The documentary ‘Runaway Slave’ presents viewpoints and statements from a host of personalities who discuss the effect of welfare towards the African-American society in the U.S.

Glenn Beck is a radio and television show host, as well as an innovator of on-line entertainment and information services. He is one of the most popular conservative personalities in the United States.

Deneen Borelli is a Fellow with Project 21, a national public policy group and network of black conservatives based in Washington, D.C. Deneen currently serves as an official contributor and guest on most all the Fox News Channel programs and regularly appears on MSNBC, CNN, the BBC and C-SPAN. Deneen’s commentaries promote the importance of freedom and limited government, and she points out the connection between personal responsibility and social advancement.

Andrew Breitbart before is untimely death earlier this year, was an American publisher, commentator, author, and frequent guest on various news programs. He served as an editor for the Drudge Report and helped to launch The Huffington Post, but more recently Andrew is known for exposing and drawing attention to various controversial issues, such as ACORN and Rep. Anthony Weiner, and for running his own news aggregation sites, Breitbart.tv, Big Hollywood, Big Government, Big Journalism, and Big Peace.

Stephen Broden is a businessman, political commentator, former professor, and an activist for pro-life causes. Formerly he was a Republican political candidate from the state of Texas in the 30th Congressional District for the U.S. House.

Herman Cain is a candidate for the U.S. Republican Party presidential nomination who has a background as a successful business executive, syndicated columnist, and radio host. Before his business career began, he worked as a mathematician in ballistics a civilian employee of the U.S. Navy.

Tony Katz is an American radio host, author, and political commentator. He hosts The Tony Katz Radio Spectacular, a daily syndicated radio show on the All Patriots Media Network, and is the host of The Conversation on PJTV, where he discusses serious matters about political culture. Tony is a regular guest on FOX News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, NPR, PJTV and KABC Los Angeles.

Alveda King is the daughter of the late slain civil rights activist, Rev. A. D. King and Naomi Barber King and the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She is a Minister in her Church and a prominent pro-life activist, and author.

Star Parker is the founder and president of CURE, the Center for Urban Renewal Education, which she created to fight poverty. Before Star’s personal transformation from welfare dependent to conservative crusader, she had seven years of first-hand experience in the grip of government and welfare dependency. Star is a regular commentator on CNN, TBN, CSPAN, CBN, and FOX News.

Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson is the founder and president of The Brotherhood Organization of A New Destiny (BOND), dedicated to a conservative agenda for African Americans. Rev. Peterson is a cable TV and nationally-syndicated radio show host, where among other things he denounces affirmative action as “reverse racism”. He is the man behind the National Boycott of the NAACP, claiming it to be nothing more than a tool of the “elite, socialist” elements of the Democratic Party. Jesse is frequently seen on Fox, CNN, and MSNBC, and is author of “SCAM: How the Black Leadership Exploits Black America.”

AlfonZo Rachel is a social/political humorist featured on PJTV where he presents his extremely popular video commentary, ZoNation. Known for his rapid-fire right-wing rants, Zo is also a regular contributor at Big Hollywood.com.

Erik Rush is a sociopolitical Christian columnist, novelist, and speaker who is a contributor of social commentary to numerous print and online publications.

Sonja Schmidt is known for her political commentary at PJTV, as a regular contributor on FOX NEWS shows, and as a stand-up comedienne in the comedy troupe “Right to Laugh.”

Thomas Sowell is an American economist, social theorist, political philosopher, and author.  Dr. Sowell has served on the faculties of several universities, including Cornell and UCLA, and worked for “think tanks” such as the Urban Institute. He is the author of more than 30 books and has worked at the Hoover Institution since 1980.

Mason Weaver is a noted speaker and guest lecturer, who appears regularly on national TV, cable and news programs. He is the author of several books, including It’s OK to Leave the Plantation.

David Webb is a syndicated talk show host and personality who has been entertaining and informing the public for over 20 years. Active in politics on the local and national level, David is the spokesman for the National Tea Party Federation and he co-founded Tea Party 365, a group for fiscal responsibility. David appears frequently on FOX, CNBC, CBS, NBC, ABC, and he is the co-founder of the American Forum, Black Forum and Black Republican Forum.

