Black Love Matters: Over A Century Old Restored Silent Film Is A Beautiful Portrait Of African American Affection

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‘Something Good – Negro Kiss’ Silent Film Goes Viral After Restoration

This week actresses Tracee Ellis Ross and Viola Davis both reposted a beautiful piece of history — the 1898 silent film ‘Something Good – Negro Kiss,’ which was recently restored and was announced on the list of the Library of Congress’ 25 films added to the National Film Registry. We felt the love depicted in this clip is so beautiful and groundbreaking and stands at such a contrast to the many negative stereotypes carried out about our race that we wanted to share with you as part of our political content for the day.

The film depicts 29 seconds of stolen, affectionate moments between performers Saint Suttle and Gertie Brown. ‘Something Good – Negro Kiss’ is believed to be the earliest film of its kind, an intimate snapshot of Black love, it was created by a former vaudeville performer named William Selig.

Watch below as Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announces the selection of 25 of America’s most influential motion pictures to be inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress because of their cultural, historic and aesthetic importance to the nation’s film heritage.

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Selection to the registry will help ensure that these films will be preserved for all time.

Here is the list of 25 films added to the 2018 National Film Registry.

1. Bad Day at Black Rock (1955)

2. Broadcast News (1987)

3. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

4. Cinderella (1950)

5. Days of Wine and Roses (1962)

6. Dixon-Wanamaker Expedition to Crow Agency (1908)

7. Eve’s Bayou (1997)

8. The Girl Without a Soul (1917)

9. Hair Piece: A Film for Nappy-Headed People (1984)