Promised Land
On 4 April 1968
Martin Luther King was shot dead on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. The night before he died, he spoke of his vision of 'the promised land of justice and freedom' for black Americans. Twenty years later, King's dream has turned sour.
Montgomery, Alabama was at the centre of the civil rights struggle in the 50s and 60s. Indeed it all began there, with the famous 381-day bus boycott. led by Dr King.
Today much has changed. There are black judges, lawyers, politicians. But Montgomery is still an oppressive, divided city.
Many of the advances of the past 20 years have backfired against the black community. Many of the changes are skin deep. Through the eyes of an assortment of Montgomery's black citizens, this film explores the current tensions and frustrations, hopes and fears, and shows that King's vision remains more an inspiration than a reality.
Film cameraman Martin Singleton Film editor Peter Harris Producer John Edginton Director Caroline Pick
Everyman editor Jane Drabble
An Otmoor production for BBCtv
Feature: page 9