A new documentary from Black Voters Matter highlights how a grassroots movement was able to build enough power in Georgia to support two new Democratic Senators in the South and President Biden during the 2020 elections.
Titled, “Love, Joy, and Power: Tools for Liberation,” the film follows Black Voters Matter founders Cliff Albright and LaTosha Brown as travel across the South and Midwest galvanizing Black communities to exercise their right to vote.
BVM is an organization in at least 25 states. In recent years, they’ve revived the famous Freedom Rides during the Civil Rights Movement, using bus tours to reach millions of Black Americans.
The film follows Black communities across the country rising up to claim their political power in the face of attacks on our democracy. It debuted during the American Black Film Festival on Thursday, June 12 at 1:10 p.m. at the O Cinema South Beach in Miami, Florida.
In a Q&A interview with the Black Wall Street Times, BVM co-founder Albright spoke about what went into creating the film and its inspirational message of turning pain into action.
Black Voters Matter documentary Q&A
Black Wall Street Times: What inspired the title “Love, Joy, and Power”? Why were those three themes chosen as the foundation?
Cliff Albright: Black Voters Matter chose the title “Love, Joy & Power: Tools For Liberation” because these three elements have always driven our work. Love stands for the care and connection within the community. Joy is our way to celebrate Black resilience and culture, even in the face of struggle. Power is about self-determination and autonomy, the right for Black people to define their own futures, lead their own movements, and make decisions that shape their communities, free from outside control.
BWST: How long did it take to produce the documentary, and what were some of the biggest challenges during filming?
CA: The documentary was filmed over an 11-month period, and with COVID-19, it made filming unpredictable. Some of the biggest challenges were getting access to communities during a pandemic, making sure everyone stayed safe, and telling honest stories without putting anyone at risk. With hundreds of hours of footage, the editing process took four years.
What does BVM documentary reveal?
BWST: What new or untold stories does this documentary reveal about BVM’s organizing efforts that the public may not know?
CA: First, while most people know us for our work in Georgia, the film shows the geographic scope of our work, with footage from at least 10 of the 25 states we touch. The documentary also traces the organizational and personal roots of our work, providing insights into why we chose the approach we follow, and why we’re so committed to this work.
The film goes beyond the headlines to show the real, day-to-day organizing work that happens year-round, not just during elections. Viewers see the ins and outs of planning a bus tour across hostile territory, dealing with threats and intimidation, and navigating the emotional toll of voter suppression.
The film highlights tense, late-night strategy sessions, the hard conversations about safety and sacrifice, and the courage it takes to keep going in the face of real danger. These are the stories of persistence, resilience, and commitment that usually go unseen.
BWST: What role did grassroots organizers play in shaping the direction and narrative of the Black Voters Matter documentary?
Grassroots organizers are at the heart of this film, they helped shape the story. Their voices, their priorities, and their victories drove the narrative. The filmmakers listened to what mattered most to the people actually doing the work.
BWST: How does the film balance the emotional toll of voter suppression with the celebratory energy of Black joy and resistance?
The film doesn’t shy away from the pain and exhaustion caused by voter suppression, racism, white supremacy, and so much more. But it refuses to make that the whole story. Instead, it lifts up Black joy and resistance as a form of power. There are hard truths and painful moments, but there’s also music, laughter, and hope, a reminder that fighting for justice can be a celebration, too.
Related Stories:
- Black Voters Matter mobilizes the South for Juneteenth bus tour
- LaTosha Brown: Black voting rights shero takes aim at Georgia
- Freedom Riders demand Pres. Biden support Black voters
Where can we see the film in Tulsa?