Podcast Summary: All Of It – Episode: A New Generation’s ‘Eyes on the Prize’

Introduction

In the March 31, 2025 episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart from WNYC, listeners are introduced to the latest installment of the groundbreaking civil rights documentary series, "Eyes on the Prize 3: We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest." This six-part series, executive produced by Dawn Porter and featuring filmmaker Geeta Gandabir, delves into the landscape of activism spanning four decades, from 1977 to 2017, building upon the legacy established by the original 1987 series directed by the late Henry Hampton.

Overview of "Eyes on the Prize 3"

Alison Stewart opens the episode by providing context about the original "Eyes on the Prize" series, highlighting its focus on the civil rights movement from 1954 to 1965 and its spotlight on iconic leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Fred Hampton. The new series, "Eyes on the Prize 3," continues this exploration by examining the aftermath of the civil rights movement and the evolving landscape of activism up to 2017. The series covers pivotal movements including:

• Fair Housing Access (Late 1970s)
• Healthcare Access amidst the HIV/AIDS Epidemic (1980s)
• South Central LA Organizers Post-1992 Rodney King Riots
• 21st Century Environmental Movements

A review by The Hollywood Reporter praises the series as "an emotional, inspiring, and righteously angry series of vignettes that look backward while very clearly intending to reflect upon and instigate conversations about our fraught current moment."

Preserving the Spirit of the Original Series

Dawn Porter emphasizes the intentional efforts to honor Henry Hampton’s vision. She outlines three guiding principles that shaped the production of "Eyes on the Prize 3":

1. Historical Retrospection: The series maintains a retrospective focus, similar to the original, avoiding direct commentary on contemporary politics. As Dawn Porter states at [02:20], “Eyes on the Prize is such an important piece of work in our filmography in our collective historical memory... we were going to look back, we weren't going to address the current political situation.”

2. Collaborative Filmmaking: Respecting Hampton’s approach of having different filmmakers for each episode, Porter ensures that each of the six episodes is directed by a different individual, fostering diverse perspectives and storytelling styles.

3. Highlighting Unsung Heroes: The series shifts focus from widely recognized leaders to the "ordinary people" whose grassroots efforts significantly advanced civil rights. Porter explains, “[...] it was the story of the other people who were doing, you know, work for the greater good and for the greater good of minorities.”

Deep Dive: Geeta Gandabir on the Bronx Episode

Geeta Gandabir discusses her episode, "America Don't Look Away, 1977 to 1988," which centers on grassroots activism in Philadelphia and the South Bronx during the late 70s and 80s. This segment explores the deteriorating conditions of the Bronx—a period often characterized by economic decline and social upheaval.

At [04:45], Gandabir elaborates on the motivations behind her investigation: “We wanted to understand why, but we also really wanted to bring to the forefront the people on the ground who stood up and refused to allow their community to be demolished, even though it seemed like an impossible task.” She highlights the resilience and determination of local activists who, despite facing systemic neglect and predatory practices by landlords and insurance companies, worked tirelessly to rebuild and preserve their communities.

Community Life in the Bronx: A Personal Perspective

The episode features firsthand accounts from community activists like Carol Waring, who vividly describe the vibrant and supportive community life in the Bronx. A poignant clip at [07:07] showcases Waring reminiscing:

“Kelly street was always a family place for one. We never locked our doors. If you were late or couldn't pay your rent, you got a rent party throw for you. And people would donate to help you pay your bills.” [07:07]

This narrative underscores the communal bonds and mutual support systems that existed despite the surrounding urban decay.

Challenging Misconceptions About the Bronx

Addressing prevalent stereotypes, Gandabir clarifies the true nature of the Bronx during this era. At [08:08], she asserts:

“The Bronx was such a travesty of justice that was happening again. It was front page news at the time, but it was a sort of, again, a microcosm of what was happening to folks who were economically vulnerable around the country.” [08:08]

She emphasizes that the Bronx was a vibrant hub for Black and brown communities, rich in cultural contributions like hip-hop and poetry, yet was marginalized and stigmatized by political powers. This misrepresentation often overshadowed the community’s resilience and cultural significance.

Comparative Activism Across the Nation

When prompted by Alison Stewart to compare activism in the South Bronx to other movements nationwide, Dawn Porter reflects on the universal themes of self-organization and resilience. At [09:43], she notes:

“We see consistent stories of people taking matters into their own hands in a productive way.” [09:43]

Porter draws parallels between the Bronx’s fight for housing equity and other movements addressing education, environmental justice, and civil rights across different states. She underscores the contemporary relevance of these historical struggles, highlighting the enduring spirit of activism as encapsulated by John Lewis:

“There is always something that we can do... you should never feel hopeless.” [09:43]

The Power of Archival Footage

A significant aspect of the series is its blend of archival footage with modern interviews, a technique that Dawn Porter believes enhances storytelling by providing a visceral connection to the past. At [13:47], she explains:

“It is so powerful to see people organizing, to see people being supported and also to see people being joyful.” [13:56]

This approach not only preserves the authenticity of historical events but also illustrates the emotional and communal dynamics that fueled these movements.

Memorable Archival Moments

Reflecting on impactful moments from archival footage, Geeta Gandabir shares her admiration for scenes depicting the Bronx's cultural vibrancy. At [16:04], she recounts:

“The street party that happened with the DJs... the joyful, vibrant spirit of the Bronx.” [16:04]

These images serve as a testament to the community’s enduring spirit and cultural richness, challenging narratives of decline with snapshots of resilience and creativity.

Conclusion

The episode of All Of It featuring "Eyes on the Prize 3: We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest" offers a profound exploration of post-civil rights activism, highlighting the continuous struggle for equity and justice. Through insightful discussions with Dawn Porter and Geeta Gandabir, the podcast underscores the importance of grassroots movements, the power of community resilience, and the enduring relevance of historical activism in contemporary society. By intertwining personal narratives with archival footage, the series not only documents past struggles but also inspires ongoing conversations about freedom, equality, and the unyielding pursuit of justice.

Notable Quotes

• Dawn Porter [02:20]: “Eyes on the Prize is such an important piece of work in our filmography in our collective historical memory... we were going to look back, we weren't going to address the current political situation.”

• Carol Waring [07:07]: “Kelly street was always a family place for one. We never locked our doors. If you were late or couldn't pay your rent, you got a rent party throw for you. And people would donate to help you pay your bills.”

• Geeta Gandabir [08:08]: “The Bronx was such a travesty of justice that was happening again. It was front page news at the time, but it was a sort of, again, a microcosm of what was happening to folks who were economically vulnerable around the country.”

• Dawn Porter [09:43]: “There is always something that we can do... you should never feel hopeless.”

• Geeta Gandabir [16:04]: “The street party that happened with the DJs... the joyful, vibrant spirit of the Bronx.”

Final Thoughts

"Eyes on the Prize 3" serves as a vital continuation of a significant documentary legacy, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the evolution of activism over forty years. All Of It successfully encapsulates the essence of this series, making the complex history of civil rights and social justice accessible and engaging for its audience.