Congressman Allen West has had a celebrated career in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After 22 years there he retired, but returned as a civilian advisor to the Afghan forces. Since then, Rep. Allen West has run successfully for Congress in the District of Florida.

Bill Whittle is a political commentator, screenwriter, editor and director. He has written for National Review Online and is a regular pundit at PJTV.com with his various video series, such as Afterburner, Firewall, and Trifecta, and his essays can be found online at Eject! Eject! Eject!

Image Courtesy of   Documentally

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The documentary ‘Runaway Slave’ explores the idea that U.S. welfare is the cause of modern slavery among African-Americans. Here are some thoughts by the people behind the documentary.

Matt Kibbe, President, Freedom Works Foundation

“Freedom Works Foundation is proud to support this project, and hopes that its message will resonate, encourage and inspire every person who watches the movie to spread the word of running from tyranny and oppression to liberty and true freedom.”

Rev. C.L. Bryant

“Black Americans are fed the lie that we all have to act, think, and vote a certain way. As a former branch president of the NAACP in Garland, Texas, I once supported the idea that we as a people of color can only advance as a group. But there became a conflict between my personal faith and the political views of the NAACP.

“As an individual I was free to be myself, but as a black man I had to talk and act a certain way. I began to realize that everything I had been taught that was a benefit to us was actually harming black Americans. Indeed, the NAACP and the government had been instrumental in bringing civil rights to black Americans. But more and more people in the black community have become dependent on the government and groups like the NAACP for their wellbeing. I believe that we are better off if we are left alone, to succeed as individuals.

“But when any black person speaks out against these groups, or presents any idea that is contrary to the collective, they are labeled a ‘sellout’ or an ‘Uncle Tom.’ ‘Runaway Slave’ is a film that brings the voices of people like me into the mainstream dialogue in America. We are not free at last when we allow ourselves to stay on the plantation and look to the master for a handout.

“For too long, we have been depending on other people for our success. We have to pursue our happiness; our happiness is not provided to us. If we are relying on someone else to the point that we are dependent on him or her for our wellbeing, that in itself is a form of slavery. We are all free at last! But with freedom comes great responsibility. It is now time for all of us to flee economic slavery and run toward the blessings of true liberty.”

Luke Livingston, Executive Producer

“During the production of Tea Party Movie, we followed several activists and profiled their stories. One was a young black Obama supporter. But after becoming disenchanted with the President, he became a libertarian who actively participated in the Tea Party movement. His story carried us to other concerned black Americans. Add C.L. Bryant to the scenario and the concept for a film about the black conservative movement in this country was born.

“C.L. is an expert on the topic and his compelling personal story is powerful; but we knew there were others out there who also had something to say.  In the fall of 2010, we began the journey of finding and interviewing those who have found their own paths to freedom. We found them living in middle-class neighborhoods, wealthy estates and the inner cities.

“With different economic statuses, they all had one thing in common: They were running away from the slavery of tyranny and toward the blessings of liberty and true freedom. The more questions we asked, the more passionate we became for the film and the people highlighted in it. Their voices needed to be heard. Their facts needed to be told. And their amazing stories needed to be revealed!

“We began with a concept trailer to help generate donations. It went viral overnight with over a quarter of a million views. We knew we had a topic that would spark a fire of liberty and an audience interested in viewing it. We have been blessed to put an incredibly creative team on this project. The long hours and late nights have not worn us down from this task. We consider this film an honor to produce, and C.L. a brave leader to tackle such a volatile subject. After our very first focus group viewing, a former California movie distributor commented, ‘This film will change the conversation in America.’  We look forward to the new dialogue it will generate.”

Pritchett Cotten, Director and Writer

“When the initial idea of making this film surfaced, I jumped on the opportunity immediately. At times, it has seemed like an odd decision because I am in no way an expert, nor claim to be, on the subject matter. However, these topics are very important, and I have enjoyed the many paths this film has taken me down creatively, professionally, and emotionally. As a filmmaker, I see myself as a facilitator. I have the ways and means to let people’s voices be heard, voices that might not have had the chance otherwise. Through much research and consultation, I have provided a framework to let people offer their opinions and insight.

