LaLee's Kin: The Legacy of Cotton

Never has a Documentary opened my eyes to reveal my ignorance of the words "Poverty" and "Oppression". It was disturbing, it was frustrating and it made me angry. I can not put into words how I feel after watching it. This is 2003, isn't it? Is Mississippi an actual State in the United States and if so, is our Government aware it exists? I'd be embarrassed to say I'm a politician from Mississippi. To think that people are living like that in my State would be despicable. Each and every one from the Governor on down should be forced to watch this, at the same time in the same room. People having to live like this is not acceptable in this Country. Maybe some outrageously high paid sports figure or talk show host will see this and help LaLee buy a couple of pencils. Wake Up, America!!

"Lalee's Kin: The Legacy of Cotton" was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Documentary Feature category in 2001 and that was well-deserved. This film shows the trials and tribulations of one African-American family that tries to overcome 100 plus years of past slavery in Mississippi. The titled character, an elderly woman with many kin-folks that live with or near her, tells a heart-breaking story of life, loss and future uncertainties. A wonderful and important slice of life from film-makers Susan Fromke and Deborah Dickson paints a picture of a southern state in the U.S. that still seems to be reeling from old mistakes this nation has made. Near excellent in every way. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Watched this incredibly moving documentary through tears and a few smiles. LaLee Wallace is an unbelieveably strong and God-fearing woman who may not have a formal education... but who can teach every one of us more than we care to know about a part of our country that has stagnated and been forgotten... poverty like I did not even know existed. Please, if you have the opportunity to watch this award-winning documentary, take 90 minutes out of your day and open your heart and mind to the plight of the forgotten delta.

Lalee's Kin explores the extreme poverty of the people of the Mississippi Delta and the subversive effects that their heritage has had upon their education and general means of life. It is shocking to see that people can be so very destitute in our own country. These are our own people, yet they have been cast aside by a harsh and unchanging system that cannot seem to overcome the ramifications of slavery and racial segregation. The film takes place in 2000-2001, but it's images are shockingly outdated. This film is a must-see for all who think they know what it means to live in the modern United States of America.

Watched this incredibly moving documentary through tears and a few smiles. LaLee Wallace is an unbelievably strong and God-fearing woman who may not have a formal education... but who can teach every one of us more than we care to know about a part of our country that has stagnated and been forgotten... poverty like I did not even know existed. Please, if you have the opportunity to watch this award-winning documentary, take 90 minutes out of your day and open your heart and mind to the plight of the forgotten delta.