Cicero March

This movie is an edited but not narrated reel of images from the Cicero March in favor of integration -- and the counter protester. The police are out in force, mostly to keep the two groups apart. For a couple of decades I would have thought that it would have been necessary for me to explain the fear of violence. Events of the last few years, however, have rendered that unnecessary.

This movie was added to the National Film Registry under the purview that it is important culturally, historically, or aesthetically. I think it qualifies on the first two points.

It's September 4, 1966 in Cicero, Illinois. It's a Civil Rights March to integrate. The police are out in full force but mostly, they are there to keep the two sides separated. The march is matched by an angry white mob on the other side. This 8 minute short is very much like a modern news report without the reporter. There is no commentary or reporter taking up the frame. It's just pure history. It is noteworthy that the police are trying to keep the peace and arresting a few white disruptors. There is real anger in the white crowd and real hatred. Some in the march are responding. It's ugly and this doesn't look away.