"Jewel's Catch One" Jives to Legacy of Black Disco in Los Angeles from The Takeaway

06/27/19 • 8 min

"Jewel's Catch One," a new documentary from C. Fitz, explores the legacy of America's oldest black-owned disco club, as well as the life of businesswoman and activist Jewel Thais-Williams. For four decades, Jewel provided safe spaces in Los Angeles for the black, L.G.B.T.Q., and AIDS-impacted communities. The club closed in 2015. The film was recently acquired by Ava DuVernay's grassroots distribution company, ARRAY.

Thais-Williams and Fitz join the program to discuss the film and what Jewel's nightclub meant for Los Angeles's marginalized communities at the height of the AIDS crisis.

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Thais-Williams and Fitz join the program to discuss the film and what Jewel's nightclub meant for Los Angeles's marginalized communities at the height of the AIDS crisis.

Want to comment on this story? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

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Where We Were Then, Where We Are Now from Nancy

The 20 years since Matthew Shepard's death have been transformative for his mother, Judy. Plus: we talk to Samira Wiley, who appeared in an anniversary production of The Laramie Project.

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Original music by Jeremy Bloom with additional music by Alexander Overington ("Inter C") and Broke For Free ("The Great").

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