An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win (2016)

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An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win (2016) is a drama directed by Tina Mabry. The movie takes place in Detroit, during the Civil Rights Movement in 1963.

Plot

Melody Ellison

The movie is following the life of an optimist 10 years old African-American girl, who is Melody Ellison. Melody lives with her mother, Frances, and her grandfather, Frank.

Melody and her family faced social discrimination in their own hometown. Melody's white classmate, Donald, along with his friends, humiliated her at school because of her race. Melody was also being falsely accused of shoplifting at a clothing shop where her mother works.

Later on, Melody hears a story from her fellow schoolmate that she considers to move to another school, due to her rooted fears of being discriminated. During that time, there is a recent bombing in 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, which elevates her concern about her safety. Melody feels the same fear, thus she persuades her mother to not perform at a fundraising concert for the Birmingham victims, which takes place in a chapel where Melody's family frequently visit.

As a mother, Frances tries to reassure her daughter. Melody then puts in the hour to make her mother a shawl for her piano performance, by upcycling an old garment.

Melody then meets her teacher, Miss Abbot, at church and she brings along the other students. Refusing to go with Melody, Donald walks out from the group, therefore, Melody's best friend, Tricia, comes forward to accompany her. The movie ends with the performance of Melody and the rest of the churchgoers of the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing". Melody and her mother are given applause for their beautiful performance.

Black Empowerment

This movie serves as a relatively light introductory scheme of racism in 1960s America for children. Following the life of an enthusiastic and engaging kid such as Melody, this movie aims to make racism real and actual, for audiences who have never experienced it. Through the lens of this little girl, the audiences are led to feel the emotional journey of Melody's struggle with her identity and her fighting spirit to bring a difference to the world. Living as the only black student in the middle of the civil rights movement is tremendously challenging, and even frightening. Amidst the amount of bullying and accusations that Melody receives from her peers, she has a deep love for her mother, Frances, and she promises to protect her mom from harm. It’s a great reminder that no matter what we look like on the outside, we are still humans who love our mamas.[1]

The song "Lift Every Voice and Sing", which is sung in the end, is generally referred to as the "Black national anthem" in the US. Ending with a positive remark, this movie is trying to emphasize the idea of picking love over hate, and most importantly, change is possible for everyone.

References