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Feb
06
    

Raised in the Athens Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, Cle “Bone” Sloan was four years old when his father died, and 12 when he became a member of the Bloods. Now an inactive member of the notorious gang, Sloan looks back at the history of black gangs in his city and makes a powerful call for change in modern gang culture with his insightful documentary, BASTARDS OF THE PARTY.

Acclaimed feature film director Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day”) produces along with Sloan, who also directs.

Haunted by his involvement in the Bloods’ pervasive culture of violence, Sloan wanted to explore where it all began. In researching the subject, he discovered that the roots of black gangs were nurtured within a distinct political landscape. BASTARDS OF THE PARTY traces the development of black gangs in Los Angeles from the late 1940s, through the charged atmosphere of the ’60s and ’70s, to the breakdown of community in the ’80s and ’90s, and the brief truce between the Crips and Bloods that followed the Rodney King riots in 1992. Among the gangs that figure in the story are the Spook- hunters, Farmers, Slauscons, Businessmen and Gladiators.

The documentary features interviews with past and current gang members from the Bloods and Crips; LA historian Mike Davis, whose book “City of Quartz” sparked Sloan’s own project; former FBI agent Wes Swearingen; and Geronimo Pratt, the former Black Panther Party minister of defense, among others.

Sloan’s interest in the history of LA’s black gangs began when he was still actively involved in street life. “I started learning from older members,” he says. “It was interesting to learn about the ’70s and ’80s from people who had lived it.” Just released from County Jail, Sloan read Mike Davis’ history of Los Angeles, which had been given to him by an inmate, and it eventually prompted him to begin his own research.

Sloan’s preliminary study started in the turbulent period following the Rodney King riots in 1992. With the city’s fractious racial history under intense scrutiny, he found himself being interviewed by Larry King and Ted Koppell about the state of black neighborhoods. Soon Sloan began asking himself similar questions. “I wondered how we ended up killing each other,” he remembers.

BASTARDS OF THE PARTY draws its title from this passage in “City of Quartz”: “The Crips and the Bloods are the bastard offspring of the political parties of the ’60s. Most of the gangs were born out of the demise of those parties. Out of the ashes of the Black Panther Party came the Crips and the Bloods and the other gangs.”

Sloan was amazed by what he discovered in Davis’ book. “I saw my neighborhood on a map depicting LAPD gang hot spots, connecting it to the larger history of the city,” he recalls. “I was proud. I started showing it to my homies.” His neighborhood Athens Park figured prominently in Davis’ account, fuelling Sloan’s growing interest. He started asking questions of other Bloods, only to realize that “a lot of bangers didn’t know the history of how the gangs started” and resolved to educate himself.

His research quickly produced its first surprise. “I discovered that we come from a revolutionary background,” says Sloan. One line of street lore traced the beginnings of the gangs to a single incident outside a movie theatre in 1972, when a high school student was beaten to death for his leather jacket. Other versions place the start of the gangs in the 1960s.

Through reading and talking to peers and older members of the community, Sloan discovered instead that gangs first appeared in Los Angeles in the late 1940s, when blacks started to move from the south into the predominantly white Los Angeles area.

BASTARDS OF THE PARTY traces the timeline from that “great migration” to the rise and demise of both the Black Panther Party and the US Organization in the mid- 1960s, to the formation of what is currently the culture of gangs in Los Angeles and around the world.

The documentary also chronicles the role of the Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI in the evolution of gang culture. During his tenure from 1950 to 1966, Chief Robert Parker bolstered the ranks of the LAPD with white recruits from the south, who brought their racist attitudes with them. Parker’s racist sympathies laid the groundwork for the volatile relationship between the black community and the LAPD that persists today.

Cle “Bone” Sloan was introduced to the film industry by football legend Jim Brown, who helped him secure a job as a production assistant when he was released from prison. The job triggered Sloan’s interest in becoming a cinematographer, and kept him away from the street. He met Antoine Fuqua on the set of Fuqua’s feature directorial debut, “The Replacement Killers,” and subsequently worked on Fuqua’s hit movie “Training Day.” During production of “Training Day,” Sloan helped secure locations in Los Angeles’ gang-controlled areas, and persuaded actual gang members to lend their credibility to the project on-screen.

Antoine Fuqua’s films include “The Replacement Killers”; “King Arthur”; “Tears of the Sun”; “Bait”; “Training Day,” starring Denzel Washington, who received an Oscar® for his performance, and Ethan Hawke, who received an Oscar® nomination; and the upcoming “Shooter,” starring Mark Wahlberg.

