osbourne. Harvard has put me
00:31:16 - Hi, I am Henry Lowe.
00:31:18 - James Farmer Junior.
00:31:19 - Samantha Booke.
00:31:22 We should be going.
00:31:24 - I've got it.
00:31:26 Just so you know we're staying
00:31:28 I got to tell you, this debate
00:31:32 - Really?
00:31:33 It's gonna be broadcast all over America.
00:31:36 - Can we see where we gonna debate?
00:32:08 Hello, Harvard.
00:32:26 Excuse me.
00:32:27 You suppose to be here?
00:32:32 I guess we'll find out. Won't we?
00:32:56 Look, Mr. Farmer.
00:33:03 5 dollars?
00:33:05 Lowe, I've got 5 dollars.
00:33:07 Yes, I did, too. It's called "per diem".
00:33:10 - Want me to hold it for you?
00:33:20 I've got 5 dollars. I've got 5 dollars.
00:33:24 Yeah, me too.
00:33:25 Well, mine is crisp.
00:33:29 James, this is high tea, all right?
00:33:33 We nibble, we do not devour.
00:33:38 How do you know?
00:33:40 I don't.
00:33:43 Hello, I'm Wilson.
00:33:47 Thank you.
00:33:53 I can't accept that, sir.
00:34:02 "To be inappropriate".
00:34:06 - Who this wrote?
00:34:09 Maybe it's more money.
00:34:11 We have been informed,
00:34:16 Canned speaches...
00:34:18 Arguments has written by
00:34:23 Therefore we are changing the topic.
00:34:27 To write new arguments as the Harvard team.
00:34:32 Coaches helped
00:34:35 Yes, sir.
00:34:36 Both teams will be delivered
00:34:39 A new topic: "Resolved: Civil disobedience
00:34:44 Wiley College will
00:34:47 Thank you, sir.
00:34:52 I can't reach Mr. Tolson.
00:34:54 Nobody knows where he is.
00:34:55 He sent us up to loose.
00:34:57 We can't win without him.
00:34:59 You're wrong.
00:35:06 Thoreau?
00:35:15 Here is your coffee, sir.
00:35:17 Thank you, Mr. Wilson.
00:35:18 Just Wilson.
00:35:20 Thank you, Wilson.
00:35:25 - Well, you have to use the mass...
00:35:27 Agreed, James. But we'll save it for
00:35:32 Because you have to...
00:35:36 I think we should include this
00:35:39 I don't agree. I don't think people can
00:35:45 Satyagraha. From the Sanskrit,
00:35:58 I told you.
00:36:00 It's obvious to me that we should
00:36:03 That's exactly what
00:36:04 Why should I do the obvious thing?
00:36:06 Because that's what wins debate.
00:36:07 Listen to what you're saying.
00:36:09 The first thing you think when you say
00:36:13 That's why we chose Ghandhi!
00:36:14 I wanna win.
00:36:16 Yes, I wanna win.
00:36:18 This is not getting us the way out.
00:36:20 Tolson told me I was in charge.
00:36:23 He put me in charge,
00:36:25 We will not starting with Ghandi.
00:36:28 You act like a kid!
00:36:30 - You are a kid.
00:36:32 - Am I an idiot?
00:36:34 To hell with you,
00:36:38 To hell with me?
00:36:47 Crazy, you!
00:36:55 - He's coming back, isn't he?
00:39:04 You're beautiful when you sleep.
00:39:20 Yes, I know, I know...
00:39:22 But she ain't stop me from looking at you.
00:39:25 Shut up and go to bed.
00:39:29 James, come on, wake up.
00:39:31 No.
00:39:33 James...
00:39:40 Come on James, get up.
00:39:48 What?
00:39:54 What is this?
00:39:57 That's my notes.
00:40:00 Why are you giving on to me for?
00:40:02 Because you're debating, not me.
00:40:05 What?
00:40:07 It's your turn, James.
00:40:09 You're serious?
00:40:12 - You're crazy.
00:40:15 Judges will love you.
00:40:16 No, you can't quit.
00:40:17 I'm not quitting Samantha.
00:40:22 Tolson made me captain,
00:40:27 You saw me at Howard,
00:40:29 That's right. You did it horrible, didn't you?
00:40:32 So she just quit, right?
00:40:38 No.
00:40:45 Who is the judge?
00:40:48 What?
00:40:50 Who is the judge?
00:40:54 Judge is God.
00:40:57 And why is he God?
00:41:02 Because he decides who wins or
00:41:07 Who is your opponent?
00:41:09 He doesn't exist.
00:41:12 Why doesn't he exist?
00:41:15 Because he is a mute dissenting
00:41:21 That's right. Speak the truth!
00:41:27 /Direct from Harvard, Memorial Hall
00:41:31 /This is the WNBC Radio, bringing
00:41:37 /Between little Wiley College,
00:41:40 /And the Harvard University
00:41:43 /The first time ever a negro college
00:41:47 /Harvard's Dean and students are making
00:41:50 /The crowd as if were cued fall silent.
00:41:54 /On this historical occasion...
00:41:55 /We welcome the distinguished
00:41:58 /the illustrious judges, you, the audience,
00:42:06 Harvard University celebrates
00:42:10 And in Franklin Delano Roosevelt,
00:42:14 /But no University, no matter how
00:42:18 /Can't afford to live in the past,
00:42:21 /So in the spirit of tomorrow...
00:42:25 /I introduce to you today...
00:42:29 The debaters from Wiley College,
00:42:31 Miss Samantha Booke
00:42:35 What?
