Norfolk District sets Feb. 17 to salute African American/Black History Month

Posted February 8, 2010
By Jerry Rogers
Norfolk District Public Affairs

2/8/2010 - NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk District will salute African American/Black History Month with a special program Feb. 17 at 1:30 p.m., in the multipurpose room of the Waterfield Building.

The guest speaker will be Mr. Marvin Lake, president of Crispus Attucks Cultural Center, Inc., and former public editor of the Virginian-Pilot. Lake, who was known as the newspaper's arbiter of fairness, accuracy and balance, will share his thoughts and experiences in keeping with this year's theme: "History of Black Economic Empowerment."

Lake will also host a 30-minute locally-produced Public Broadcasting System (PBS) documentary, "Church Street: Harlem of the South." He will discuss the emergence of Norfolk, particularly Church Street, as the hub of economic empowerment for African Americans of Hampton Roads during the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

"In fact, Norfolk was known as the ‘Harlem of the South' and was one of the nation's standard-bearers in gauging economic wealth for African Americans," said Gregory E. Headen, the district's equal employment opportunity manager.

The award-winning film was produced by Vandora Williams, one of the district's small business historically black colleges and universities contractors from Hampton University.

Another documentary being aired nationwide during February on PBS is "For Love of Liberty: The Story of America's Black Patriots." The two-part documentary, produced with the Army's cooperation, tells the untold story of African Americans in the military throughout the nation's history.

Hosted by Halle Berry, narrated by Avery Brooks and introduced by retired Gen. Colin Powell, the four-hour documentary begins at the dawn of U.S. history to tell the story of African Americans who risked their lives to win and protect American freedom while striving to acquire it themselves.

In addition to film footage and photos, "For Love of Liberty" uses letters, diaries, speeches, journalistic accounts, historical text, and military records to document the accomplishments of African Americans who served in the military since the republic's earliest days. Their personal stories give a moving account of service and sacrifice, from the Revolutionary War -- whose first casualty was a black man, Crispus Attucks -- to today's war against global terrorism.

"It is a wonderful story … of a group of Americans who never lost their love of this country, never lost their faith in it or what the founding fathers had promised them," said former Secretary of State Colin Powell."

Praised by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, "For Love of Liberty" is much more than a collection of historical facts and figures. It shares the compelling personal stories of men and women who make up the fabric of an inspiring narrative. Their first-hand accounts are told by a who's who of prominent entertainers and public figures.

The entertainers include: Morgan Freeman, Mel Gibson, Susan Sarandon, Louis Gossett Jr., Ossie Davis, Robert Duvall, Danny Glover, Jeffrey Wright, Sam Elliot, and Delroy Lindo. Sound bytes are included from Walter Cronkite, Isaac Hayes, John Goodman, Jesse L. Martin, Peter Coyote, Ice-T, James Garner, Robert Townsend, Alan Rickman and Roscoe Lee Browne.

The words they deliver convey an epic saga of perseverance and triumph, which the film brings to life through rare photographs, archival materials, re-enactments, personal memorabilia, historical paintings, and posters. Also included is original footage of hundreds of monuments, battlefields, memorials, and other historic sites in more than 20 states and throughout Europe.

"Our goal is to raise public consciousness about this extraordinary and little-known aspect of our nation's history, and I'm deeply indebted to all those who've supported our commitment to get this story told," said Frank Martin, the film's director. "The theme that echoes across the centuries -- the price of liberty -- is one that is relevant to all Americans," Martin added.

Acclaimed actor Louis Gossett Jr., one of the film's executive producers, said: "‘For Love of Liberty' has the power to forever change perceptions about the vital role African Americans have played during the entire course of U.S. military history. I'm honored to be part of this important and ground-breaking film, and thankful to all my fellow actors who have helped to bring this story to life."

For more information and broadcast schedule dates, visit www.forloveofliberty.org.