Films Chronicle Great Migration, Military Service of African-Americans

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The city of Roswell is preparing to host two film viewings as part of Roswell Roots: A Festival of Black History and Culture.

Both events, which are free and open to the public, are:

“Goin’ to Chicago” Film Viewing and Reception with the Director: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, Roswell Cultural Arts Center

Directed by George King, this film chronicles the mass migration of African-Americans from the rural South to the industrial North and West from 1940 to 1970, the second wave of the largest internal migration in American history. The 50-minute documentary, filmed in the 1990s, includes personal interviews, archival footage, and clips of dynamic environments including a South Side Chicago blues club. The Roswell Historical Society will host a reception and brief discussion with Director George King immediately following the film.

“True to Their Native Land” Documentary Film Premiere with the Producer: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church

Produced by Weldon Bishop, this 90-minute documentary includes filmed interviews with African-American veterans of World War II from both Georgia and Alabama. Fifty years later, former state senators, college presidents, and ordinary citizens tell their story – what it was like to serve in the military, not as a flying ace, but as a drafted foot solider. The number of veterans from this war is dwindling each day, and this film illustrates the importance of gathering and sharing their stories before their voices go silent.

Roswell Roots: A Festival of Black History and Culture is one of the largest and most comprehensive celebrations of black history and culture in the Southeast. This year there will be 23 different events throughout the month of February ranging from music and art exhibitions to demonstrations and poetry. The festival continues to grow and was honored with the “Gold Award for Best Cultural Event” by the Southeast Festival and Events Association in 2014.

For a full listing of Roswell Roots events, visit www.roswellroots.com.

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Image via city of Roswell