My Name Is Pauli Murray

PG-13

Released Sep 17, 2021

1 hr. 31 min.

Documentary

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94%

47 Reviews

Tomatometer

79%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

Fifteen years before Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat, a full decade before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned separate-but-equal legislation, Pauli Murray was already knee-deep fighting for social justice. A pioneering attorney, activist, priest and dedicated memoirist, Murray shaped landmark litigation--and consciousness--around race and gender equity. As an African American youth raised in the segregated South--who was also wrestling with broader notions of gender identity--Pauli understood, intrinsically, what it was to exist beyond previously accepted categories and cultural norms. Both Pauli's personal path and tireless advocacy foreshadowed some of the most politically consequential issues of our time. Told largely in Pauli's own words, My Name is Pauli Murray is a candid recounting of that unique and extraordinary journey.

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Critics Consensus

My Name Is Pauli Murray educates and uplifts in equal measure while paying stirring tribute to a largely unsung -- yet hugely important -- individual.

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Audience Member

Pauli is such an integral part of the progressive 20th century! Her name was stored somewhere in my memory before this movie. Now it is emblazoned in my brain. Ase and thank you from this brown girl with hope.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

Full Review

dave d

I'm ashamed this is my first experience with Pauli Murray. It won't be my last. Shunned by history for no good reason, Murray was a pioneer for equal rights for generations after her death. Why haven't we heard of her? One talking head says it best, "Paul Murray's time may not have come yet. Let's work for a world when it does." It's a must-see for so many reasons. It's you're working for equality it's best to see one of the first in her own words! Final Score: 8/10

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I can't say enough about "My Name is Pauli Murray", I was deep into this film from the start. It's everything from entertaining to poignant to deeply thought provoking. This film needs to get out to the world, particularly the US. The film flowed so beautifully, and I particularly liked how the editor framed how many years before significant events were shown - she was the orchestra-tor of monumental changes, that are in effect to this day. Pauli Murray was fiercely accomplished and a trailblazer before her time - it's past time she is recognized, honored and "become" part of history. I highly recommend this film, it should be greatly awarded for its striking depiction of Pauli Murray's remarkable life, and the gift it is to US history.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

Full Review

ranny l

The documentary My Name is Pauli Murray is a missing piece of history that has not been taught in our classrooms. It amplifies the life of an African American female whose struggles pushed her to create everlasting change in our modern society. My Name is Pauli Murray shares the life of Pauli Murray, an African American queer woman, who shattered the status quo by fighting for women's and civil rights. She was a student, lawyer, minister and a heroine in many aspects. This documentary sheds light on all of her societal triumphs and personal defeats. As an African American female, I felt a great sense of sadness after watching this documentary. This film shows that the society I currently live in is a direct result of Pauli Murray's impact and yet, I never learned about her in school. Directors Betsy West and Julie Cohen, producers and directors of the documentary RBG bring to live the legacy of a woman unknown to most people. There are little questions the audience has about her life after the film's completion. One aspect I did not like is how the film breaks her life into phases of her career paths. This set-up hampers us from seeing the connection between her personal life and her careers. However, that may be due to my curiosity about knowing more about her and her life. My favorite part of this film is the repetition of the quote, "She was ahead of her time." Pauli Murray refused to move to the back of a segregated bus 15 years before Rosa Parks did. Many people think that certain historical events, radical ideals, and justice comes with a timeframe when, in actuality it does not. That is what this film teaches us. The message of this film is that you are not ahead of your time; it's just that the world may not be ready for you. Yet, soon enough, they will be. This film does contain violent scenes showing racial injustice. I give My Name is Pauli Murray 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Betsy West

Director

Julie Cohen

Director

Patricia Bell-Scott

Self

Dolores Chandler

Self

Brittney Cooper

Self

Julie Cohen

Executive Producer

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My Name Is Pauli Murray: Trailer 1

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Sandra Hall

Sydney Morning Herald

It does a terrific job of making amends, helped by a wealth of archival footage drawn from Murray's public and personal life.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 7, 2021

Full Review

Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

Shines a light on a brilliant and uncompromising firebrand who paved the way for generations to come.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 19, 2021

Full Review

Ronda Racha Penrice

TheWrap

More than rests its case on Murray's brilliance and important contributions. Those more steeped in the Black American experience historically, however, won't fail to notice the doc's lack of grounding in early civil-rights history.

Sep 17, 2021

Full Review

Amy Smith

InSession Film

The main goal of a documentary is to inform, and that is exactly what My Name is Pauli Murray does. This is a person that deserves more recognition for everything that they did.

Rated: A-

Mar 1, 2024

Full Review

Sarah Vincent

Cambridge Day

Cohen, PBS producer Talleah Bridges McMahon and editor Cinque Northern wrote this feature that frames Murray’s rightful place as an American founding parent who made significant contributions to human rights.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 16, 2023

Full Review

Michael Cuby

them.

An effective portrait of an undersung political hero.

Nov 1, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

Fifteen years before Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat, a full decade before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned separate-but-equal legislation, Pauli Murray was already knee-deep fighting for social justice. A pioneering attorney, activist, priest and dedicated memoirist, Murray shaped landmark litigation--and consciousness--around race and gender equity. As an African American youth raised in the segregated South--who was also wrestling with broader notions of gender identity--Pauli understood, intrinsically, what it was to exist beyond previously accepted categories and cultural norms. Both Pauli's personal path and tireless advocacy foreshadowed some of the most politically consequential issues of our time. Told largely in Pauli's own words, My Name is Pauli Murray is a candid recounting of that unique and extraordinary journey.

Director: Betsy West, Julie Cohen
Executive Producer: Julie Cohen, Peggy Drexler, Elise Pearlstein, Jeff Skoll, Diane Weyermann
Distributor: Amazon Studios
Production Co: Drexler Films, Storyville Films, Participant
Rating: PG-13 (Disturbing/Violent Images|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 17, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2021

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