00:42:46 Mr. Farmer will argue
00:43:08 Resolved:
00:43:11 Civil disobedience is a moral weapon
00:43:17 But how can disobedience ever be moral?
00:43:21 I guess that's depend on one's
00:43:26 Word.
00:43:29 In 1919 in India, 10,000 people
00:43:33 to protest the tyranny
00:43:36 Has it started?
00:43:37 Your brother's talking, just sit down.
00:43:39 /General Reginald Dyer,
00:43:42 And ordered his troops to fire
00:43:48 379 died.
00:43:52 /Men, women, children,
00:43:57 Dyer said he taught
00:44:02 Ghandhi and his followers
00:44:05 But with organised campaign
00:44:11 /Government buildings were occupied,
00:44:13 /Streets were blocked by people
00:44:16 /Even being beaten by police.
00:44:18 Ghandhi was arrested.
00:44:20 But the British were
00:44:24 He called it "a moral victory".
00:44:29 The definition of moral:
00:44:31 Dyer's lesson,
00:44:35 You choose.
00:44:55 From 1914 to 1918,
00:44:58 For every single minute the world was at war.
00:45:03 4 men laid down their lives.
00:45:07 Just think of it.
00:45:10 240 brave young men...
00:45:13 Were hurled into eternity
00:45:17 Of every night for 4 long years.
00:45:23 35,000 hours.
00:45:27 8,281,000 casualties.
00:45:35 240.
00:45:38 240.
00:45:42 240.
00:45:44 Here was a slaughter immeasurable
00:45:51 Can be anything moral about it?
00:45:55 Nothing.
00:45:57 Except that it stopped Germany
00:46:02 Civil disobedience isn't
00:46:06 Fighting for your country
00:46:11 Demanding the greatest sacrifice of all.
00:46:17 Life itself.
00:46:19 Non-violence, is the mask
00:46:23 to conceal it's true face.
00:46:26 Anarchy.
00:46:41 /Ghandhi believes one must always act
00:46:43 /With love and respect for ones opponents.
00:46:46 /Even if they are Harvard debaters.
00:46:50 /Ghandhi also believes that
00:46:53 Must accept the legal consequences
00:46:57 Does it sound like anarchy?
00:47:00 Civil disobedience is not
00:47:05 It is after all
00:47:08 You see, Ghandhi draws his inspiration
00:47:12 But from Henry David Thoreau who I believe
00:47:17 And lived by upon not
00:47:27 My opponent is right about one thing.
00:47:30 Thoreau was a Harvard grade,
00:47:33 And like many of us,
00:47:36 A bit self-righteous.
00:47:41 He once said:
00:47:43 /"Any man more right
00:47:46 /...constitutes a majority of one."
00:47:49 Thoreau, the idealist, could never know,
00:47:54 That Adolf Hitler would
00:47:59 The beauty and burden of
00:48:03 "No idea prevails without
00:48:08 The people decide the
00:48:11 Not a majority of one.
00:48:13 Majorities do not decide
00:48:17 Your conscience does.
00:48:20 So why should us citizens
00:48:25 /To a legacy.
00:48:27 /We must never, ever kneel down...
00:48:31 Before the tyranny of a majority.
00:48:42 We can't decide which laws
00:48:46 If we could, I'd never
00:48:52 My father is one of those men
00:48:58 A police officer.
00:49:01 I remember the day his partner,
00:49:04 /His best friend...
00:49:06 /Was gunned down in the line of duty.
00:49:12 Most vividly of all, I remember
00:49:20 Nothing...
00:49:21 That erodes the rule of law
00:49:24 can be moral.
00:49:26 No matter what name we give it.
00:50:19 Why doesn't he say something?
00:50:38 In Texas...
00:50:42 ...they lynch negroes.
00:50:45 My teammate and I...
00:50:48 Saw a man strung by his neck.
00:50:51 and set on fire.
00:50:56 We drove to a lynch mob.
00:51:00 We pressed our faces
00:51:07 I looked at my teammates.
00:51:10 I saw the fear in their eyes.
00:51:15 And worse, the shame.
00:51:22 What was this negro's crime?
00:51:25 That he should be hung without trial
00:51:32 Was he a thief?
00:51:34 Was he a killer?
00:51:37 Or just a negro?
00:51:41 Was he a sharecropper?
00:51:44 A preacher?
00:51:47 Were his children waiting up for him?
00:51:52 And who are we to just lie there
00:51:54 And do nothing.
00:51:59 No matter what he did,
00:52:04 But the law did nothing,
00:52:07 Just left us wondering: Why?
00:52:17 My opponent says:
00:52:19 "Nothing that erodes the rule of law
00:52:23 But there is no rule of law in
00:52:26 Not, when negroes
00:52:27 turned away from schools,
00:52:30 And not,
00:52:37 St. Augustine said:
00:52:40 "An unjust law is no law at all."
00:52:44 Which means I have a right,
00:52:51 With violence or civil disobedience...
00:53:00 You should pray
00:53:34 /In tonight debate...
00:53:36 /Between Harvard University,
00:53:39 /And Wiley College.
00:53:44 And the winner is...
00:54:09 Wiley College.
00:55:34 Just 7 years later in
00:55:38 founded the Congress of Racial Equality.
00:55:41 And became a leader in the
00:55:47 After a long life
00:55:50 James Farmer Sr. passed away in 1961.
00:55:55 on the day before
00:55:58 took the first Freedom Ride to Alabama.
00:56:03 Henry Lowe went on study theology
00:56:06 at the University of California.
00:56:09 and became a minister.
00:56:14 Melvin Tolson became a
00:56:18 He continued his work with
00:56:21 By the end of 1936, it had
00:56:30 For ten years the Wiley College