thedrifter
03-13-07, 04:47 AM
'Fighting for Freedom'
Documentary on Montford Point
Marines premieres at S.C. State
By DONNA HOLMAN
T&D Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
South Carolina State University played host Monday to the premiere of the documentary film, "The Marines of Montford Point: Fighting for Freedom," Monday in the Barbara A. Vaughan Recital Hall.
The film, narrated by actor Louis Gossett Jr., is a product of the Montford Point Marines Project: Documentary Video and Educational Resources grant, funded by the Office of Naval Research, Department of Navy and a collaborative effort between South Carolina State and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
"South Carolina State University has contributed immeasurably to the development of this nation and to the defense of this country. The university, as a leader in education, is dedicated to recording and documenting the rich history of this nation, particularly the contributions of African-Americans," said Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr, president of S.C. State.
Along with the one-hour documentary, educational materials were created by LetterPress Software Inc. to complement the story of the Montford Point Marines from a time of segregation to a time of full integration in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Hugine said that as S.C. State began discussions with UNC, they had two concerns: one, to produce a historic documentary that would be shared with a national audience and, two, to design educational materials that would be useful to children, especially in secondary schools, in understanding the tremendous contributions which have been made.
"The story of each Montford Point Marine shapes and connects our struggle to end segregation," Hugine said.
Recruited as a result of America's entry into World War II, the Montford Point Marines represent a unique group of African American Marines who from 1942 until 1949 trained at the segregated Montford Point camp, now part of the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base located in Jacksonville, N.C. The existence and exploits of the more than 20,000 Marines who trained at Montford Point are largely unknown by the American public, yet they played a crucial role in bringing segregation to an end in the United States. They fought in three major overseas conflicts including World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War while contending with racial prejudice from American society in general and, initially, within the Marine Corps itself.
"These men subjected themselves to training conditions that were inhumane. They were drilled by white officers, who disdainfully referred to them as 'you people.' These brave men took their place in the 51st Defense Battalion to serve in support roles, resupplying the front lines and evacuating the dead and wounded, jobs that no one wanted," said 6th District Congressman James E. Clyburn, U.S. House majority whip.
"Thanks to the sacrifices and the demonstrated abilities of the Montford Point Marines, our military can now be held up as a solid example of truly successful integration," said Clyburn, who described the film as moving and inspirational.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.c., said the Montford Point Marines' story is one that should be "shouted from the rooftops ... Every young American regardless of race, creed or ethnic origin needs to hear about this ... we need to document what happened between 1942-1949. You can never improve until you confront your problems."
"This documentary ... is about young men ... who carried a load that very few people could bear," said Graham, adding that these Marines saw something better in America than what was on display, seeing through racial prejudice to the other side of segregation.
"It was mind-opening to see what took place in the U.S. military and what a lot of African Americans went through to serve," said Furman Gunyard, who added that to see where the military has come from then to now is "a great accomplishment."
Students from Felton Laboratory School who attended the premiere said they were glad to have the opportunity to view the documentary.
"It takes a lot of hard work to be a Marine. You have to be disciplined. You have to give your best effort and never give up," sixth-grader Samuel Felder II said.
"I'm proud of them because they helped to give everyone equal rights," he added.
Jerry Steward, an eighth-grader at Felton Laboratory School, said, " The Montford Point Marines inspired me to work hard and to strive to do my best and make something of my life. Stepping into Iwo Jima ... it took a lot of courage and bravery."
"It was long overdue," Mary Jeffries said of the documentary.
"It makes you appreciate life and what those guys went through," she said.
Lillie Gaffney, who has had three men in her life -- her husband and two of her sons -- serve in the military, said, "I had heard many stories from my family, and to see it on screen was very interesting to me."
Gaffney said veterans are very special people and that everyone should seek ways to let them know how proud they are of them more often.
"As an alumnae of S.C. State, I am proud to have been a part of this historical moment," said Barbara C. Glover, who admitted that she had not known that the military once had segregated training camps.
"It was very educational. I hope to share it with my grandchildren and to purchase the software that goes with it so they can learn even more," Glover said.
According to Mark Lacy of LetterPress Software Inc., secondary schools will receive the supplementary educational software, along with the documentary, to use in educating young people about the brave men who helped to change the course of America's history.
"The Montford Point Marines are no longer a footnote in our nation's history," Clyburn said. "Their dignity and determination despite the obstacles they faced helped build a country and a military of which all of us can be proud."
T&D Staff Writer Donna L. Holman can be reached by e-mail at dholman@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.
Ellie
Documentary on Montford Point
Marines premieres at S.C. State
By DONNA HOLMAN
T&D Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
South Carolina State University played host Monday to the premiere of the documentary film, "The Marines of Montford Point: Fighting for Freedom," Monday in the Barbara A. Vaughan Recital Hall.
The film, narrated by actor Louis Gossett Jr., is a product of the Montford Point Marines Project: Documentary Video and Educational Resources grant, funded by the Office of Naval Research, Department of Navy and a collaborative effort between South Carolina State and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
"South Carolina State University has contributed immeasurably to the development of this nation and to the defense of this country. The university, as a leader in education, is dedicated to recording and documenting the rich history of this nation, particularly the contributions of African-Americans," said Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr, president of S.C. State.
Along with the one-hour documentary, educational materials were created by LetterPress Software Inc. to complement the story of the Montford Point Marines from a time of segregation to a time of full integration in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Hugine said that as S.C. State began discussions with UNC, they had two concerns: one, to produce a historic documentary that would be shared with a national audience and, two, to design educational materials that would be useful to children, especially in secondary schools, in understanding the tremendous contributions which have been made.
"The story of each Montford Point Marine shapes and connects our struggle to end segregation," Hugine said.
Recruited as a result of America's entry into World War II, the Montford Point Marines represent a unique group of African American Marines who from 1942 until 1949 trained at the segregated Montford Point camp, now part of the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base located in Jacksonville, N.C. The existence and exploits of the more than 20,000 Marines who trained at Montford Point are largely unknown by the American public, yet they played a crucial role in bringing segregation to an end in the United States. They fought in three major overseas conflicts including World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War while contending with racial prejudice from American society in general and, initially, within the Marine Corps itself.
"These men subjected themselves to training conditions that were inhumane. They were drilled by white officers, who disdainfully referred to them as 'you people.' These brave men took their place in the 51st Defense Battalion to serve in support roles, resupplying the front lines and evacuating the dead and wounded, jobs that no one wanted," said 6th District Congressman James E. Clyburn, U.S. House majority whip.
"Thanks to the sacrifices and the demonstrated abilities of the Montford Point Marines, our military can now be held up as a solid example of truly successful integration," said Clyburn, who described the film as moving and inspirational.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.c., said the Montford Point Marines' story is one that should be "shouted from the rooftops ... Every young American regardless of race, creed or ethnic origin needs to hear about this ... we need to document what happened between 1942-1949. You can never improve until you confront your problems."
"This documentary ... is about young men ... who carried a load that very few people could bear," said Graham, adding that these Marines saw something better in America than what was on display, seeing through racial prejudice to the other side of segregation.
"It was mind-opening to see what took place in the U.S. military and what a lot of African Americans went through to serve," said Furman Gunyard, who added that to see where the military has come from then to now is "a great accomplishment."
Students from Felton Laboratory School who attended the premiere said they were glad to have the opportunity to view the documentary.
"It takes a lot of hard work to be a Marine. You have to be disciplined. You have to give your best effort and never give up," sixth-grader Samuel Felder II said.
"I'm proud of them because they helped to give everyone equal rights," he added.
Jerry Steward, an eighth-grader at Felton Laboratory School, said, " The Montford Point Marines inspired me to work hard and to strive to do my best and make something of my life. Stepping into Iwo Jima ... it took a lot of courage and bravery."
"It was long overdue," Mary Jeffries said of the documentary.
"It makes you appreciate life and what those guys went through," she said.
Lillie Gaffney, who has had three men in her life -- her husband and two of her sons -- serve in the military, said, "I had heard many stories from my family, and to see it on screen was very interesting to me."
Gaffney said veterans are very special people and that everyone should seek ways to let them know how proud they are of them more often.
"As an alumnae of S.C. State, I am proud to have been a part of this historical moment," said Barbara C. Glover, who admitted that she had not known that the military once had segregated training camps.
"It was very educational. I hope to share it with my grandchildren and to purchase the software that goes with it so they can learn even more," Glover said.
According to Mark Lacy of LetterPress Software Inc., secondary schools will receive the supplementary educational software, along with the documentary, to use in educating young people about the brave men who helped to change the course of America's history.
"The Montford Point Marines are no longer a footnote in our nation's history," Clyburn said. "Their dignity and determination despite the obstacles they faced helped build a country and a military of which all of us can be proud."
T&D Staff Writer Donna L. Holman can be reached by e-mail at dholman@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.
Ellie