This is a documentary film about the Harlem Cultural Festival held in 1969 in Harlem, New York, which is quite a hot topic right now. The first thing that amazes me is the gorgeousness of the performers and their now miraculous combination, which cannot be described in a single word. To be honest, I'd like to think about why so many gorgeous artists were able to come together. Gospel legend Mahalia Jackson, blues great B.B. King, R&B phenom Stevie Wonder, social soul queen Nina Simone, multinational hippie soul Sly and the Family Stone, just to name a few. But is it really a collection of the real thing? What? You're kidding, right? That's the lineup. I think it was only possible in this era, and I wonder why so many stars gathered in Harlem, New York in 1969, the same year Woodstock was held. I'm just guessing from here, but the year was 1969. It was 1969, a few years after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. after the Civil Rights Movement, and even more so in New York City, after the assassination of Malcolm X. The assassination of the two men came at a time of great hope for African Americans, with the emergence of a charismatic political leader. It must have been a few years with a gaping hole in their hearts, with morale rapidly diminishing, no centripetal force, and no place to turn. The problems surrounding reality keep getting worse and worse, and there is no solution in sight. In a dark tunnel. Wasn't it that time of the year? Let's stand up again! And let's unite. No King, no Malcolm X, but to be better, let's unite in music! I wondered if such an intention was at work when they sent her home. That's why all the legends accepted the offer, stood on that stage, and sent out not only their music but also a strong message. That's why they accepted the offer. However, the film was sealed and not released for 50 years. Why? After all, it could be said that the powers that be were afraid of black unity and riots. And you've been doing that for 50 years? Are you still afraid of that? However, Pandora's box was opened. The situation of the corona disaster may have also helped. There may be a trend from the BLM movement. Either way, this film gave me a taste of the true black power, the greatness of black music, and their history. I hope this will be a good opportunity to reaffirm black power again. Too great, the history of black music. And on a personal note, the director edited the film with a heavy emphasis on gospel. The film is almost four hours long, and they spend a lot of time on gospel music. There is a deep and profound meaning to this, and the director recognizes that it is by no means the only base for all African American music, thought, way of life, and spirit. That is why this is not just a music file. Mahalia's overwhelming presence and voice will stay in your mind even if you are not a Christian. Something is amazing. It's just amazing. You'll feel it. That [something] will shake your soul. What would that be? Is it love? Is it God? I wonder if it's both. It is up to the mind of the viewer to feel it, and we are all looking for that [something] right now, regardless of race. #SummerOfSouls #Gospel #jazz #blues #soul #Latin #blackmusic #NewYork #Harem
