The words "Black Power" bring back memories of names like Stokely Carmichael, H. Rap Brown, and Eldridge Cleaver, but in Bogalusa, LA a group of harassed Afro-Americans had decided they'd had enough and took up arms to defend themselves and force the white power structure to listen to them. This took place during "Freedom Summer", 1964, right after the Civil Rights Act had become law. Fact based movie stars Forest Whitaker and Ossie Davis, the former as the founder of the Deacons of Defense and Justice (DDJ) and the latter as a peaceful minister trying to prevent the unavoidable violence that will follow. The story revolves around the white-controlled factory which provides 70% of the town's income and employees 40% of its people. Segregation is still clinging on within the factory, with blacks denied the supervisory positions and forced into separate lunchrooms, bathrooms, and drinking fountains. The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) has its strongest power in this area and, as the DDJ gets armed the KKK brings in more members from throughout the U.S. There will be a war!

[Getting ready to start the armed patrols of their neighborhood]


Marcus Clay:
We started with five men. Now look at us- larger, stronger.

[shouts]


Marcus Clay:
Let me hear it.


All:
[shouting] Yes, sir.


Marcus Clay:
Each squad stays within 100 yards of the other squad. Use your whistles. Don't start talkin' and bunchin' up with other squads. Use your eyes. See them before they see you. All right, let's go.

[shouts]


Marcus Clay:
Never again.


All:
[shouting] Never again.


Marcus Clay:
[shouts] Till peace comes at last.


All:
[shouting] Till peace comes at last.


Marcus Clay:
[shouts] Deacons for defense.


All:
[shouting] Deacons for defense.


Marcus Clay:
[shouts] Deacons for defense.


All:
[shouting] Deacons for defense.


Marcus Clay:
[shouts] Deacons for defense.


All:
[shouting] Deacons for defense.


Marcus Clay:
[shouts] Deacons for defense.


All:
[shouting] Deacons for defense.


Marcus Clay:
[shouts] Go do it.


All:
[shouting] Yeah