BASTARDS OF THE PARTY was directed by Cle Sloan; produced by Antoine Fuqua and Cle Sloan; executive producer, Jack Gulick; editor, Keith Salmon; cinematography by Haskell Wexler, Joan Churchill, Mark Woods and Phil Parmet; original score by Joong-Han Chung; co-producers, Keith Salmon and Alex Demyanenko. For HBO: supervising producer, Jackie Glover; executive producer, Sheila Nevins.



Comments:
Larry D, Owens on February 14th, 2007 at 7:02 pm 

Hello, Iam a teacher at a juvenile detention center in NJ. Today I saw the documentary Bastards of the Party. I would love to show it to my students. Is there anyway I can get my hands on the DVD? Please reply.


Genie Patrick on March 1st, 2007 at 8:22 pm 

Hello my name is Genie Patrick my husband is a youth supervisor for a probation school for troubled youth and we were watching the documentary bastards of the party. I live in the inland empire Riverside California i wanted to contact Mr. Sloan personally to ask him if he would be interested in talking to the youth and telling his story.If possible could i receive a copy of the documentary show my husband could show the youth at his job thank you and god bless.


Rosa on March 7th, 2007 at 12:15 pm 

I too work with teens and would like to know how to obtain this dvd Bastards of the Party


ROSALIE WILSON on March 13th, 2007 at 10:37 pm 

I came upon this blog by accident, even though I don’t believe they (accidents) exist, and I wanted to let anyone who has not yet seen this masterpiece, “Bastards of the Party, it will be showing later this month on HBO.

I checked before sending this, and the times are as follows:
1) Sunday, 3/25/07-7:15 PM – HBO2 (channel 502/DIRECTV)
2) Sunday, 3/25/07 – 10:15 PM -HB2W (HBO2W channel 505/DIRECTV)
These are the only showings my guide had for this month. For those who have cable, you might want to check that guide for HBO programming.

I, also, “backed this up” to Tivo, and have the ability to download it onto my DVD player, that records. I have just moved and my system is setup a little differently, but I am planning on having someone assist me with this by the beginning of next week, hopefully sooner, and would be pleased to make copies of this on DVD.

I’m not certain if there are restrictions, with respect to doing this. These would be given to anyone interested, and considering that Tivo and DVD players that record have been made available, so we are able to see films at a later date, or create a private library, I cannot imagine there would be any harm in doing this.

I can’t imagine a more rewarding experience than sharing this extraordinary film with a group, or groups of teenagers. The message is so important. When I first watched “Bastards of the Party,” my immediate reaction was that it should be mandatory viewing in every school, and home for the youth who need to learn and the adults who need to remember.

God Bless and Peace,

Rosalie Wilson


Renee on March 16th, 2007 at 3:55 am 

i called hbo to get a copy of the dvd. they said the film is in litigation and not available for purchase right now. they said it may also be taken off the air before its regular schedule. so, better copy.


Jesse on March 19th, 2007 at 12:22 am 

ROSALIE…..can I also get a copy…please?


Ms. Te on March 25th, 2007 at 11:36 pm 

ROSALIE – I teach in South Central and have been trying to get my hands on this. Could we get in contact so I can get a copy of this movie?

In appreciation.


Cary Walkup on April 19th, 2007 at 9:18 am 

Rosalie – I am a student in Oklahoma. I am very close to two boys who unfortunately refuse to touch anything blue and I have been desperately trying to find a copy of this movie because I feel it may be the only thing that can really touch them. If you can help me at all, please let me know. My email is cary.b.walkup-1@ou.edu.


BK4Groundwork on April 19th, 2007 at 4:21 pm 

Ms. Rosalie, I am currently volunteering for Groundwork Inc., a group that helps to rebuild impovrished urban areas in NYC. If at all possible, a DVD would be greatly appreciated. My email is jaforetek@packer.edu. Thanks!


Ajani on April 24th, 2007 at 11:26 pm 

Like many of the others here I’m really trying to get a copy of this DVD. If you can help me in any way possible pls let me know. I used the On Demand version to educate many of the brothers in my neighborhood in OKC, but of course it was remove rather quickly.
Once again any help on this would be greatly appreciated.


BJ Preston on May 4th, 2007 at 4:11 pm 

How do I get a copy of Bastards of the Party?
Thanks


Awele [ah WAY lay] on May 6th, 2007 at 9:40 am 

I would also like to get a copy of the DVD!!!

