Episode 10: "The Black King"




BMA: Black Media Archive show

Summary: Movie: "The Black King' (1932) Fiery preacher Charcoal Johnson, though no model of sanctity, gains control of a Mississippi Baptist church through personal magnetism; he uses this springboard to organize a 'Back to Africa' movement among his fellow afro-Americans, along the lines of evangelical religion. Weathering accusations of swindling, he emerges as the self-styled (future) Emperor of the United States of Africa. But his tin-plated pomp is threatened by greed, personalities, and practicalities... The character Charcoal is supposedly is a portrayal of Marcus Garvey.