“It is my hope that those who view the film will truly think about the underlying principles that are being discussed: freedom, liberty, personal responsibility, and limited government. These are some of the key principles that America was founded on and what has ultimately made this country great. They are timeless ideas that if adhered to, can create a prosperous and free society for any people, regardless of race or ethnicity. These are ideas that transcend political parties, and I hope that all Americans will begin to evaluate their political leaders according to their character, ideology, and voting record, instead of only focusing on the letter beside the name.

“I believe there is a wall that exists in America today with regards to race and politics. Many feel they cannot talk about race for fear of being labeled ‘racist.’  We have also convinced ourselves that it is somehow not polite or proper to discuss politics. This idea is completely anathema to the spirit of America, because We The People are the government!  We must throw away our trepidations and discuss these issues openly, freely, and with civility if there is any hope of tearing the wall down that is preventing honest discussions on race and politics. ‘Runaway Slave’ can be a wrecking ball and apply a few hard hits.”

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As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in the summer of 1963, he delivered one of the most powerful speeches in our nation’s history. Known for its famous line, “I have a dream,” Dr. King concluded his speech with these words:

“And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, ‘Free at last, free at last! Thank God Almighty, we’re free at last!’”

Now, nearly a half-century later, has his dream become reality? Have we allowed freedom to truly ring? Or has that longed-for freedom somehow become even more elusive?

In ‘Runaway Slave’, an intriguing new documentary that opens in theaters this summer, Rev. C.L. Bryant journeys across America to find answers. A one-time NAACP local chapter president, Rev. Bryant discovers that by buying into the entitlement mindset of “progressives,” the black community has traded one form of tyranny for another.

Using leading black conservatives as “conductors,” Rev. Bryant believes it is time for a new Underground Railroad to help liberate all Americans from the Government plantation that has left the black community dealing with a new form of slavery: entitlements.

“Why are we still thinking we are not free at last? What ideas are keeping us down?” Rev. Bryant asks. “For too long, we have been depending on other people for our success. We have to pursue our happiness; our happiness is not provided to us. If we are relying on someone else for our wellbeing, that in itself is a form of slavery.”

From our nation’s capital and freedom’s birthplace, to the dens of slavery and Jim Crow, to wherever a light for liberty is shining, this runaway slave looks to bring hope to the oppressed.

Among the leaders he talks with along the way are Dr. King’s niece, Dr. Alveda King; former presidential candidate Herman Cain; Congressman Allen West; economist and author Dr. Thomas Sowell; commentator and radio/tv host Glenn Beck; the late Andrew Breitbart; and many others.

Rev. Bryant’s conclusion? It’s time to run. “Run away from economic slavery. Run toward the blessings of liberty. Let us remain strong in this fight. Run away from socialism; run away from progressivism. And if you get tired, America … run harder!”

Image Courtesy of   Runaway Slave, The Documentary with CL Bryant

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‘Runaway Slave’ is a compelling, insightful look at how government policies have systematically re-enslaved the black population in the United States. Through entitlements and other government programs, a perpetual state of welfare exists, creating what can only be described as a form of modern slavery for a large percentage of the African-American community.

The documentary features Rev. C.L. Bryant, who proudly refers to himself as a “runaway slave.” This former NAACP chapter president left the organization after concluding its goals were more about political posturing than actual civil rights. Rev. Bryant says he escaped the bondage of progressivism and denounced the shackles of entitlements. He now has committed himself to helping others secure the blessings of liberty that are guaranteed by the Constitution.

While Rev. Bryant’s compelling story helps launch the film, we soon discover he is not alone as he treks across the new Underground Railroad in America. ‘Runaway Slave’ features interviews with politicians, community leaders and everyday Americans; including Dr. Alveda King (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s niece), economist and author Thomas Sowell, Congressman Allen West, presidential candidate Herman Cain, commentator and radio/tv host Glenn Beck, syndicated columnist Star Parker and the late conservative activist/editor, Andrew Breitbart.

