DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — A brand new documentary goals to shine a light-weight on the cultural affect and historical past behind Traditionally Black Faculties and Universities.
“Brown Fingers, Black Faculties,” is predicated off a children’s book, by Latoya Turner, launched in 2021. The e book introduces younger readers to the legacy of these establishments.
Turner brings the e book to the display by means of the use of each dwell motion and animation. The documentary adaptation takes audiences on a journey of HBCUs round the nation, following two elementary college college students.
The 2 college students expertise an HBCU homecoming, marching bands, step shows and the neighborhood that has made these colleges so culturally resonant for over a century.
“Lots of younger individuals do not discover out about traditionally black faculties and universities. And they also’re nicely into their highschool years,” mentioned Angela Davis, producer and Central State College alum.
“So we took the kids’s e book and we use those self same characters, that very same drawing and introduced them into the animation. So we selected to try this half. However we additionally wished kids to know that this is not imaginary, that is actual. And in order that’s why we cut up it with animation and dwell motion, as a result of we wished to indicate them that HBCUs are actual issues.”
Davis mentioned that it was necessary for the film to indicate the triumphs and struggles related to the historical past of HBCUs, aiming to indicate an sincere and hopeful depiction of HBCU life.
The film additionally highlights the affect of HBCU alumni, and their tales of success.
From inventors like Tuskeegee College grad Lonnie Johnson (see the Tremendous Soaker) to different leaders in politics, science and the arts, the film shows the function of black fingers in shaping historical past.
The staff behind the film is partnering with colleges and libraries throughout the nation, offering free screenings and literacy workshops.
The film will probably be screening at the Dayton Metro Library tomorrow starting at 1 p.m. These in attendance may also get an opportunity to fulfill the solid and participate in a dialogue.
“It is as much as us to ensure that our younger individuals perceive their greatness. We’ve to be the village. And this e book and our film is a component of that village serving to our younger individuals perceive their greatness,” Davis says.
For data on the screening, click on here.
