From: Parkie Peck
To: Tyrone Young
Date: June 18, 2010
Subject: Black History Month possibilities

Tyrone, I loved the film. The story came to life for me. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit me and introduce me to this work. It comes across as a labor of love. I would love the opportunity to share this film with library audiences. The theme chosen by ASALH for Black History Month 2011 is African Americans and the Civil War and Filling the Gap introduces so many historical figures from that era.

Please share with me how we might make this film and or have you here in February. I am going to share my copy of the movie with Cherise Taylor. She is the chairperson for the Black History Month committee.

Congratulations on a job well done.

Parkie,

Parkie L. Peck, Manager
Natural Bridge Branch
St. Louis County Library
Normandy, MO 63121
ppeck@slcl.org
(314)994-3300
Ext 3601

This is an incredibly powerful piece for kids to see. Black kids, white kids, whatever. . . they need to see this. It really does fill the gap. It reminds us all of the incredible intelligence, artistry, craftsmanship, and heart of the people of color who were subjected to all kinds of horrors. The emphasis on this movie is not about the horror of slavery, though it is obviously a factor, but about the contributions and skills of the black population dealing with that horror. We can all use the message that we can rise above our surroundings. Children, especially children of color but whites as well, need to see and experience these stories that will make them proud and remind them of their heritage. Well done Tyrone Young and the rest of all those involved.

I would like to say how proud and excited I am for Tyrone Young(Director) this is a big accomplishment. The movie was great and very educational. I can't wait to see you on the BIG SCREEN!!!!

I liked the movie a lot. I thought it was really inspiring for someone my age. I think this is one of the things that people are missing in history and this movie might change what people are missing in history. I really enjoyed the movie and I hope you like it to.

I was blessed with the opportunity to see this film at my local library. I totally enjoyed this film as well as it's educational value. Not only should it be implimented into school systems as part of a teaching tool for black history, I feel local churches should show it to their congregations as well. This film is worth being a part of anyone's DVD collection who appreciates knowledge of black history events.

Thank you for your comment Jamey- But as Mr. Douglass stated Mass was the first state in the Union (NORTH) to muster a new regiment of black soldiers he never stated that the 54th was the first black regiment formed to fight.

I have not bought the DVD, however i find it very interesting your trailer states the 54th as the "first" USCT yet this is false as first US colored troops were raised by a US general in 1862 whom Lincoln repremanded and disbanded the troops. And the first colored troops were raised by the Southern State of Lousiana.