Memory Builds the Monument, which is playing at the New Jersey Film Festival on Friday, February 11 via Video on Demand for 24 hours, shines a spotlight on Club Matinee, a performance theater in Houston’s historic 5th Ward that housed acts such as B.B. King, James Brown, and Sam Cooke. As a haven that blossomed with black talent during an era of segregation, Club Matinee was a place abundant in memories, liveliness, and fantastic music. This high-spirited place of assembly was a source of joy for the black community and a primer place for congregation and socialization. Attendees could dine, chat, and enjoy the music of the greatest black talent to their heart’s desire. Despite the southern backdrop of segregation, the monument that was Club Matinee was a cultural beacon for residents and visitors alike.
This film describes the nature of the segregated south and what society looked like as a result of exclusion. Social and physical lines were drawn for amenities as trivial as water fountains, however, black owned businesses continued to flourish despite this divide. Memory Builds the Monument highlights and commends the prosperity of these businesses that relied on the plentiful community engagement they received. One of these black-owned businesses was Club Matinee. The film emphasizes just how supportive the community of Houston’s 5th Ward was to make local businesses flourish to the extent they did.
Memory Builds the Monument also paints the scene for how young talent in the area could find their big break. The green book, a travel guide for blacks in the south, would detail hotspots where they could see talented musicians who were touring. These hotspots were formally known as the Chitlin’ Circuit. The film immerses viewers in the zestful atmosphere of rhythm and blues in these venues. The drums married with the shuffling of the feet were the pulse of the night.
The film also details how musicians could gain attention through talent shows that were hosted at local high schools, including the group Archie Bell and the Drells who were former performers at the Club Matinee. Other chart topping musicians who performed at the Club Matinee include Ray Charles, who met his wife there, B.B. King, Sam Cooke, and James Brown. Brimming with life-long memories, Club Matinee remained a light to the community until its doors closed in the 70’s. Memory Builds the Monument showcases just how special and important this place of joy was as a fiber of the neighborhood. The film invites viewers to consider the immense value of monuments past as we reminisce and enjoy future monuments in the present.
Memory Builds the Monument screens at the Spring 2022 New Jersey Film Festival on February 11! To buy tickets click here.
The New Jersey Film Festival Spring 2022 will be taking place on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through February 20, 2022. As a result of COVID our Festival will be a virtual one again this Spring. All the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date. More info is available here: https://newjerseyfilmfestivalspring2022.eventive.org/welcome
