The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will host a screening of a documentary on abolitionism created by three Northern Kentucky University faculty.
NKU Black Studies Professor David Childs, Teaching Professor John Gibson and Associate Professor Brian Hackett collaborated with NorseMedia, NKU’s student-staffed audio and video production house, to create “Underground: Freedom Stories Along the Borderland,” a documentary that explores the rise of abolitionism in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
By examining key events and conversations at Lane Seminary in Cincinnati’s Walnut Hills neighborhood, as well as on the streets of Augusta, Ky and other river communities in the 1800s, the feature-length film offers context for understanding modern discussions on race and equality.
“When people think about African American history or work that addresses underrepresented groups, they often view the information and material as if it is only relevant to those from that particular community,” said Childs. “But let us never forget that African American history is American history. Our film explores a larger story of freedom that is very American, and also little-known stories of freedom in the Ohio and Kentucky region that connect to the national and international struggle for justice and liberty.”
The film screening will take place on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Directed by Gibson, executive produced by Hackett and Childs, and filmed by NKU Electronic Media and Broadcasting students, this film was made in collaboration with NKU’s NorseMedia and Antioch Ministries. The film screening is sponsored by Antioch Ministries and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. For more information and to register for the event, click here.