MTV’s The Buried Life reconnects a father and son

by Shawn Williams of Dallas South News

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Sam and Laban Fuller's reunion really is one of those heartwarming stories that we say we need more of.

Monday night, America had the chance to see the story that we’ve been talking about here at Dallas South News for months. Sam Fuller and his son Laban were featured on MTV’s The Buried Life in their second episode earlier this week. At the Dallas South News/Wolf Group Watch Party, many of Sam’s friends and supporters celebrated his appearance on the show and the success he’s experienced in recent months.

But of course what makes this so powerful is the reconnection between father and son. When my son and I went to the airport with Sam to pick up Laban, I was struck by the bond that existed between these two men in just their second meeting in the last 17 years. Sam and Laban embraced up on seeing each other, Laban calls Sam “Dad,” theire conversation was free flowing, and its as if they had been together all the time. Laban said he reconnected with his father at a time when he needed him most and that he’s looking ahead and not behind.

After arriving back at Sam’s loft at Southside on Lamar, Ms. Jan Gore prepared the Fullers a meal at her restaurant (Texas Caribbean Foods). While they were there, she treated them and her patrons to an advance screening of “The Buried Life ” episode. Those who happened to be eating there had an early look at the story of Sam going from living on the streets to living in his own arts studio. But most of all, they saw him make initial contact with his son.

The watch party was a success by any measure. Members of the community came out to support the Fullers, and Veletta Lill, executive director of the Arts District, and Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins gave words of encouragement to Sam and his son. The office was decorated with original pieces created and framed by Sam and there were prints available for sale that were donated by The Wolf Group. Sam sold all of his original pieces.

View original Sam Fuller creations posted by Lincoln Stephens or visit OldBlackManOnline.com to leave information for future contact.

The one criticism about Monday’s episode was that it didn’t show Sam and Laban’s initial meeting in Baton Rouge. MTV decided to put the footage on their website and you’ll find it embedded below. Take a few minutes to check it out, it’s a great pay off. Sam and I watched it in the newsroom yesterday and I could tell that this was what he really wanted to see. It really is one of those heartwarming stories that we say we need more of.

Sam and Laban Reunion Footage

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