Press Release nr99-36
Press Release · Saturday, December 11, 1999

Washington, DC

Washington, DC . . . In February, the National Archives and Records Administration presents film screenings featuring topics in Black History and the Great Depression.

The screenings will be held in the theater of the National Archives Building, Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, and in the auditorium the National Archives at College Park, which is located at 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD. All programs are free and open to the public. Free parking is available at the National Archives at College Park. The times and dates may be verified by calling the National Archives public events line at (201) 501-5000. The hearing impaired should call TDD (202) 501-5404 for information.

Please Note: The theater at the downtown National Archives Building is equipped with a system that allows the hearing-impaired to use a set of headphones, or neck loop and a small receiver, to enhance the volume of the public address system. Visitors may request these devices in the projection booth. Washington, DC Events Friday, February 5--Black History
*Homecoming, 1998, explores the rural roots of African American life. It chronicles the generations-old struggle of African Americans for land of their own which pitted them against both Southern white power structure and the Federal agencies responsible for helping them. Like so much of African American history, the Black farmers’ story is one of perseverance in the face of prejudice and perjured promises. Directed by Charlene Gilbert. (56 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Friday, February 12--The Great Depression
*Surviving the Dust Bowl, 1998. This new documentary relives the terror of the "black blizzards" that stripped away tons of soil and turned the Southern plains into wastelands during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Death and disease followed in their wake, yet the gritty survivors endured. Produced by Chana Gazit. (60 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Friday, February 19--Black History
Two award-winning documentaries related to African American musical tradition are featured.
*Didn’t We Ramble On: The Black Marching Band, 1991. In this film, the late Dizzy Gillespie introduces us to the skillfully orchestrated maneuvers of the Florida A&M Marching Band. Produced by Billy Jackson. (15 minutes.)
*The Call of the Jitterbug, 1989. In the early 1930s, a dance craze swept the nation. Some called it Jitterbug, some called it the Lindy Hop and some called it swing dancing. Its center was Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom. It was one of the first art forms to break through the color barrier. Produced by Tana Ross, Jesper Sorensen and Vibeke Winding. (30 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

College Park, MD Events (For descriptions of College Park films, see above listings)

Wednesday, February 3
*Homecoming (56 minutes.) Noon.

Wednesday, February 10
*Surviving the Dust Bowl (60 minutes.) Noon.

Wednesday, February 17
*Didn’t We Ramble On: The Black Marching Band (15 minutes.)
*The Call of the Jitterbug (30 minutes.) Noon.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.

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