Films feature black triumphs, tragedies

Students will have the opportunity to spend tonight being
exposed to slave auctions, race riots and struggles black families
endured for the well-being of their heritage.

The Black Graduate Student Association is hosting a free event
featuring screenings of short films in celebration of Black History
Month. Refreshments will be served, and a question-and-answer
discussion with the directors of the short films is scheduled to
follow the screenings.

The independent short films focus on black history and
culture.

What started in 1926 as national “Negro History
Week” has grown into a more recognized celebration where
black history and culture are embraced.

February is especially significant, as monumental events in
black history took place during the month, including the
organization of the National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People, the induction of the first black U.S. senator,
Hiram R. Revels, and the passing of the 15th Amendment, which
granted blacks the right to vote.

Because of this wealth of important happenings, the Black
Graduate Student Association chose February as the time to showcase
films depicting some of the past triumphant and tragic events that
have contributed to the history of the black community.

The association, founded in 1969, was recently revitalized, and
the film screening program was launched one year ago this month to
educate people interested in black history and culture.

“We began a screening series program because we’ve
learned that media, in general, is the best way to educate others
since we are such a visual culture,” said Tara Lake, the film
events chair and last year’s association president.

Working with the Black Graduate Student Association for the
first time is Melnitz Movies, which organizes free movie screenings
in Melnitz Hall.

Director of Melnitz Movies Julie Kessler said she had wanted to
work with the association and thought this month would be
appropriate.

“This night of short films will be unique not only because
we don’t usually feature short films, but also because I feel
that (tonight’s) event will attract a larger pool of
students,” Kessler said.

Last November, the association began searching for independent
film makers in the L.A. area who had created films relating to
black people’s historic experiences, and most of the films
featured in tonight’s event are from people who responded to
that search.

Ayappa Biddanda, a public policy graduate student, co-produced
“Bid ‘Em In,” one of the films being shown
tonight.

Biddanda said he was grateful that the association’s
partnership with Melnitz Movies offered such a fantastic
opportunity for students and the community to embrace what they
learn within the classroom and convert those lessons to an external
environment.

“This event provides a quality outlet for the artists
involved and a phenomenal opportunity for interaction with others
interested in ideas of progress,” Biddanda said.

A similar view was expressed by Erica Powe, the Black Graduate
Student Association’s current co-chair, who said she is
looking forward to engaging people in the celebration of black
history and, more importantly, fostering a place for people to
share their thoughts.

The event starts at 7:30 p.m. at the James Bridges Theater
in Melnitz Hall.

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