‘Runaway Slave’ is a history lesson not being taught in the public schools: a revealing look at legislation aimed at curbing and controlling the black population and the results that have kept them on the government “plantation.” The question the movie dares to ask: “Are African Americans truly ‘free at last’?”

A brief synopsis

“Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we’re free at last!” Nearly a half-century after these words were spoken, has Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream become reality? Or has that longed-for freedom somehow become even more elusive?

In ‘Runaway Slave’, an intriguing new documentary that opens in theaters this July, Rev. C.L. Bryant journeys across America to find the answer.

Using leading black conservatives as “conductors,” this one-time NAACP local chapter president blazes a new Underground Railroad to help liberate all Americans from the Government plantation that has created a new form of slavery: entitlements.

Image Courtesy of   Runaway Slave, The Documentary with CL Bryant

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On Martin Luther King Day, Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington honored Martin Luther King, Jr. by presenting awards to contemporary heroes working to keep his dream alive.  This award recognizes them for their commitment to reducing poverty. Hundreds of people attended the third annual “Keep the Dream Alive” Mass & Awards ceremony, which took place at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Washington, D.C.

Rev. Larry Snyder, President of CCUSA, said, “I can think of no better way to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy than by honoring individuals who keep his dream alive through their advocacy and service to the poor.”

CCUSA presented “Keep the Dream Alive” awards to USDA Under Secretary, Kevin Concannon, Former D.C. Mayor, Anthony Williams, and former CCUSA Board Member, Janet Pape, for their advocacy and poverty reduction work. The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington’s “Faith Does Justice” Award was presented to local television anchor Andrea Roane.

“While Dr. King’s inspiring life, built on the strength of his convictions and his sense of justice, made a tremendous difference to our nation, we know there is still much work to do,” said Msgr. John Enzler, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. “However, as we remember Dr. King, there’s no better moment to look around and celebrate those among us who are carrying on his work in so many different ways today.”

Following the event, more than 50 individuals volunteered with women who reside at the Harriet Tubman Women’s Emergency Shelter in southeast D.C.  Volunteers worked one-on-one with women on an art project designed to allow clients to express their dreams and what Dr. King means to them.

For additional information about today’s event, including pictures and information on the awardees, please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

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VSA, the international organization on arts and disability and an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts along with CVS Caremark All Kids Can are inviting children with and without disabilities, ages 5-15, to participate in the 2012 All Kids Can CREATE “Call for Art” and showcase the positive impact the arts can have on each and every child.

This year’s theme, “What Inspires Me,” encourages young people to reflect on what inspires them and express those inspirations through original art. The 2012 All Kids Can CREATE program will officially launch on the birthday of inspirational civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Artwork submitted before April 8, 2012 at http://www.artsonia.com/allkidscan will be featured in an online gallery and considered for display in the “What Inspires Me” exhibition debuting at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C. in August 2012. One hundred and two pieces of art―two from each state and the District of Columbia―will be part of the exhibition.

The “Call for Art” is part of VSA and CVS Caremark’s All Kids Can CREATE campaign to encourage learning and community engagement through artistic expression. The program includes the Call for Art, artist-in-residence programs in schools, and community events that will expand access and learning through the arts for students with disabilities. CVS Caremark colleagues also participate in the program through volunteer activities that engage their communities and/or schools in building inclusive environments.

“The arts provide valuable opportunities for students to explore and exercise their creativity,” said Betty Siegel, Director of VSA.” Through programs like this we have been able to expose thousands of students of all abilities to the arts.”

“CVS Caremark is proud to partner with VSA for the fifth year on the All Kids Can CREATE campaign, furthering our commitment to inclusion and giving children of all abilities a unique opportunity to express themselves through their artwork,” said Eileen Howard Boone, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Community Relations, CVS Caremark. “The artwork celebrates each individual student and raises awareness in schools and in local communities about the importance of inclusion.”

Children are invited to stretch their imagination by using traditional art materials as well as non-traditional ones, such as wrapping paper, newspaper or aluminum foil. In addition, teachers who submit their students’ artwork are eligible to receive one of four $1,500 cash awards to use in their classrooms.

