Marsha on the Move: November 2021

This monthy web feature includes a collection of movie reviews and opinions from Marsha Gordon, President/CEO of The Business Council of Westchester.

Summer of Soul (Hulu)

True lovers of music will be mesmerized by never-before-viewed performances by Mahalia Jackson, Stevie Wonder (at just 19 years old), Gladys Knight and the Pips, Sly and the Family Stone, Nina Simone and many more who performed during the Harlem Cultural Festival, which took place over the course of several weeks during the summer of 1969. Watching, I was singing, dancing, feeling nostalgic, and even shed a few tears. Music historians will clearly see the contributions and evolution of Black music – gospel, soul, Afro-Cuban, pop – music that reflects the history and feelings of the time. Lovers of New York City will wonder why this incredible happening, which was supported enthusiastically by Mayor John Lindsay, has not been as great a part of the fabric of our history as Woodstock. Instead, this Harlem Cultural Festival, which happened the same year, was “buried” until this incredible film uncovered, produced and shared the footage. We see here the evolution of fashion and hairstyles, Jessie Jackson promoting self-pride, and even a negative reaction to the moonwalk, which also happened the same year. I love that General Foods/Maxwell House was the corporate sponsor of this event – clearly a brand ahead of its time. There is so much in this film to enjoy, learn from and carry forward to our conversations today. With all of this said, I am sure that I am just scratching the surface of this meaningful documentary.

Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) will screen Summer of Soul on November 18.  The screening, which is part of JBFC’s “REMIX” series, includes a Q&A with filmmaker Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson & editor Joshua Pearson that will be moderated by producing director Sundance Institute Gina Duncan.