From empowering the next generation of actors and artists to overseeing the production of many films, Ray Lambert is a multi-talented change agent and advocate in the Black community. His mastery in storytelling an chronicling events has left an impact on the entertainment industry, leading him to earn honors from the Peabody Award to leadership roles with big television networks.
The “Punch 9 for Harold Washington” documentary highlights the life of Chicago, Illinois’ first black mayor, Harold Washington. Washington not only drove political change for the city during his term in office,but took his efforts nationwide, pushing for a proactive democracy outside of political norms in 1983.
How would you describe your role as a producer with this particular documentary?
I brought everything to it that I had learned thus far, so I’m going to be involved in everything, from funding to naming the film, to booking the interviews, to marketing and promotional strategy as we’re still dealing with that distribution strategy. So it’s really like a general manager, which is what I like. I like to be involved in every aspect of the production and I had the opportunity to do all of that.
What are two principles that were showcased about Harold Washington in this film?
People-centered leadership. He was truly a people’s mayor. I’ve heard from activists that he will call them and say, :I know I’m not doing everything right, so whatever it is that I’m not doing right, you need to let me know so that I can work on it inside and get this stuff done.” The second thing I think is succession.
There was some great footage included in this film. What was the process for obtaining this important footage?
You need a good team of researchers and archivists to find this material. Fortunately for us, Washington was covered like a presidential campaign. We found footage in Germany, France, China, Russia, and the UK. But it all starts with a good archivist and good research. We had photographers who were still alive that covered the campaign. You have to dig.
Why are celebrities like Chance the Rapper and Derrick Rose interested in participating in a film like this?
I think it was one of those stories where his [Rose’] grandmother had these three pictures up in her house. It was Martin Luther, King, Jesus, and Harold Washington. He didn’t know why he had heard all these stories but he’s a very studious type of guy. He is also very interested in politics and black culture. So he wanted to be a part of this story since he’s heard so much about it. Then, Chance’s dad worked in the administration as a very young man. His grandmother was also a big-time supporter. They know the story.
