History Center to screen documentary on Green Book, discussion to follow
The Heinz History Center, Strip District, will host a screening of the new Smithsonian Channel documentary, “The Green Book: The Guide to Freedom,” followed by a discussion panel with the filmmaker and civil rights scholars at 6 p.m. Feb. 19.
According to a release by the Smithsonian, “Presented through historians, business owners and individuals who experienced first-hand the phenomenon of ‘traveling while black’ in pre-civil rights America, the film tells the story of Victor H. Green’s eponymously named travel guide that allowed African-Americans to safely tour the country during a time of severe institutionalized racism.”
The Green Book is the subject of renewed national interest in the wake of the hit movie “Green Book,” which won the Golden Globe for best motion picture — musical or comedy and is nominated for an Academy Award for best picture.
Following the screening, KDKA-TV news anchor and reporter Brenda Waters will moderate a panel featuring acclaimed filmmaker Yoruba Richen, a distinguished lecturer and director of the documentary program at the City University of New York’s Graduate School of Journalism. A Fulbright Award winner, Ms. Richen’s previous work has been honored by PBS, the Tribeca Film Institute and the American Film Institute, among others.
She will be joined by Joe William Trotter Jr., the Giant Eagle Professor of History and Social Justice and director of CAUSE, both at Carnegie Mellon University. Mr. Trotter has authored dozens of books and publications on the African-American experience. Also on the panel is author, journalist, teacher and activist Herb Boyd.
The event is free and open to the public; however interested participants must preregister on the History Center’s website: www.heinzhistorycenter.org/events/the-greenbook-smithsonian-channelfilm-screening. The documentary will premiere at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 on the Smithsonian Channel.