Last year’s All Kids Can CREATE resulted in more than 4,700 submissions from across the country.  All of the artwork submitted this year, from paintings to sculptures to photographs, will be featured in an online gallery at www.artsonia.com

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Martin Luther King III, member of the Founding Group and Board of Directors for Bounce TV, the country’s first and fast-growing over-the-air broadcast television network for African-Americans, announced today that the network will present the broadcast television premiere of the acclaimed documentary ‘Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Historical Perspective’ this Monday, January 16 at 8:00 P.M. ET in honor of the national Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

“This year’s holiday will be even more special to our family as it will be the first Martin Luther King, Jr. Day that my father’s memorial in Washington is open, and Bounce TV is on the air.  I believe both were and are important milestones for our community,” commented Mr. King III.

The award-winning ‘Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Historical Perspective’ offers a unique examination of Dr. King’s impact on the country and the civil rights movement. Writer/director Thomas Friedman takes a look at Reverend King’s ideas, actions, and influence on the fight to end racial segregation. The 60 minute documentary includes rare archival footage, photographs, and interviews with associates of Dr. King. Bounce TV will present a special encore of ‘Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Historical Perspective’ immediately after its premiere.

Bounce TV airs twenty four hours a day, seven days a week on the digital signals of local television stations.  The network targets African Americans primarily between the ages of 25-54 with a programming mix of theatrical motion pictures, live sports, documentaries, specials, inspirational faith-based programs, off-net series, original programming, and more.

Live sports and events are part of the Bounce TV schedule, including both football and basketball games from the nation’s largest African American athletic conference, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.  Bounce TV’s first CIAA basketball game will air this Sat. Jan. 14 as Shaw University visits Chowan.

Dr. King’s close friend and associate, Ambassador Andrew Young, is also among the Founding Group and Board of Directors of Bounce TV.  Bounce TV is mostly owned by African Americans.

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Want to travel back in time to view the journey of the Civil Rights Movement come alive again? See the signs, photographs, news clippings and hear speeches that were a part of the movement in a new exhibit, For All the World to See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights, presented by the Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture, University of Maryland, Baltimore County in partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” These words were spoken by the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the US civil rights movement, in his “I Have a Dream” speech.

King delivered the speech on August 28, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., as part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It is considered to be one of the greatest American political speeches ever delivered.

Just as important to the speeches and marches was the culture that emerged around it and its publication. The media played a key role on the road to equality. Through media, the events of the Civil Rights movement were captured by recordings and photographs; this allowed millions to be involved and informed regardless of distance.

For All the World to See, is an exhibit that takes people back in time throughout the movement, see signs that once filled cities and streets that advocated segregation, “For Whites Only, No Negros, Mexicans, or Dogs.” Hear inspirational speeches, from some of the leaders of the movement. See footage from the Marches for civil rights, or see photographs of people with hope and ambition.

“My work as a cultural historian has been concentrated on how visual images can alter and inspire and move public opinion,” Maurice Berger, curator of the exhibition told CNN.

During that time period, the images and speeches helped unite a voice of positivity and sense of hope amongst the black community. Through the use of media blacks in America were able to be informed and be a part of the process to strive for their civil rights.

“Six or seven years ago, I decided to build an archive of Civil Rights materials and begin to get an understanding of how these images looked, who saw them, and how they operated within culture and society,” he continued.

The modern U.S. Civil Rights Movement started with the arrest of a black woman by the name of Rosa Parks in Montgomery, Alabama. Police arrested her because she refused to give her seat to a white man on a Montgomery city bus which under the Jim Crow regulation was against the law. This event was widely publicized and sparked a boycott of the city buses.

The images that circulated throughout the United States exposed the oppression of African Americans as well as changing the way African Americans depicted themselves, according to Berger.

For All The World To See, opened in June in NMAAHC’s gallery at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. For All The World To See also has a virtual exhibit that is available for the entire world to see at CADVC’s online exhibition site.

The exhibit will be held at the following locations on the following dates:

• NMAAHC gallery at Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Washington, DC (June 10-November 27, 2011);

• Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland (November 2012 to March 2013);

• Addison Gallery of American Art, Andover, Massachusetts (April 2013-August 2013); Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, Nevada (Fall 2013)

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