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Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored

This film relates the story of a tightly connected Afro-American community informally called Colored Town where the inhabitants live and depend on each other in a world where racist oppression is everywhere, as told by a boy called Cliff who spent his childhood there. Despite this, we see the life of the community in all its joys and sorrows, of those that live there while others decide to leave for a better life north. For those remaining, things come to a serious situation when one prominent businessman is being muscled out by a white competitor using racist intimidation. In response, the community must make the decision of whether to submit meekly like they always have, or finally fight for their rights.

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Cast & Crew See All

Al Freeman Jr.
Poppa
Phylicia Rashad
Ma Ponk
Leon
Uncle Melvin

Featured Video

Once Upon A Time, When We Were Colored
Once Upon A Time, When We Were Colored
2:16

2:16 Once Upon A Time, When We Were Colored

Awards

  • 1997 - Image Award - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture - nominated
  • 1997 - Image Award - Outstanding Motion Picture - nominated
  • 1997 - Black Film Award - Best Film - winner
  • 1995 - Audience Choice Award - - winner

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