Solomon Sir Jones facts for kids

Solomon Sir Jones (born 1869, died 1936) was an American minister and a filmmaker who made movies just for fun. He is famous for his collection of 29 silent, black-and-white films. These films, which last about 355 minutes in total, show the lives of African-American communities in Oklahoma between 1924 and 1928. In 2016, the Library of Congress chose Jones's films for the United States National Film Registry. This means his films are very important for their culture, history, or artistic value.

What Did Solomon Sir Jones Film?

Solomon Sir Jones made 29 silent, black-and-white films. They show African-American communities in Oklahoma from 1924 to 1928. These films were shot using new 16 mm cameras and last for 355 minutes.

Everyday Life in Oklahoma

Jones's films show many parts of daily life. They include funerals, sports games, and schools. You can also see parades, businesses, and Masonic meetings. There are scenes of river baptisms and families at home. He filmed African-American oil business owners and their oil wells. Black colleges and Juneteenth celebrations are also shown. One film even shows a long footrace across the country.

Where Are Jones's Films Kept?

Jones's films are very important historical records. They have been saved by several places. These include the Smithsonian Institution and the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University Library. The National Museum of African American History and Culture also keeps them safe.

Why Are These Films Important?

These films are seen as the best film records we have. They show black life and culture in the Southern United States and cities. This was a time of big social changes for African-Americans in the 1920s. It was also the start of the Great Migration. This movement changed not only black people but also America itself.

Who Was Solomon Sir Jones?

Besides making films, Solomon Sir Jones was a businessman. He was also a Baptist minister. During his life, he started or led about 15 churches.

Early Life and Moving to Oklahoma

Jones was born in Tennessee. His parents had been enslaved. He grew up in the South. Later, he moved to Oklahoma, where he lived for most of his life.

Building Black Communities

For many years, Jones worked to build up black institutions. He started churches, newspapers, and businesses. He also helped schools and hospitals. Jones was active in church leadership. He held important roles in the National Baptist Convention of America. This is one of the largest African American church groups in the United States.

Supporting All-Black Towns

Jones strongly supported black institutions. He was one of many African-American leaders in Oklahoma who believed in "All-Black towns." These were towns where black settlers lived and governed themselves.

The Tulsa Race Massacre

One of these towns was targeted in 1921. White groups attacked it in what is known as the Tulsa race massacre. This was a terrible event in American history. Many people were hurt, and thousands of black residents were held in large buildings. A 2001 state report looked into the events. It confirmed that 26 black people and 10 white people died.

Jones's Travels and Filming

Jones traveled a lot. He went across the United States and to other countries. He visited France, England, Palestine, Switzerland, Italy, North Africa, and Germany. He filmed his travels along the way. These films are also important. But his films of Oklahoma are especially meaningful. They help us remember the 35 years he spent helping African-American people and their communities in Oklahoma.