Alabama State plays host to PBS documentary film series

By ASU News Services StaffThe National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture at Alabama State University will host volume three of the P.B.S. Film Documentary series, “I’ll Make Me A World: A Century of African-American Arts” on Thursday, July 17 at noon. Volume three is titled, “Bright Like a Sun.” This event is free and open to the public.“Bright Like a Sun” continues the series’ story through the years of the Great Depression and World War II. The challenging experiences move African-American artists to adapt and expand their creative visions, producing work with new energy and autonomy. Paul Robeson, legendary singer and star of stage and screen, uses his artistry and fame to fight for social justice in the U.S. and abroad. Sculptor Augusta Savage builds a vibrant art school in Harlem where young African American talent can be nurtured, although she risks her own career to do so. And on the music scene, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and other young musicians begin to play bebop, the innovative jazz style that becomes the hallmark of American “cool” and a recognized musical genre. “Bright Like a Sun” is produced by Blackside, Inc., in association with Thirteen/W/Net New York. The executive producer is Henry Hampton. Co-executive producer is Sam Pollard. Producers include Sam Pollard and Betty Ciccarelli.The National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture at ASU is located at 1345 Carter Hill Road. For more information, call (334) 229-4876 or (334) 229-4824.