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Maggie Lena Walker rose from humble beginnings to become the first female African-American bank president in America and a prominent voice in the civil rights movement at the turn of the twentieth century. On Monday, January 30 at 7 p.m., her inspirational story will be featured at Grace Street Theater in a new National Park Service film titled Carry On: The Life and Legacy of Maggie Lena Walker. This event is free and open to the public.
“We are thrilled to debut this film to the Richmond community, a place that defined, and was defined by, Mrs. Walker’s indomitable spirit,” noted David Ruth, Superintendent of the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site. “I invite everyone to join us in viewing what promises to be an exciting new addition to the park’s visitor experience.”
The 20-minute film, which features the vocal talents of Daphne Maxwell Reid and Zeke Alton, incorporates the latest scholarship on Maggie Walker, whose story of empowerment and civic engagement has sparked renewed interest over the past several years. Using archival images from the Library of Virginia, Virginia Union University, and other Richmond institutions, Carry On explores the personal challenges Walker faced as an African-American entrepreneur in post-Civil War Richmond. Following the film, viewers are invited to a conversation with National Park Service staff. Light refreshments will be served.
“I hope that this film does not merely encapsulate Mrs. Walker as a historical figure but that it illuminates her relevancy,” said the park’s curator Ethan Bullard, who wrote and produced the film. “Carry On: The Life and Legacy of Maggie Lena Walker isn’t just the title of this movie, it is also a command – a challenge for each and every one of us to carry on Walker’s legacy through acts of compassion and goodwill.”
Grace Street Theater is located at 934 W Grace Street, Richmond. For more information about this event and the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, please visit www.nps.gov/mawa or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MaggieL.WalkerNHS/ |
Last updated: January 18, 2017