Negro Terror

The 2019 documentary, Negro Terror, directed by John Rash, tells the gripping story of Omar Higgins and his revolutionary punk band, Negro Terror. The film is an exploration of Higgins' life, his music, and the cultural and social issues the band sought to address through their groundbreaking sound. It provides a comprehensive view of the Southern underground punk scene as seen through the eyes of Omar Higgins and his bandmates, highlighting issues of race, resilience, identity, and the empowering force of music.

Omar Higgins, a profound musician and a dedicated activist, tragically passed away at the tender age of 37, leaving a lasting legacy in the punk rock world. But before his untimely death, dating back to his youth, Omar had been a force to be reckoned with as the lead vocalist and bassist for the hardcore punk band Negro Terror. His passion, coupled with his relentless spirit and fight against systemic prejudice and racism, deeply affected his work and his life, which resonated with his audience, inspiring many across the globe.

Negro Terror is also the banner under which Higgins, alongside Rico, Fearless, and other dedicated members, gave voice to oppressed communities and especially the African American youth in Memphis, Tennessee. Notably, the band focused on creating an environment of inclusion and diversity within the predominantly white punk scene by using their music to educate, inspire, and arouse conversations about discrimination, white supremacy, and racism.

Through the effective use of archival footage, interviews with contemporaries, friends, family, and the bandmembers themselves, the documentary delves into the heart and soul of the Afro-punk subculture. It brings to light the struggles and triumphs of these young men, the sentiment behind their music, and the cultural impact they made as a punk band.

The director John Rash does an excellent job capturing the essence of Higgins and his band. Onscreen, Higgins is a dynamic, endearing, and powerful presence. His intriguing charisma blazes as he engages viewers with the moving narrative of his journey. The documentary is richly layered, transitioning smoothly from the band's beginnings to their rise to prominence in the punk scene.

Negro Terror, in true punk essence, was unafraid to voice their social criticism and sought to rebel against oppressive systems through potent lyrics and prolific performances. This spirit is seen in the documentary. Rash, acknowledging the band’s fiery tendency to confront these issues head-on, presents them raw and unfiltered, true to the band’s ethos, handling the subjects with sensitivity yet not shying away from the harsh realities.

The film features the band's intense and electrifying performances, their dynamic stage presence, and their charismatic interactions, which further showcases their unity and exuberance not solely as musicians but as a brotherhood. This multi-dimensional portrayal further enriches the film, enabling viewers to fully comprehend and appreciate the profound impact that Higgins and his band Negro Terror had, not only on their local scene but also on the international punk world.

An intriguing exploration of Omar Higgins—his principles, his struggles, his music, and his unwavering resolve to challenge racial prejudice—Negro Terror is a tribute to his life, his legacy, and his band. The film pays homage to this talisman of black punk culture, his influence evident even after his untimely passing.

Negro Terror successfully paints an intimate portrait of a man who embodied resilience and the revolutionary power of music. Fueled by a rebel spirit and a thirst for social justice, Higgins and his band are a testament to the fact that music can be a potent tool for change. The film's success lies in not only capturing the raw power of their music but also in recounting the vivid journey of a man whose life revolved around punk rock and its inherent rebellion.

Powerful, engaging, and heartfelt, Negro Terror is a must-watch for enthusiasts of alternative music genres, fans of punk culture, and anyone seeking a deep and moving exploration of a life lived in defiance of social norms and conventions. It offers a potent commentary on race, music, and resilience and stands as a beautiful homage to Omar Higgins and his band Negro Terror, making the viewers appreciate the sound and soul of their music even more.