Documentary that explores some of the complexities of the Black male experience in America. This is Tavis Smiley’s first film which features Dick Gregory, Michael Eric Dyson, Cornell West, Cliff West, Eddie Glaude, Bebe Winans, Wren T. Brown, Daron Boyce, Robert Smith and Raymond Ross.

Runtime: 90 minutes
Airing date: Sunday, May 24 from 9-11 PM on TV One
Homepage: Standthemovie.com

by D.S. Brayboy

(Blackinformant.com) Some of the most sacred moments in the life of a Black man in America are spent at the local barbershop. There, you hear about the daily experiences of men from all different backgrounds. A song comes on the radio and in an instant, the conversation switches from politics to jams back in the day. It’s a place where ideas are exchanged; heated debate is rendered; hilarious conversation is prevalent; and a remembrance of the good ol’ days reigns supreme. Tavis Smiley was able to capture all of that in his first film, STAND.

In this film, Tavis invited 10 of his closest friends (whom he affectionately calls his ‘Soul Patrol’) on a journey that took them throughout Memphis and Nashville during the summer of 2008. While they spent time reflecting on the rise of our nation’s first Black President, Barack Obama, they put into context the history that has led us to this point in time.

This film is a breakaway from the format many of us are accustomed to seeing from Tavis. In his ‘State of the Black Union’ gatherings where panelists are in a more formal setting. In STAND, you have 10 brothas on a bus, being followed by camera from one destination to another as they tackle topics such as religion, music, the portrayal of Black men in the media and more. Stops on their bus tour include the home of Sam Moore of the the singing duo “Sam and Dave”, Fisk University, Mason Temple (the church in Memphis where MLK delivered his ‘I’ve Been to the Mountaintop’ speech). They wrapped up their journey at the Lorraine Motel (where MLK was shot).

I was very intrigued by the conversation on religion between professor/author Michael Eric Dyson, actor Wren T. Brown and professor/author Eddie Glaude. This was an intense conversation where the brothas asked each other tough questions and agreed to disagree. Later in the film, these same men were crying on each other’s shoulders and praying for one another.

Perhaps the most powerful moment in this film was when comedian/activist Dick Gregory shared his memories of personal experiences with Martin Luther King Jr. on the night before he died. He also talked about the strength of the Black church and what it meant for him personally.

STAND serves as yet another example of how Tavis can bring people of all backgrounds together to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the Black community. I believe viewers will walk away both challenged and inspired to do what so many in our history have done for us: take a STAND.