Buck and the Preacher (1972), directed by and starring Sidney Poitier alongside Harry Belafonte, is a trailblazing Western that redefines the genre through a powerful Black perspective. Set in the post–Civil War era, the film follows two unlikely allies who protect formerly enslaved people from violent white bounty hunters. By centering Black protagonists and confronting racial injustice, Buck and the Preacher broke new ground in a genre long dominated by white narratives. With its mix of action, humor, and political edge, it challenged Western conventions and opened the door for more inclusive storytelling, making it a vital and enduring contribution to the genre.

Introduced by Bomani J. Story, writer and filmmaker.

During your visit to the Autry, check out our exhibition Black Cowboys: An American Story, which presents a more diverse picture of the American frontier and showcases the history and impact of Black men and women in the West.