I’m working on a rogram for students on the
the Black response to racist violence: 1870-1970
(but we will come up to 2007 to examine the violence in our community–Oakland/San Francisco): Pacifism, Tactical Non-violence and Self Defense

Can I send you a packet of DVD, pre-paid self addressed
envelope, and some $ to reimburse you for your time or gas?


tom on May 9th, 2007 at 8:21 pm 

I started watching the show and couldnt stop. I am a 50 year old white male who has never been close to inner city life. The only thing I knew about gang life is what I saw on tv or read in the paper. Its hard for me to put it in words, butI look at it a little bit different now.Mr sloan I hope you find peace and happiness in life. Also I would like to know the name of the song at the end of the show. please e-mail if you know.


Calvin on May 14th, 2007 at 7:53 am 

Please!!! Any information on where I might be able to obtain a copy of this dvd would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thank You


Kim willis on June 17th, 2007 at 12:22 pm 

Ms. Rosalie Wilson,
I am a mother of two boys and would like to have a copy of the program to educate them on gangs. This is a very powerful film. If you could provide me with a copy I would greatly appreciate it. Please contact me at kbrooks42@hotmail.com. Thank you & God bless.


Paul on June 19th, 2007 at 10:52 am 

Ms. Wilson

I have been trying to get a hold of this dvd myself. I have a host of nephews and cousins who are at that age where they are being influenced by the gang culture. We have a family reunion coming up in July and I would love to have a copy to show them. I have provided you with my email address, please contact me and advise if it is possible to obtain a copy. Thanks in advance!


Paul on June 19th, 2007 at 10:54 am 

Ms. Wilson,

Apparently my email did not attatch. Please respond to pmabry444@comcast.net. Thanks again!


Dawn on August 1st, 2007 at 11:09 pm 

Ms. Wilson
I have also been searching for a copy of Bastards of the Party to use for our Violence Prevention Programs. If this is possible please e-mail me at: deslinge@epi.umaryland.edu
thanks


Lena Wilson on August 10th, 2007 at 12:53 pm 

I am an employee with the juvenile justice system in Georgia and we are attempting to obtain a copy of this video for training purposes for our staff who have contact with youth in our facilities. If this can be arranged, please contact me at the email address attached. Just on the off chance it does not get displayed, it is lenawilson@djj.state.ga.us. Thank you in advance for your assistance.


Mercy on September 28th, 2007 at 10:21 am 

I teach for the Boston Public Schools and I really want a copy of this, so if you can get one please let me know. It appears that we all want this….

Many thanks,
mercy


shane on October 1st, 2007 at 8:22 am 

I AM INTERESTED IN OBTAINING A COPY OF BASTARDS OF THE PARTY ON DVD. I AM A GANG INTELL OFFICER AT CORRECTIONAL FACILITY. PLEASE CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS.

THANK YOU


thetruth52 on October 20th, 2007 at 7:51 pm 

I am a police officer who teaches Gang Awarness to students and adults…where can I obtain a D.V.D. from and how can I contact “BONES” ???

PEACE


carla on October 23rd, 2007 at 2:43 pm 

If anyone has a copy of this film that they can pass along. I would like to use it to educate my friends, community, and the students I teach.

please contact me cwojczuk@hotmail.com

Peace, Carla


Shaka on October 29th, 2007 at 12:19 pm 

I too am trying to obtain a copy of this very important documentary. I am in the DC area and think showing it could do major good. Not sure if Ms. Wilson is still checking this series of posts but if anyone has a DVD copy please contact me at ledshaka@hotmail.com because I’d love get my hands on a copy.


bjl_cards on November 10th, 2007 at 4:35 pm 

I like everyone else would love a copy of this film. Please if you hear of anything email me. bjl_cards@yahoo.com or blake.j.larsen@gmail.com. Thanks!


gary smith on November 14th, 2007 at 11:29 am 

Hi I too would like a copy of this film.. send all particulars and where to remit to
gsmith922003@YAHOO.COM
THANKS GARY SMITH


Saint on November 26th, 2007 at 6:02 am 

Ms. Wilson or whom it may concern:

I used to be a Bloods gang member in high school until my close friend was shot and paralyzed. Recently i found out that my younger cousin has been hangin around with gang members, but that’s how it is here in LA. I’d like to receive a copy of the DVD, also.I know my cousin would be interested in it and hopefully it will inspire him to do somethin positive because he thinks i’m a hipocrite when i try to tell him. e-mail: thesaint5378@hotmail.com, peace and god bless


John on November 26th, 2007 at 2:08 pm 

I’m trying to get a copy of “Bastards of the Party” for a friend of mine in London. He is working with a group of young people in an area where gangs are starting to be a real problem and there have been a number of gang related murders recently. There is a great interest there in what is happening in the US.

