The life of Green Flake is a powerful testament to faith, resilience, and the pioneering spirit, making it profoundly worthy of the new motion picture and monument dedicated to his memory. Green Flake’s story stands out because he transcended the prejudice and discrimination of his time through deep spiritual experiences. These experiences anchored him as a faithful and trusted servant of his faith throughout his life, despite facing immense adversity as an enslaved person.
In an era where even minor grievances can cause some to falter in their faith or withdraw from community, Green Flake’s example is particularly striking. He faced hardships that could easily have broken his spirit and faith. Yet, his unwavering belief and profound spiritual encounters fortified him, leading him to remain steadfast in his faith and testimony. This enduring commitment is what makes his life, and the lives of others he represents, truly deserving of recognition and celebration through film and memorial.
While detailed historical records about Green Flake are scarce, the available information paints a clear picture of who he was, his significant contributions, and the depth of his character.
According to historical accounts, Green Flake was born into slavery on the Jordan Flake Plantation. At the young age of ten, he was given as a wedding gift to Jordan Flake’s son, James. James and Agnes Flake, along with their young son William and Green, relocated from North Carolina to Mississippi. In the winter of 1843–1844, their lives took a significant turn when Benjamin L. Clapp, a missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, arrived at their doorstep. Initially skeptical, the Flakes were soon deeply moved by Clapp’s teachings and embraced the new faith through baptism. This conversion profoundly impacted the Flake plantation. James Flake began to share his newfound beliefs with his community, including his enslaved people. Green Flake, influenced by James Flake’s sincere conviction, accepted these teachings and was baptized in the Mississippi River on April 7, 1844, at the age of sixteen.
Driven by a desire to learn more about this remarkable figure, filmmaker Mauli Junior Bonner embarked on a journey to uncover Green Flake’s story. This quest for knowledge evolved into the creation of the film Green Flake. Bonner’s film portrays a man of “unwavering faith and a pioneering spirit,” someone who confronted immense hardship with resolute courage and never lost sight of his convictions.
Having had the privilege to hear Mauli Bonner discuss the film, both before and after screenings, several key insights emerged about the film’s impact and significance.
Green Flake delves into a relatively unexplored chapter of early church history, offering a level of cinematic detail previously unseen, except perhaps in Jane and Emma (2018). The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the poignant and often painful experiences of early enslaved Latter-day Saint pioneers. It presents moments that evoke deep reflection, and at times, discomfort as viewers witness the anguish, suffering, and injustices endured by these individuals.
The Genesis of Research and Screenplay
The LDS Church’s 40th-anniversary celebration of the 1978 revelation on priesthood, held in Salt Lake City in 2018, played an unexpected role in bringing Green Flake’s story to light. The event featured a performance by the Bonner Family, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Mauli Bonner, performing with his family that evening, had an experience backstage that would profoundly alter his path.
The “Be One” celebration commemorated the end of the priesthood restriction. During the event broadcast, while backstage, Mauli began to learn about the early Black history within the Church. He found these stories not only fascinating but deeply inspiring. This newfound knowledge ignited a desire to immerse himself in this history and learn as much as possible.
Instead of being disillusioned by the revelation that slavery existed within the early Church, Mauli’s testimony was strengthened. He expressed, “I didn’t know why learning about these enslaved pioneers who were part of the early Church and undergoing those same struggles while enslaved was building my testimony. It strengthened me. It made me want to learn more about them, why they stayed, and what their experience was like. It did not shake me at all.”
This pivotal moment and deepened understanding of church history could have swayed Mauli’s faith in a different direction. However, it seems a spiritual connection guided him. He reasoned that if these early enslaved Saints could persevere through such profound injustices and remain faithful, there must be an undeniable truth at the heart of their faith.
In July 2018, Mauli commenced his in-depth research, consulting historians and posing thoughtful questions. It was during this period that he discovered the broader narrative of enslaved pioneers and the specific, compelling story of Green Flake. A screenplay began to materialize, and from it emerged a full-length feature film. This film vividly portrays the life, struggles, and triumphs of Green Flake, now accessible via streaming at www.greenflakemovie.com
This glimpse into Green Flake’s life and the making of the movie serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring faith and pioneering contributions of Black individuals in history.
