Pam Smith stands at Mount Eagle Farm, feeling a sacred connection and honoring her ancestors who were enslaved there before being forced West.
About this Film
At a time of significant pushback on the teaching of "whole truth" history in our schools and book banning throughout the country, this timely film explores the question: Why is it important to tell the truth about history?
What is historical truth-telling?
1. Teaching the truth about history in our schools
2. Storytelling based on oral histories, archival records, genealogy & archaeology
3. Addressing book banning (in schools & libraries)
4. Holding family reunions & celebrating African American culture, traditions & contributions to this country
5. Memorials, public art, restorations & reparative & healing spaces
6. Commissions & campaigns focused on repair & healing
7. “Linked Descendant” initiatives like in Coming to the Table
8. Research & documentation about the legacies of enslavement
9. Sharing facts and stories exposing vote suppression
10. Creative works such as writing, films, etc. that expose and illuminate hidden histories
11. Truthful & inclusive interpretation at historic sites
WHAT HISTORY DO YOU CARRY?
we made this film for:
Teacher trainings
Libraries & historical societies
Racial dialogues
Family historians, genealogists & researchers
Social justice artists & activists
Restorative justice projects
Officials making policy
And anyone with an interest in history & truth
Rev. Lindsey Franklin talks about the dangers of not telling the whole truth when it comes to history.
what educators are saying:
“As an educator and organizer for the #TeachTruth movement, I’m excited to recommend your film to those teaching about Black history and those defending the right to do so!”
Jesse Hagopian
Zinn Education Project & Rethinking Schools
“It was moving to see the audience's response to your film with the thoughtful questions that they asked. I was particularly inspired by the questions from the young people. We are grateful that we could be part of it.”
Annelisa Alprin
Arlington Public Library
thank you for your PARTICIPATION:
Prof. Ed Ayers – New American History
Tom Chapman – Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society
Lorenzo Dickerson – Maupintown Media
Rev. Lindsey Franklin – Richmond Hill
Trenton Hizer – Library of Virginia
Thane Harpole – Fairfield Foundation
Rev. Dr. Lisa Johnson – Richmond Hill
Leslie M. Scott-Jones – Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, Charlottesville
Diane Kresh – Arlington Public Library
Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy – University of Virginia Descendant Project Researcher
Jenna Owens – Getting Word African American Oral History Project at Monticello
Rev. Dr. Paula Parker – Roots Matter LLC
Archaeologist Tim Roberts – Black Star Cultural Resources
Danita Rountree Green – Coming Together Virginia
Rev. Herbert Townes - Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Midlothian
Prof. Marisa Williamson & her students — University of Virginia
Rev. Daniel Willson – Richmond Hill
Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society of Greater Richmond
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Special thanks to Professors Ann Neel & Cynthia Lawrence; as well as Allison Thomas, the Addie Wyatt Center for Nonviolence Training, and all of our gofundme contributors. We appreciate you!
Join this cause
Get alerts, follow our work
Be part of the movement to uncover and share the whole truth about history. Sign up to receive exclusive updates on our film's progress, behind-the-scenes content, and valuable resources.