Nathaniel Popkin is writer of the 2018 film documentary “Sisters In Freedom,” the extraordinary story of the trailblazing women who crossed racial lines in the fight to end slavery.
Winner of Best Documentary, 2019 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards
“Sisters in Freedom” reveals the extraordinary story of the black and white women who created America’s first organized female political force, and their daring battle to end slavery. It’s the 1830s. Slavery in the South is increasing rapidly; fugitive slave laws are tightening and so are the rules that govern women in the public sphere. Yet in Philadelphia, Lucretia Mott, Sarah Mapps Douglass, Harriet Forten Purvis and Angelina and Sarah Grimké lead an effort that inspires millions of Americans to petition Congress to end slavery, persisting despite a vicious backlash to the abolition movement. The documentary reveals how the resistance work of these pioneering women provided a bold model for the women’s rights movement that is flourishing today.
PRAISE AND REVIEWS
“A powerful documentary, chronicling the early political activism of the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society which rocked the foundation of slavery and inspired the movement for women’s rights in the United States, that can still be seen today. Viewers will be fascinated as the story of this little known interracial coalition unfolds.”
—Keith A. Beauchamp, Filmmaker, “The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till.”
“A beautifully rendered and captivating documentary. Anyone interested in the ideal of liberty, and in particular, the struggles of women, black and white, to claim freedom, will find it both inspiring and informing. As it is a wonderful teaching tool, I recommend ‘Sisters in Freedom’ for classes in American history, women’s studies and African-American studies at both the high school and college levels.”
— Imani Perry, Princeton University, author of Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry
“’Sisters in Freedom’ adds a critical dimension to our understanding of American history: smart, brave women crossing gender and color lines to shape our country. Watch and be inspired!”
—Lynn Sherr, author of Sally Ride: America’s First Woman in Space
“Offers an enlightening view of little-known, early American history and the black and white women justice-seekers who joined arms in the fight for freedom.”
—Leslie Fields-Cruz, Black Public Media
“Confronting racism, sexism, violence, and political opposition, these women worked for a society that was more equal and more humane. This film illuminates the turmoil that surrounded their challenge to powerful forces in Philadelphia and the nation.”
—Carol Faulkner, Syracuse University, author of Lucretia Mott’s Heresy
