Henry Hampton

Date of Birth: January 8, 1940

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: November 22, 1998

Biography

Henry Hampton was an influential American activist and filmmaker, best known for his groundbreaking work in documenting the Civil Rights Movement. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Hampton became a prominent figure in chronicling African-American history through visual storytelling. He founded Blackside, Inc., a production company that produced “Eyes on the Prize,” a critically acclaimed documentary series that detailed the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Hampton’s work not only preserved the legacy of the struggle for civil rights but also educated and inspired future generations. Throughout his career, Hampton received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to social justice and media.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Hampton

1. Henry Hampton was a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, where he initially studied literature before turning to filmmaking.

2. He founded the production company Blackside, Inc. in 1968, which became one of the largest African-American-owned documentary film production companies.

3. “Eyes on the Prize,” Hampton’s most famous work, is often used as an educational tool in classrooms to teach about the Civil Rights Movement.

4. Hampton received over 20 honorary degrees from prestigious universities, acknowledging his impact on both the arts and social justice.

5. He was awarded a Peabody Award in 1987 for “Eyes on the Prize,” which is considered one of the highest honors in broadcasting.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Hampton

1. “The past is not dead; it is not even past.”

2. “Our stories are our history, and our history is our power.”

3. “Film is a powerful tool for change; it can educate, inform, and inspire.”

4. “The struggle for equality is never-ending, but every step forward is a victory.”

5. “Visual storytelling has the unique ability to bring history to life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Henry Hampton’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, largely due to the success of his documentaries and his production company, Blackside, Inc.