Black Journal: Episode 31 [Sammy Davis Jr. In His Own Words]

Entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr., is interviewed this month by executive producer, Tony Brown, and is seen performing at the Hilton Hotel in Hollywood. On the show, transmitted nationally on PBS, Davis discusses he the difference in the entertainment industry for past and present black artist, and the responsibility of black artists to speak to represent the black community rather than emulate white stars to find success.


Davis, who was formerly married to a white woman, gives his views on inter-racial marriage, and speaks about his support for Angela Davis "I don't share her political beliefs; I share her blackness. And I share the injustice to any black person".

Blues singer John Lee Hooker sings and plays the guitar.


African correspondent Horace Jenkins interviews Alassane Dramane Ouattara, director of the political department of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ouattara speaks on neocolonialism and how higher education abroad conflicts with local culture. He also accuses the great powers of failing to exert pressure on the Union of South Africa to change its racial policies.


The Great Black Hopes Fashion Show, Black Journal gores to the recent Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier fight and to a post-fight party for a glance at some black celebrities spruced up for the affair in the latest fashions. Celebrities include pop singer Diana Ross; Berry Gordy, owner of Motown Records; comedian Bill Cosby; soul singer Aretha Franklin; composer and band leader Count Basie; and U.S. Representative Ronald Dellums (D-Calif.). Muhammad Alis voice is heard in the background delivering his recent political statements on racism, the war in Vietnam, and his problems with the draft.


Black Journal began as a monthly series produced for, about, and - to a large extent - by black Americans, which used the magazine format to report on relevant issues to black Americans.