Reception and Film Screening: The Strange Demise of Jim Crow
Featuring author and film producer Thomas Cole
Dear Harvard University Club members and friends,
You are invited to join us for a special evening on Thursday, February 24th at 6 pm at 14 Pews with author and film producer Thomas Cole, for a screening of The Strange Demise of Jim Crow, followed by a lively discussion of this critical period in Houston history! See the event specifics below and mark your calendar!
| LOCATION: | 14 Pews located at 800 Aurora Street, Houston, Texas ('14 Pews' is a non-profit microcinema located in a white wooden former church in the Heights.) |
| TIME: | 6:00 - 6:45 pm Reception 6:45 - 7:45 pm Screening 7:45 - 8:30 pm Discussion |
| DRESS: | Business Casual |
| COSTS: | Club Member and guest $15 per person; Young Alumni '06 and After $10; All Non Club Members $20 |
| RSVP: | Please Register by Monday, February 21st |
While other southern cities rocked with violence, Houston integrated its public accommodations relatively peacefully. Thomas Cole chronicles the experiences of civil rights leader Eldrewey Stearns and the local desegregation movement in his book, No Color Is My Kind: The Life of Eldrewey Stearns and the Integration of Houston. Mr. Cole then developed his book into a documentary. According to California Newsreel, The Strange Demise of Jim Crow is a
".... multi-level story of urban power and change: student demonstrators vs. segregationists; the white power structure's fear of integration vs. their greater fear of violence, embarrassing national publicity and financial losses; secret deal-making vs. freedom of the press."
Most of all, the documentary demonstrates how threats of demonstrations and civic strife compelled the power elite to negotiate with more moderate, 'responsible' black leaders and neutralize arch-segregationists. At the same time, by censoring news coverage, Houston integrated peacefully but also undermined efforts to build a mass movement that might truly threaten and destabilize white power and privilege.
Learn more about the film and the book! Look forward to seeing you on February 24th!!!
Click here to buy tickets!!!
Sincerely,
Julia Bailey
Vice President - Programs
Harvard University Club of Houston
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