Human Be-In Mini Documentary

Directed by Jesse Block

On January 14, 1967, a massive “Gathering of the Tribes” was convened in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park for a Human Be-In (named in the same mode as the sit-ins and teach-ins of the civil rights and anti-war movements preceding it). The event served multiple purposes, one being to bring together the numerous, disparate groups and movements comprising the ’60s counterculture; another was a symbolic passing of the torch from the more literary focus of the Beat Generation to the new youth culture fueled by rock ‘n’ roll and psychedelic drugs.

For this film, Jesse Block interviewed Alan Cohen, Michael Bowen, Rock Scully, Michael McClure, Ray Manzarek, Reggie Williams, Martine Algier Bowen, and Dr. David Smith. A fascinating look at a groundbreaking moment by people who organized and participated in the event.

Full video is 4 minutes, 22 seconds.