Hollywood claims that they only serve up the crap they do because they are meeting what people want. If this is really so, then why is it that “Bastards of the Party” is not available? Talk about crime – THAT’s the real crime!


safetyman on December 10th, 2007 at 9:11 pm 

its a shame they don’t want the truth to be told, people are getting sued because a few black men decide to bring the gang life to lite. i have a copy on dvd jus get with me


yvette on December 11th, 2007 at 2:36 pm 

I did not get a chance to see basterds of the party but heard a lot about it I also do a lot of work with inner city kids and with the youth from my church is their any way i could get a copy of the film.If not I would like to know if it is coming on again if when.


STANFORD HOYES on December 18th, 2007 at 4:11 pm 

wHERE CAN I GET A COPY OF THE DVD?


Kenyatte on December 30th, 2007 at 11:31 am 

I would like to get a copy, please email me at ksirby@aol.com.

Thanks!


Tiffany on January 1st, 2008 at 11:21 am 

I would just like to thank Mr. Sloan for wanted to actually make a difference. I just get so upset when I think of how it is for Blacks in the world. Black people are capable of doing so much in life. It is just a terrible tradegy that so many do not get that chance, whether it is lack of opportunity or circumstance.


young_k on January 1st, 2008 at 10:02 pm 

b up


Berry on January 25th, 2008 at 8:43 pm 

I would love to show my students this documentary – I see a lot of comments and no real response about the availability of the film, anyone who knows how to get your hands on this film – get at me – thanks in advance
jgberry@district287.org


Evrock on January 29th, 2008 at 12:50 pm 

I would greatly appreciate any info available on obtaining this wonderful documentary. I wish to share and educate and hopefully make a change. Thanx !!!


Jeezy2213 on February 4th, 2008 at 6:56 pm 

Go here to get the dvd! http://www.bastardsoftheparty.net/blog/


otis harper on February 8th, 2008 at 10:30 pm 

I would like to order the DVD documentary for a class. How can I order the film?


Mary on February 13th, 2008 at 11:47 am 

I just saw Bones on the Judge Hatchett show and I was in awe. How proud I am to see a strong black man give some of himself to help our young black youths to realize a better path to lead. I was in tears.
I would like to know where I can get a copy of “Bastards of the Party”? I live in a rural community and I am not sure if there are gangs but there is a problem with black youths fighting and killing each other because they attend rivarly schools and live in different communities.
May God continue to bless and keep you in his hands.


Carroll McBroom on February 23rd, 2008 at 5:29 pm 

It is all by design ,our pitfalls and demise here in AMERICA.It was read by William Lynch in Virgina about how to keep the slave docile and confused, by pitting skin tones against one another young vs old ,so there is No Stregnth in Numbers,……..and so it continues……….


LZ Strong on March 2nd, 2008 at 8:35 am 

I am an employee with the juvenile justice system in Va and I are attempting to obtain a copy of this video for training purposes for our staff who have contact with youth in our facilities. If this can be arranged, please contact me at the email address attached. PDISTRONGRDC@AOL.COM Thank you in advance for your assistance.


Alice on April 20th, 2008 at 7:34 pm 

hey my name is alice and i live in ozzie

I have just recently seen this documentary and i was wondering, were we can get a copy of the dvd?

Thankyou.


Christopher Torgerson on April 29th, 2008 at 2:37 pm 

I would like to know why there is such a market for this documentary/dvd and it is no longer shown or sold?


MsAnne on May 3rd, 2008 at 9:23 pm 

Where can I get a copy of this documentary?


kenny on May 23rd, 2008 at 11:49 pm 

i have it on dvd k3nny00@yahoo.com


Jayne on June 20th, 2008 at 11:03 am 

Rosalie – I am a high school librarian on Long Island trying to get a copy for one of my social studies teachers. Have also contacted Kenny but in case he does not respond, I would like to send you a black DVD and postage if you would not mind copying this film for me. Our school community is troubled with gang issues. Thanks for your help.
Jayne


James Person on July 2nd, 2008 at 3:32 pm 

I would also like to get a copy of the wonderful and very informative documentary.

I live in NY and will be dealing with youth in a ministry that could really use that documentary to help change the way these youths think, start a dialogue, and give them alternatives for a better life.

Can I send you some DVDs (one copy for me and you can keep the rest for yourself), pre-paid self addressed envelope? I would send u some money but I don’t want to possibly get anyone in trouble (for selling something that hbo may have a problem with).

