The Moth Podcast Summary: "Bob Zellner: Poitier and Brando, Mississippi 1964"

Introduction

In the January 19, 2009 episode of The Moth podcast, storyteller Bob Zellner shares his compelling firsthand experiences as a white southerner deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Zellner’s narrative unfolds in Mississippi during the tumultuous summer of 1964, highlighting the intersection of activism, celebrity involvement, and the relentless struggle against racial segregation.

Background: A Troubled Heritage and a Transformative Path

Bob Zellner begins by providing a glimpse into his upbringing in Lower Alabama, emphasizing his family's fundamentalist and Ku Klux Klan (KKK) affiliations. Despite this, Zellner's life took a drastic turn during his college years at Huntington College in Montgomery, Alabama, where he encountered influential civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. These interactions inspired him to join the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in 1961, marking the beginning of his active participation in the Civil Rights Movement.

"I grew up in South Alabama. My father was a Methodist minister. He was also a member of the Ku Klux Klan... But I went to Huntington College in Montgomery, Alabama in 1957, and if you'll remember what's happening in the south at that time, I wound up as my senior year, meeting Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks." [02:25]

Life in SNCC: Trials and Tribulations

Zellner recounts his tenure with SNCC from 1961 to 1967, during which he faced significant adversity, including 25 arrests across five states, physical assaults, and other forms of mistreatment. Despite these challenges, Zellner remained steadfast in his commitment to dismantling segregation and fighting for voting rights for African Americans.

"From 1961 to 1967, Bob Zellner was arrested 25 times in five states. His story is told in the movie Mississippi Burning." [13:14]

The Summer of 1964: Mobilizing for Change in Mississippi

The core of Zellner’s story focuses on the pivotal summer of 1964 in Greenwood, Mississippi—a period marked by extreme violence against civil rights workers and intense efforts to register Black voters. SNCC strategized to bring national attention and support to Mississippi by organizing students and attracting high-profile figures to bolster their cause.

Celebrity Involvement: Poitier and Brando in Mississippi

A significant highlight of Zellner’s narrative is the involvement of renowned actors Sidney Poitier and Marlon Brando, alongside singer Harry Belafonte, in the Civil Rights Movement's efforts in Mississippi. Their presence was intended to draw media attention and lend credibility to the movement’s endeavors.

"Here was Belafonte and them back there. And they said, well, they've never seen anything like this. But it meant a tremendous amount in that summer of 64..." [08:30]

Zellner shares a personal anecdote about his task to accompany Marlon Brando, despite feeling intimidated by the legendary actor. During a drive to a massive rally, Brando's attempt to use a segregated bathroom became a memorable moment, illustrating the pervasive racism of the time and Brando's desire for dignity even in small actions.

"Can you imagine? I'm 21 years old, I hardly ever been out of Alabama, and now I've got to go around with this guy who is a legend..." [07:45]

The Rally: A Triumph of Unity and Music

At the rally in Greenwood, Mississippi, attended by 14,000 people, Zellner finds himself thrust into a pivotal moment where music and solidarity play crucial roles. Despite initial misunderstandings by event organizers, who mistakenly attribute his fame to Belafonte, Zellner leverages his Southern upbringing to lead the crowd in singing freedom and church songs, igniting a powerful and unified atmosphere.

"We sang some songs. And that place rocked. I'm telling you, that place." [09:15]

Impact and Legacy: Catalyst for Change

The collaborative efforts of activists and celebrities in Mississippi laid the groundwork for significant legislative changes, culminating in the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Zellner credits the involvement of figures like Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier with helping to galvanize national support and bring about the end of voting segregation in the South.

"Harry Belafonte actually summed up the immense experience of that summer by bringing people from outside bringing the world press to Mississippi. And it was the beginning of the end of racial segregation at the voting booth in Mississippi and the rest of the south..." [12:00]

Conclusion

Bob Zellner’s story is a poignant testament to the power of dedication, solidarity, and the unexpected alliances that can emerge in the fight for justice. Through his vivid recounting, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by civil rights activists and the pivotal moments that shaped the course of American history.

Notable Quotes

1. Bob Zellner on His Motivations:

   "I joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, SNCC...we didn't believe that we couldn't go anywhere in the United States." [03:10]

2. Reflection on Marlon Brando’s Authenticity:

   "He was certainly a great actor to be able to do that in the front seat of a car on a dark night in Mississippi." [08:00]

3. Harry Belafonte’s Insight on Brotherhood:

   "No matter what they do, it is always true that brotherhood and sisterhood is not so wild a dream as those who profit by postponing it." [12:50]

Final Thoughts

Bob Zellner’s narrative not only illuminates the historical struggles of the Civil Rights Movement but also underscores the enduring significance of solidarity across diverse communities. His experiences serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience required to effect meaningful societal change.