Controversy And Racism In "The Birth Of A Nation"

By Steve Kraske

Published February 19, 2015 at 1:42 PM CST

In 1915, a famous director and an aggressive journalist battled over the inherent racism in the film, The Birth of a Nation. On this edition of Up to Date, Steve Kraske talks with author Dick Lehr about the controversy behind this influential and infamous film.

Guest:

Dick Lehr is a former investigative reporter for the Boston Globe and the author of The Birth of a Nation: How a Legendary Filmmaker and a Crusading Editor Reignited America's Civil War.

Hear More: Dick Lehr is speaking Thursday, February 19th at 6pm at the World War I Museum. This event is free to the public. Click here to RSVP.

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Up To Date Film Civil War journalism

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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