Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
Department
Literature and Languages
Date of Award
Spring 5-1-2026
Abstract
During the 1940s, African American culture was often suppressed in the era of Jim Crow laws. However, a booming industry of Black-audience-driven films brought authentic representation to African Americans in the emerging film industry. This study argues for the significance of the Tyler, Texas Black Film Collection in demonstrating culture for African Americans throughout the nation. I assert that the conjunction of both film and text aided in fortifying an enduring culture as a product of the varied identities African Americans manifested outside of inclusion in the greater society. I utilize the major motion pictures of the Tyler, Texas Black Film Collection and other literary works to illustrate the origin and formation of culture. The suppression of the African American experience yielded in their voices resounding in an avid attempt to define itself and be recognized as a distinctive tone in the greater society.
Advisor
Karen Roggenkamp
Subject Categories
Arts and Humanities
Recommended Citation
Miles Jr., Michael, "Blank Screens: Visualizing Cultural Expressions Through the Tyler Texas Black Film Collection" (2026). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 1365.
https://lair.etamu.edu/etd/1365
