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On 2/28/2012 1:18:31 PM Yasmin Rosa, EEO Manager, U.S. Africa Command wrote
Brigadier General Arnold N. Gordon-Bray, Deputy Director of Operations/J3 celebrated Black History month by hosting a facilitated overview of the documentary film by Frank Harris, For Love of Liberty. BG Gordon-Bray kicked off the event by acknowledging the audiences diversity. He provided a synopsis of the film and challenged participants to think, while watching the film, about what sort of liberty these brave warriors and heroes were fighting for, and if events like these (observances) were still relevant. He also asked attendees to be ready to raise questions and engage in conversation after the film.
BG Gordon-Bray stated that For Love of Liberty took ten years to produce. It is a collection of letters, diaries, speeches and military records that give proof and recognize the sacrifices and accomplishments of African-American service men and women from the first bullet that lead to our battle for independence to the sands of Iraq. The completed documentary, winner of the 2010 NAACP IMAGE Award, is a four hour series presented by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), written and produced by Frank Martin.
The film was broadcasted nationwide in 2010. A shorter version of the film was viewed in numerous public locations to include The Smithsonian, The National Archives, The NAACP, The UN, The LBJ Presidential Library, The National WWI Museum. In addition, a number of universities and military installations screened the film which generated interest from researchers, academia, all the major African-American veterans groups and civil rights organizations, prominent senators and congressional representatives along with leading members of the filmmaking community. (SOURCE: For Love of Liberty: Project Overview. Retrieved from http://www.forloveofliberty.org/overview/index.html)
After attendees viewed the film, BG Gordon-Bray asked again what kind of liberty were these brave warriors and heroes fighting for and if these events (observances) were still relevant. The audience engaged in the discussion providing views, comments and opinions regarding the topic discussed.
BG Gordon-Bray closed the event by thanking everyone for their attendance and participation. He invited attendees to go to http://www.forloveofliberty.org/ for more information. LtCol Lewis, U.S. Africa Command Headquarters Commandant awarded BG Gordon-Bray a Certificate of Appreciation for his contributions, support and participation in AFRICOM's Black History Month celebration. Refreshments were served after the film.
Due to time limitations, BG Gordon-Bray asked that a blog be set up for discussion, comments, experiences, and suggestion about historical references and the film.
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On 3/21/2012 5:27:41 AM B, in Springer wrote Fantastic presentation and overview by BG Gordon-Bray. If you ever wondered about the true contributions of African American Service members throughout our history, this documentary will answer all your questions. I was recently asked by my daughters elementary school to do a short presentation at her school's Black History month presentation and I used a preview of this documentary as a intro. Great overview by BG Bray and overall great documentary.
On 3/9/2012 2:25:38 PM E. Faulcon in Unspecified wrote Great overview of what took place and outstanding event!
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