Decade of Discontent - part 4 of 4 - 1960-70 Milwaukee Civil Rights Movement

What can we learn about contemporary urban problems from the 60s?
Are the conditions that led to the unrest in the 50s still present in 1994? The historical, video-documentary DECADE OF DISCONTENT examines these issues and more in a riveting look-back at the Milwaukee, Wisconsin civil rights movement.
Former Milwaukee alderman Vel Phillips, attorney Lloyd Barbee and the late Father James Groppi are featured leading the community in its efforts to come to grips with four major issues--unemployment, unequal education, police-black community relations and open housing.
The 60s footage that is used in the documentary includes comments from the late Robert Kennedy, Milwaukee police chief--Harold Breier, former Mayor Henry Maier, former senator Charles Percy, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Dick Gregory, and others.
DECADE OF DISCONTENT is the only video available that looks at this period through the eyes of the black community and its progressive white allies. The Milwaukee Journal in a 1981 critique of the documentary said "The documentary...does a first-rate job of telling the story of the black discontent that characterized the period." We might add, it is a valuable historical tool that needs to be preserved for future generations.
As problems in Wisconsin's urban areas continue to challenge us in the 90s, DECADE OF DISCONTENT contains valuable lessons and insights for all of us. Perhaps it's time that we look at it again and begin the long overdue dialogue between blacks and whites. If we are to avoid volatile social unrest in the 90s, then we must learn from the past~-not dismiss it or pretend that the problems don't exist. The issues then and now are real and affect us all.
DECADE OF DISCONTENT first aired in 1981 on the Wisconsin Educational Network as well as commercial TV stations in Green Bay
The documentary was originally funded in part by Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) funds contracted by the Governor's Employment and. Training' Office. WMTV-Channel 15 in Madison, WI provided thousands of dollars worth of in-kind filming and editing services. DECADE OF DISCONTENT is a Project Self-Help and Awareness Production. The executive producer is Chuck Taylor.
Length: 55:34
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You know what, I was born back in April of 1974 and 'til this day I still can not understand what the big deal was with permitting a fair/equal housing bill or policy. I can not understand why even though Black folks have been living in this country for the past 200+ years, have been loyal tax payers and contributors, have been fighting in our wars since the American Civil War (and yes Black men fought for the North during the American Civil War, which became an important turning point for the country in regards to recognition and practice of our country's freedom) why we still don't treat the needs of the Black Community on equal terms. why its it that no matter the situation is whether if its equal housing, equal employment or anything that involves try to begin equality into play with anything thing be it Black or white, Male or Female this country always seems to be challenged with adjusting to having equal for every and anyone of all walks of life. This country has to be one of the most mentally and ethically challenged countries in the world. We are suppose to be setting and example to the rest of the world about true freedom, but yet we are either charging a heavier price or we pay a heavier price as individuals for the one thing that we fought for, struggled with and lived to pass on to our children for so long. This country really needs to clean up its act and get back on track with what it says to everybody including its own people. Believe me when I say this, I don't mean any disrespect to my country, but rather I say it out of love in hopes that the message reaches the right people who understand and know that there still is someone if not more than just one person who is still in support for true freedom in this country for everyone of all walks of life and not just in certain categories, but in all areas of life for everyone including equal housing, equal employment equal public assistance and believe me when I say this, ("There are certain lines in life the are drawn for a reason, some of them are to create division so that people know where not to invade or to create personal space for the individuals out, but some lines are drawn to lay down structure and design for plans that are in place." It's what we call, "Outlines!!!") These Outlines are mean to start plans for a better society, which is what we all need!!!