Send me an email letting me know what to do at percy61@gmail.com

I’d really appreciate it and so would the youth who will view this powerful documentary.

Thanks Ms. Wilson


MalikB! on August 7th, 2008 at 10:24 pm 

i found a copy online from a guy name a website :bootlegsam.com ,used pay pal… copy wud not work at first in an older dvd player of mine, but did play in a newer dvd player & on my computer.. good luck 2 all seeking the knowledge!
Scream


mike on August 23rd, 2008 at 7:44 pm 

Great documentary. How can i obtain a copy?


colin on October 5th, 2008 at 7:33 am 

like most I’m looking for a copy of the dvd. any help would be appreciated and compensated.


colin on October 5th, 2008 at 7:33 am 

like most I’m looking for a copy of the dvd. any help would be appreciated and compensated…colin_lord@yahoo.com


Allen on October 13th, 2008 at 2:18 pm 

Like everyone else, I am looking for a copy of the documentary to show my students. Can be reached at akenaton@msn.com


Terri on November 1st, 2008 at 4:59 pm 

I’m looking for the book or the Dvd.


diana+dungy on April 28th, 2009 at 10:08 pm 

i+have+7+grandsons,+a+slew+of+male+family+church+and+friends+who+can+benefit+from+this.+i+am+also+an+jcdc+and+could+use+this+in+my+profession.


Jim on January 5th, 2010 at 9:03 am 

Hello. I really want to show this to my students. Do you have a release date yet???


Munroe on February 1st, 2010 at 10:19 pm 

Peace i’ve been hearing about this documentary for years, Is there anyway 2 get a copy of it, if so let me know Please….


Tamara Jackson on February 16th, 2010 at 1:49 am 

I actually found “cle bone sloan” on facebook he is selling them so try facebook good chance you will be able to get one. I actually jus found him tonite so I will keep you updated on rather or not if he replys and I’m able to get a copy.


Antonio Riddle on November 23rd, 2010 at 12:25 am 

Hey what’s up everybody? I’ve been looking for this film for 3yrs! Can anyone help me find it? It’s a powerful, groundbreaking film. PLEASE HELP ME FIND IT!


Tom Petersmeyer on March 10th, 2011 at 4:31 pm 

My church wants to show “Bastards at the Party” but we don’t have a Wifi connection. Can we purchase a copy from HBO and how? Regards, Tom


doug june on June 19th, 2011 at 4:22 am 

very insightful & impacting pay it forward would like a copy can you help me out


Patricia Strickland on October 19th, 2011 at 7:06 am 

Hello, My name is Patricia and my husband is a Director at a juevenile dentention center. We saw this film a few years back, but has always had this film on my mind. The depth of information about the truth of gangs needs to be passed on for the sake of our young black men today. They don’t know this and we want to help spead this so these young men can begin to understand when they want to kill, they are killing themselves. Please, how can I get a copy?


Patricia Strickland on October 19th, 2011 at 7:11 am 

Hello, My name is Patricia and my husband is a Director at a juevenile dentention center. We saw this film a few years back, but has always had this film on my mind. The depth of information about the truth of gangs needs to be passed on for the sake of our young black men today. They don’t know this and we want to help spead this so these young men can begin to understand when they want to kill, they are killing themselves. Please, how can I get a copy? Please e-mail me, Please thank you


big will G. on June 5th, 2012 at 9:24 am 

I grew up with bone , we stayed across the street from each other, loved the movie. Keep it up, keep it real, been tryin 2 get a copied.


Shan Athenz moeke on August 4th, 2012 at 5:14 pm 

Cle bone is the man..and I want this DVD.how can I buy it?


Shan Athenz moeke on August 4th, 2012 at 5:20 pm 

By the way..I’ve been watching it everyday on NETFLIX but want a copie on DVD..regardless when it came out..it’s still my fav doco of all time..well done cle..keep up the excellent work homie..one luv..Shanz Athenz park moeke


Pat Clark on November 11th, 2013 at 1:03 pm 

I watched this documentary a few years back and would like to show it to family & Friends.
How can I purchase a copy.


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Leslie Leigh on July 27th, 2016 at 6:20 pm 

Has anyone found a way to access or purchase Bastards of the Party? I have also been searching for the full version of Broken Child. I work with troubled youth and adults both of these documentaries would be soooo useful. Does anyone know why they are unavailable??? I have read most of these post and I would like to share that (D.C. Street Life Documentary is very good and available on youtube.


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