The Learning Tree

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The Learning Tree is a 1969 film which tells the story of a young African American growing up in a rural setting in the early part of the 20th century, when racial discrimination was a social norm, legally sanctioned in parts of the United States.

It stars Kyle Johnson (playing Newton Winger), Alex Clarke, Marcus, Estelle Evans, Dana Elcar and Mira Waters.

The movie was written and directed by Gordon Parks, in adaptation from his autobiographical novel.

This was the first major studio feature film directed by an African American. The film has been deemed "culturally significant" by the Library of Congress and selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.

Background information

• Avery Brooks sang the theme from this film at Parks' funeral in March 2006.Template:Bio-film-stub