afterthescars

I moved to the Arlington/Tarrant County area of Texas after being evacuated from New Orleans-- after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It was important to me to watch this movie and learn about the historical significance of what Black Americans experienced in North Texas. The immediate aftermath of slavery left many Black persons immediately looking for their family members who had been sold to other owners. I can't imagine the pain and unyielding loss of having siblings, parents and other members removed to other locations against their will. A part of 'Echoes From the HIll' deals with how the separation and the quest for connection and family. The movie shows the importance of community and it grows from necessity and trauma--and, how it can lay the foundation. That is why I feel it is more than just a black history story, but it is a uniquely American story. I really applaud the producers, Lindell Singleton and King Hollis, for making this film.

I had an opportunity to view the movie "Betrayal of Justice" at the recent global history conference for the Center for African-American Church History and Research. The movie was screened at Friendship West Baptist Church.

As one who has spent a life working in support of social justice initiatives (and working toward scalable solutions), the film had a deep, personal meaning for me. The court-martial of the Black soldiers of the 24th infantry, and the long-term impact to their families is a story that demands remembrance and a longer treatment.

I applaud the producers and director (Lindell Singleton) of this movie for their commitment to historical accuracy, social justice, and their ongoing artistic endeavors to support preserving stories of Black experience within U. S. history.

• Rev. Shirl A. P. Solomon, Minister- Friendship West Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas.