News Summary
Columbia, SC is gearing up for the premiere of the documentary ‘Did You Know? Columbia’s Black Wall Street’ as part of the Juneteenth Celebration on June 19. The film highlights the historic Black business district that thrived in the city during the 1920s and 1930s. With an entrepreneurial summit and a red carpet gala, this event aims to honor the legacy of Black entrepreneurs while engaging the community through various activities and discussions.
Columbia Gears Up for a Grand Premiere: “Did You Know? Columbia’s Black Wall Street”
There’s a buzz in the air in Columbia, SC as the city prepares for the exciting premiere of the documentary “Did You Know? Columbia’s Black Wall Street”. This film will be a *highlight* of the two-day Juneteenth Celebration, set to take place on June 19. The documentary showcases the once-thriving Black business district in Columbia during the 1920s and 1930s, bringing to light the rich history of entrepreneurship in the community.
Diving into History
The documentary provides a captivating glimpse into the entrepreneurial spirit of Black businesses that flourished in Columbia decades ago. Produced by 7Sunday in collaboration with the City of Columbia, the film was created by Deon Generette, a Johnsonville native and veteran of the Iraqi War, whose passion for history shines through.
Ayesha Driggers, the Director of the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities, highlighted the film’s purpose: to honor the legacy of the Black Business District. The documentary features interviews with key historical figures, including Elise Martin, who made history as the first Black woman to own a business in downtown Columbia. At the time of filming, she was an impressive 108 years old!
Event Details You Won’t Want to Miss
Mark your calendars! The festivities kick off with an entrepreneurial summit on June 18 at 10 a.m. at 1208 Washington Place, followed by the grand film premiere on June 19 at The Nickelodeon Theater. The schedule for the premiere on June 19 includes a fireside chat at 5:30 p.m., leading up to the film screening at 6 p.m. After the premiere, get ready for a fabulous *red carpet gala* hosted at the Columbia Museum of Art, featuring live performances by talented artists such as Kenny Latimore and Susan Carol, along with the vibrant sounds of the 7Sunday band.
A Celebration of Culture and Legacy
The festival is all about *celebrating and educating* the community about the significant contributions of Black entrepreneurs. It aims to strengthen the ties between filmmaking and rich cultural histories, ensuring that this important story is told and remembered. The Nickelodeon Theater’s selection for the screening is especially symbolic, being nearby the original historic Black business district.
What Else is on the Agenda?
Beyond the film, there will be a variety of activities throughout the celebration. Visitors can look forward to panel discussions, networking opportunities, and even a children’s matinee featuring the Emmy-nominated SCETV program “The Cool and the Strong”. A particularly exciting highlight for the younger crowd comes on June 19 at the Nickelodeon Theater with talks from inspiring figures like Coaches Dawn Staley and Shane Beamer, designed to engage, educate, and empower the next generation.
Where to Register
Those eager to join in the festivities can register for the events, including the free premiere of this groundbreaking documentary. With so much happening, this is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to come together, learn, and pay tribute to the important impact of Black entrepreneurship throughout history.
Wrap-Up of the Celebration
As the two-day event comes to a close, the celebration will culminate at the Columbia Museum of Art, emphasizing the community’s deep-rooted cultural heritage and the vibrant stories of success within the Black entrepreneurial landscape.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of a *historic celebration*! Columbia’s narrative is not only about the past but also about paving the way for the future. Join in as this documentary brings the fascinating story of Columbia’s Black Wall Street to life.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: Columbia’s Black Wall Street Highlighted in New Documentary Premiere
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Black Main Street History
- Google Search: Columbia Black Wall Street
- Cola Today: Columbia Events Calendar
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth
