We have come a long way in this country in the fight against racism and prejudice. Everybody knows the story of Rosa Parks, who fought against segregation by refusing to give up her seat in the white section of the bus. We celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day this past Monday, remembering one of the greatest Civil Rights leaders in our history.
In addition to all the well-known stories, there are always more heroes who can be recognized. Tonight, the Louisville Film Society presents a free screening of the documentary “Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock” at the Dreamland Film Center:
“As a black woman who was a feminist before the term was invented, Daisy Bates refused to accept her assigned place in society. ‘Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock’ tells the story of her life and public support of nine black students who registered to attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, which culminated in a constitutional crisis — pitting a president against a governor and a community against itself. Unconventional, revolutionary, and egotistical, Daisy Bates reaped the rewards of instant fame, but paid dearly for it.”
“Daisy Bates” will also air on February 2nd on PBS (appropriately right at the start of Black History Month) as part of their Independent Lens series, but tonight’s screening is an opportunity to view it with other interested individuals, which is always a bonus when it comes to a documentary which will inevitably inspire discussion.
The Dreamland Film Center is located at 810 E. Market Street. More information about the Louisville Film Society and the Dreamland Film Center can be found at their website. Information about the film can be found at its website, where the trailer is also available for viewing.
Photo courtesy of the film’s website.