Articles | News | Updates

CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION

NOW AVAILABLE

new documentary

SWEET HOME ALABAMA: A CHIEF AND HIS PROTEGE

This film explores the parallels between survival, perseverance, and unapologetic preservation. Joycelyn Davis, a descendant of Chief Charles Lewis (Clotilda), details her battle with cancer and how her enslaved ancestors’ legacy of defying the odds validated her ability to conquest obstacles in the way. Joycelyn, alongside Pastor Derek Tucker, expresses their commitment to keeping the rich history of Africatown, USA, relevant and accessible for generations to come.

WATCH NOW BUY NOW RENT NOW

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN: RACE, GENERATIONS & RECONCILIATION

The Other Side of the Coin is a collection of experiences and thoughts addressing the complexities of race in America. The participants featured in our film represent a span of different generations, which presents its own unique challenges. These challenges tend to reignite historical transgressions into the fold of present-day ideologies, begging the question: How do we reconcile for the sake of future generations and humanity?

WATCH NOW BUY NOW RENT NOW

what they say

  • Reading about our country’s history is important, but hearing the stories of individuals who lived that history, in their own words, is truly powerful. The American South As We Know It is an important watch not just for those whose ancestors suffered through the emotional and physical traumas of slavery and Jim Crow, but also for those whose ancestors may have participated in inflicting those very traumas.

    Kate Moore

  • I am full of anticipation that this documentary will deliver honest, in-depth and compelling account s of African Americans who lived through a Jim Crow society and whose stories can best be elicited by a journalist who shares so many commonalities with them.

    Serina Gilbert

  • This documentary can serve as a valuable engine for research as it relates to African-American history. It expounds upon various aspects related to the struggles and greatness of those who lived in the south during such a polarizing time.

    Shirley Ball Brown

get the latest updates

subscribe for our newsletter

founder

Frederick Murphy, MA, MA, LCMHC

Since Frederick Murphy was young, he always enjoyed talking to his elders and hearing stories of family history. In 2016, he founded History Before Us, a project centered on capturing, preserving and advocating influential history. In the beginning of 2017 he started traveling the Southeastern region of the United States interviewing survivors of Jim Crow, the courageous individuals who didn’t make the headlines.

These untold stories prompted him to complete the award-winning documentary The American South as We Know It. Frederick, a Licensed Professional Counselor by trade, utilizes tactful questioning, empathy and reflection to obtain relevant information needed to produce a true narrative of African-American/American history. Frederick also has a Master’s degree in Transformative Leadership and serves as an educator in higher education.

LEARN THE STORY BEHIND HISTORY BEFORE US