Matinees with Miss Maggie

On February 22, 1960, thirty-four college students were arrested protesting segregated lunch counters in downtown Richmond - - Learn their story and explore the journey from Civil War to Civil Rights. Each Saturday in February, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site invites you to attend "Matinees with Miss Maggie." A series of films will explore African American life in Richmond and Virginia from the end of the Civil War to the modern Civil Rights Movement. Following each film, guest speakers will share their knowledge and experiences related to the film that week. Several weeks include first-hand stories of sit-in movements and school protests in Virginia. Discover the tragedies, the triumphs, the strength and the courage of those who struggled for equality.

 

Our Inspiration: The Story of Maggie Lena Walker
February 2, 2013 at 1PM

"Our Inspiration: The Story of Maggie Lena Walker" explores Mrs. Walker's life as she overcame the obstacles of race, gender, and physical handicap to fulfill her dream of African American entrepreneurship.

Following the film, William Sydnor, executive producer of the documentary, will share his journey discovering the life and legacy of Maggie L. Walker.

 

Harlem Renaissance
February 9, 2013 at 1 PM

The Harlem Renaissance redefined African American expression in literature, art, and especially music. The film features classic performances from Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and more while tracing the roots of the music and its' impact on society.

Following the film, Ben Anderson, musician and PhD candidate at the College of William and Mary, will explore the music of the Harlem Renaissance and its influence on Jackson Ward, nicknamed "Harlem of the South."

 

The Road to Brown
February 16, 2013 at 1PM

***The program will take place at Club 533, 700 N. 3rd Street Richmond VA 23219. Off-street parking is available.

"The Road to Brown" tells the story of the brilliant legal campaign that led to the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision.

In April 1951, students at the all-black R.R Moton High School in Farmville, VA organized a student strike after the all-white school board denied funds to the school, despite poor conditions. On behalf of the students, Civil Rights attorneys Oliver Hill and Spotswood Robinson filed suit. Davis v. Prince Edward County was eventually consolidated with four other cases into the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case.

Following the film, Rev. J. Samuel Williams, Edwilda Issac, John Stokes and Joy Cabarrus -all members of the student strike at Moton High School - will share their story of the conditions at the school, how the strike was organized and the aftermath. Mrs. Cabarrus will also share her stories of being a plaintiff in Brown v. Board of Education.

 

February One
February 23, 2013 at 1PM

***The program will take place at Club 533, 700 N. 3rd Street Richmond VA 23219. Off-street parking is available.

"February One" shares the story of four young college freshmen who began a sit-in movement at the Greensboro North Carolina Woolworth to protest the store's segregated lunch counters. In one remarkable day, their actions changed history.

Inspired by the Greensboro Four, Virginia Union University students launched their own protests against the segregated stores of downtown Richmond. On February 22, 1960, thirty-four students were arrested while protesting the Thalhimer's store on charges of trespassing. Known as the "Richmond 34," their case went to the U.S Supreme Court, where they were declared innocent - a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement.

Following the film, Dr. Leroy Bray, Jr. and Elizabeth Rice - both members of the Richmond 34 - will share their stories of the sit-in movement. Dr. Raymond Hylton, Stephanie Hooks, and Lamar Dixon will discuss the early Civil Rights struggle in Richmond, the students' actions, and the aftermath.

For more information, please call 804-771-2017 x 24. All programs are free.