“A Fire You Can’t Put Out”
Official Trailer
“A Fire You Can’t Put Out” is a documentary that explores the dynamic life and legacy of Fred L. Shuttlesworth, an impassioned preacher and activist born in rural Alabama into the ruthless system of Jim Crow.
Galvanized by the conviction that the Christian Gospel was fundamentally a story of emancipation and redemption, he became a fiery proponent of racial equality and justice. He was ultimately called to lead the Historic Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham, where his civil rights ministry grew and evolved. From that hallowed pulpit, he implored his parishioners to participate in matters of civic engagement, attend protests and exercise their right to vote.
He altered the course of American history by convincing his friend, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to join him in Birmingham which had become the epicenter of American Segregation. This invitation and acceptance by Dr. King, thrusted Dr. King and Reverend Shuttleworth into the forefront of the movement in opposition to segregation and made Birmingham the strategic nerve center of the movement.
By doing so, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth set the stage for an army of Civil Rights workers to confront Eugene “Bull” Connor, the legendary law enforcement officer who was the most strident opponent to Southern integration and the local architect of its violent suppression who had gained national prominence.
The Civil Rights movement, ignited in Birmingham, now gained currency and national attention. Rev. Shuttlesworth’s key leadership was instrumental and he became part of Dr. King’s inner circle.
As we document and retell this important history, we will also be constructing a narrative bridge to the present. How do the lessons of our past give us clues about the ongoing fight for justice today. and chart a course to our future?
How can we emulate Fred Shuttlesworth’s ability to hold both courage and grace in equal measure as we now become the stewards of the Fire for freedom, equality and justice that cannot be put out.
A Film by Mark Vikram Purushotham based on the book by Dr. Andrew M. Manis