Film Screening and Q&A: "American: An Odyssey to 1947"

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library
Independence, MO

Film director Danny Wu and Laura Williams will join us for a film screening of "American: An Odyssey to 1947." This documentary includes an appearance by Sgt. Isaac Woodard's niece, Laura Williams. Sgt. Woodard was attacked and blinded in one eye by South Carolina police officers while wearing his uniform after he returned from WWII. This was one of the incidents that led to Harry S. Truman passing the Desegregation of the Armed Forces executive order in 1948.

Danny Wu is a Canadian filmmaker from Vancouver, British Columbia. He is best known for the films "Square One," and "American: An Odyssey to 1947." The latter which was placed on Jonathan Rosenbaum’s list for "Best Films of 2022.” The film was also played at the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival, at the Austin Film Festival, and at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Laura Williams, the niece of Civil Rights icon, Sergeant Isaac Woodard, is an author, executive producer, screenwriter and international speaker. Williams has shared her uncle’s tale with CBS Inside Edition, PBS’ American Experience: "The Blinding of Isaac Woodard," and appeared in the documentary "American: An Odyssey to 1947," where she is also an executive producer. Williams penned a children’s book to teach others about an untold story in history entitled “I am Sergeant Isaac Woodard: How My Story Changed America.” The book will be available for sale and book signing.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Reception

6:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Film Screening of "American: An Odyssey to 1947"

American: An Odyssey to 1947

7:45 PM - 8:00 PM

Q&A with film director Danny Wu and Laura Williams

8:00 PM - 8:15 PM

Book Signing “I am Sergeant Isaac Woodard: How My Story Changed America"

Laura Williams