» Filling The Gap is an important educational film. It has the distinction of being an African-American historical film that features little known facts about “people of color” during the ante-bellum period in America.
» Filling The Gap gives viewers an enlightening view of black people in bondage rendering both military and non-combat service in the Civil War. Highly skilled as artisans and craftsmen and ingenious as inventors, African-Americans made great contributions to the early settlement and development of our country.
» Filling The Gap is spectacular in its portrayal of historical characters like Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln and others who are less known. This film is significant as a resource in the study of America’s history.
As a former American History teacher and current county level curriculum specialist for history and the social sciences, I am pleased to see the release of a film that is sure to bring enlightenment and entertainment to students and adults in classrooms and living rooms across the country. "Filling the Gap" provides important history, or histories, of Americans of color who contributed to our great nation in admirable ways.
In previous generations, students did not have the opportunity to learn about the contributions of Black Americans outside those related to the abolition of slavery or the Civil Rights Movement. While these contributions were very important, they were only part of the larger story of accomplishment. In "Filling the Gap," viewers gain a new understanding of the impact of Black history makers in the arts, crafts, sciences, and military sciences before and during the Civil War era. People like Phyllis Wheatley, Benjamin Banneker, Frederick Douglas, and lesser known individuals such as Charlotte Forten and Robert Smalls overcame adversity to improve their lives and the lives of others through their hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. They used their talents to move forward, and to help make The United States of America stronger.
Today's students can learn from and be motivated by the individuals whose stories are told in "Filling the Gap." The film accomplishes what a good history should do. It helps preserve our society's historic memory and teaches us life lessons we carry with us and share with others.
I highly recommend "Filling the Gap" as a resource for History and Language Arts teachers, and congratulate Mary Fears, Tyrone Young, and the others responsible for such a fine production.
Jason Caros K-12 Social Studies Specialist Volusia County Schools
