In 2014, I stumbled on an obituary article about William Greaves in the New York Times. As a film enthusiast, I was immediately intrigued by this black director who had influenced renowned filmmakers like Martin Scorsese. It surprised me that Greaves wasn't more widely known, considering his role as an auteur and his pioneering contributions to black cinema. I delved into the article, eager to learn more about his impactful journey and legacy. In this article, we aim to explore the fascinating life and work of William Greaves, a trailblazer in black cinema. His films, such as "Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One" and "Still a Brother: Inside the Negro Middle Class," challenged and redefined the portrayal of black life in America. We'll delve into the themes and techniques he used to present a nuanced view of black experiences. Furthermore, we'll examine how Greaves influenced contemporary filmmakers and the broader landscape of black filmmaking. His impact on Martin Scorsese is particularly intriguing, and we'll explore the connections between the two and how it is reflected in Scorsese's films.  To shed light on William Greaves' enduring significance in cinema.