THE JOB

Year Published: 1960s

Description:

Presented by the Anti-Defamation League, "The Job" is a one-man play written by Malcolm Boyd and performed by actor (and pro football player) Cliff Frazier. In "The Job", Frazier plays George Perkins, a public relations counselor and consultant for a movie about "the Negro in America" being made by CB Metro. There are discussions about exploiting race angles in the movie for financial gai, and publicity plans and announcements, including signing Harry Belafonte and other stars for the movie. Ideas for promoting the movie, such as inviting top Negro leaders to visit the set, arranging magazine layouts, and involving prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr., are also discussed. Plans for the movie’s international premiere and fundraising for civil rights organizations. The play highlights the intersection of race, media, and Hollywood’s portrayal of African American history and culture.

Boyd (1923 – 2015) was an American Episcopal priest and author who was active in the Civil Rights Movement. Boyd was also active in the anti-Vietnam War movement. In 1977, Boyd "came out", revealing that he was homosexual and becoming a spokesman for gay rights. In 1965, Boyd published a book of prayers, Are You Running with Me, Jesus?, which became a bestseller.

00:00 Introduction of George Perkins.
1:21 Conversation about getting settled in a new office and handling publicity releases.
1:46 Attempt to add something to the conversation, but the call ends abruptly.
2:37Phone call with a spouse discussing the new job, exploiting race angles in a movie, and plans for the evening.
4:18 Instructions for sending a publicity release with a picture to various news sources.
5:15 Announcement of George Al Perkins joining Hollywood producer CB Metro as a special public relations counselor and consultant for a movie about the Negro in America.
6:52 Confirmation of signing Harry Belafonte for a starring role in the movie.
7:42 Announcement of an all-star cast for the movie, including Rock Hudson, Gina Lollobrigida, Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Johnny Mathis, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dorothy Dandridge. Discussions with James Baldwin, Ralph Bunche, Martin Luther King Jr., and Thurgood Marshall for brief appearances.
8:50 Leontyne Price invited to sing at a luncheon, and a chef from New Orleans to prepare the meal.
9:08 Eight prominent Negro decorators commissioned to design the set for a luncheon.
10:13 Plans for the simultaneous international premiere of the movie in various cities, with proceeds going to several civil rights organizations.
11:41 Request for new publicity ideas.
12:47 Publicity ideas for nationwide distribution of the movie, including inviting top Negro leaders to visit the set and arranging for a magazine layout.
13:03 Additional publicity ideas, such as featuring a crew member from Harlem and a story on Negro dishes prepared by a celebrity.
14:02 Suggestions for supporting young Negro writing talent and involving Freedom Riders and clergymen in the movie’s promotion.
15:22 Proposal for Martin Luther King Jr. to lead a prayer service and give an address on the significance of the Negro in America.
17:00 Suggestion to erect monuments in important centers of Negro population
17:08 Mention of important centers of Negro population and historical figures like Mary McLeod Bethune and Booker T. Washington.
18:08 Discussion about appealing to both Negro and white audiences without causing racial tension.
19:19 Introduction of CB Metro, a creator of socially impactful films.
20:24 CB Metro expresses gratitude for being named “Man of the Year” and addresses the audience in Detroit.
21:13 CB Metro speaks about the progress and challenges of the American Negro, emphasizing the need for continued movement towards equality.
22:48 Suggestion for CB Metro Productions to finance a TV quiz show titled “What’s My Race?”
23:21 Introduction of the TV show “What’s My Race?” sponsored by Bleach and Manan.
24:39 Advertisement for a skin product that changes one’s appearance, promoting the idea of becoming a new person.
26:10 Continued advertisement for various products, encouraging integration and visiting showrooms in Albany, Georgia.
27:44 Phone call with CB Metro, the man behind the movie about a certain people.
28:20 Memo to CB Metro suggesting collaboration with editors of Negro newspapers and magazines.