Enduring and acclaimed PBS journalist Bob Ray Sanders and legacy Texas activist and retired Pastor the Reverend Carl Pointer take us on a journey into a forbidden chapter of Texas history-- the story of how African-Americans survived and thrived in what is now a city the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers baseball club call home- Arlington, Texas.
Echoes from the Hill, a stunning new documentary explores a unique place in the 400 year journey of black folks on American soil. In many ways the events of the last four years have brought us to this particular cross road. During these times of societal and emotional upheaval, it matters that we have a clear connection with the strength of our past. As the sacred text reminds us, we must go from ‘strength to strength. ‘
Arlington, Texas - now a thriving destination of nearly one-half million residents , was always a city ‘at the crossroads’ -and Arlington’s black community -‘The Hill” emerged at this place of intersection. The community embodied strength. We are all beneficiaries of that strength.
Echoes from the Hill is about this journey and how we are all connected. It is a story of us. It is the story of how real-world experiences shaped our present and influenced our future.
With a blend of never-before-seen interviews from early residents of the ‘Hill’ to jaw-dropping interviews with iconic Texas history professors - Marvin Dulaney, PhD and Gene Preuss, PhD- ‘Echoes from the Hill’ unearths a range of emotions within viewers.
We must not be negligent in telling our stories. We must shape them with truth for the next generation. The road ahead for this next generation is going to be jagged and rocky-they’re going to need the strength of our stories.
Echoes from the Hill - trenchant and visionary- raises national questions about the political, social and racial prejudices that shaped our nation- but remain uncomfortable realities, unacceptable topics in polite circles.
Many black Americans remain disconnected from their distant past through the cruel actions of others- but in terms of a recent past, to be disconnected is a choice. The truth is everywhere. The choices that are made now - individually and collectively - establish the spirit for tomorrow. While hopefully providing the strength.
Echoes from the Hill within the genre of documentary storytelling, offers a path forward.
Echoes from the Hill was produced and directed by Lindell Singleton and King Hollis. The film had a broadcast premiere on KERA/PBS and an U.S. theatrical premiere at the Denton Black Film Festival.
2 окт 2024
