In 1971 Blacksploitation exploded onto the scene with "Sweet Sweetback's Baddass Song" and "Shaft," followed by a series of movies that featured African-American actors in lead roles and often having anti-establishment plots. These films were condemned for stereotypical characterization and glorification of violence, but audiences loved them and so did Hollywood since they made tons of money with low production budgets. For a time it seemed like Blacksploitation was here to stay.

Until it wasn’t.

On the second part of our two part series we’ll discuss the backlash, the fall and the enduring legacy of Blaxploitation.