'Blood Done Sign My Name' successful film effort of N.C.'s role during Civil Rights

North Carolina's role in the Civil Rights Movement continues to remain prevalent with the release of the big screen adaptation of Tim Tyson's "Blood Done Sign My Name."

The film, written and directed by Jeb Stuart, noted for his work on the films "The Fugitive" and "Die Hard", is based upon the memoirs and life experiences as the son of a radically left Methodist preacher in rural Oxford.  

Tyson recounts the racially charged events that would eventually lead to a march on Raleigh during the 1970's.

The story begins with the introduction of the Tysons, a bubbly family of five. Vernon, the patriarch is a progressive, idealistic preacher played by Ricky Schroder. 

The Rev. Tyson takes the position as the new pastor of Oxford Methodist Church. Within its traditional congregation, the good reverend and his family soon discover the gross inveterate shadow of Jim Crow looming in the segregated sections of the town that they now call home.

The story initially unfolds through the eyes of a child, Tim Tyson, played by Gattlin Griffith. 

Tim is friends with Gerald Teel, whose family owns one of the local grocery stores.

 Between their dialogues, the darker images of the movie can be seen as Gerald constantly makes racial remarks of bigotry at nearly every person of color that they encounter.

Around the same time that the Tysons arrive in town, a burgeoning young man named Ben Chavis, played by Nate Parker returns home from college and takes a teaching job at the local black high school. He is determined to make a difference , and he certainly has the intellect to do it.

As Stuart injects Chavis into the equation, the movie's perspective changes, somewhat twisting the plot, and it becomes evident that this story is about more than just a preacher's family moving to a new town.

Drama continues to build within the small town. Two examples include: an invitation to Dr. Samuel Proctor, a black preacher and president of  NC A&T, to preach at Oxford Methodist's all-white congregation courtesy of the Rev. Tyson, and the scene where Tyson takes his two sons to see a Ku Klux Klan cross-burning.

Outrage bursts through the seams as the black community takes to the streets rioting, vandalizing, and even attempting to destroy all things "white." 

It wasn't until Chavis brought the people together and called in renowned political "stoker man" and civil rights activist Golden Frinks played  by Afemo Omilami. Frinks organizes and empowers black Oxford residents to stage a March on Raleigh.

Parker and Schroder give outstanding performances, despite the fact that the script called for a "forked" story line. 

The balance was there, and one actor did not outshine the other. 

The release of this movie came in February -- Black History Month. Tyson, Stuart and others deserve a round of applause for the accuracy, competency, and quality of this work.