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Echoes of the Great Migration: Family Stories of Resilience


Echoes of the Great Migration: Family Stories of Resilience explores the enduring impact of the Great Migration through the voices of descendants and those who journeyed from the rural South to urban centers in the North. This transformative movement, spanning from the early 1900s to the 1970s, reshaped not only the lives of millions but also the fabric of American society. Through a blend of interviews, film and archival imagery, Echoes of the Great Migration illuminates the legacy of migration as told by today's families.

Schedule

  • Tuesday, February 18 at 10:00 PM on 34.1
  • Thursday, February 20 at 8:00 PM on 34.1

Trailer:

About

The documentary explores the challenges faced by migrants upon their arrival in Northern cities and towns. Family members recount the struggles their ancestors encountered while adapting to urban life. These stories reveal not only personal hardships but also the broader societal challenges that migrants faced as they sought to establish new lives.

The documentary also delves into the cultural legacy left by the migrants. Descendants share how their families maintained traditions and passed down values that reflect their Southern roots. Stories of communal gatherings, family recipes and musical heritage reveal how the essence of Southern culture continues to thrive in Northern cities.

The impact of the Great Migration on contemporary issues is examined. Family members discuss how their ancestors’ experiences have shaped their views on race, identity and community engagement.

Echoes of the Great Migration culminates in a powerful message about the importance of memory and storytelling in shaping identity. By amplifying the voices of today’s descendants, the documentary honors the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before. It serves as a reminder that the stories of migration are not just historical footnotes; they are living legacies that continue to inspire and inform the paths of future generations. Through the lens of family narratives, the documentary celebrates resilience, community and the enduring spirit of those who sought better lives in the North, leaving an indelible mark on American culture.

  • Alicia Frazier

    Implications of the Past

  • Alicia Frazier

    The Next Great Migration

  • Thelma Branch

    The Power of Thinking

  • Calvin Strickland

    I Wouldn't Change Nothing

  • Freddie Johnson

    What She Exemplified

  • Freddie Johnson

    Be the Best You Can Be

  • Daryck Barnett

    Oteria's Biscuits

  • Daryck Barnett

    Mom's Work

  • Elijah Anderson

    Three Phases of Race Relations

  • Elijah Anderson

    Stories Can Teach Us

  • Ian Weaver

    Connected Memories to Identities

  • Jackie Burns Rucker

    Segregated Restaurants

  • Jackie Burns Rucker

    Importance of Multicultural Classes for Kids

  • Jessie Whitaker

    Upward Bound Impact

  • Jessie Whitaker

    Upward Bound Path to College

  • Lee Willhite Jr.

    Father Rejected Sharecropping, Became a Caddy

  • Lee Willhite Jr.

    Father's Migration at 15

  • Lee Willhite Jr.

    Injustice to Youth Not to Teach Their History

  • Lee Willhite Jr.

    Resilience

  • Linda Allen

    Togetherness

  • Mike Jackson

    Giving Back to the Community

  • Mike Jackson

    Migration is the Core to Who We Are

  • Ron King

    What You Did With What You Were Given

  • Ron King

    Mentoring Opens a Door

  • Ron Mudd

    Repetition of Stories

  • Scott Barton

    Driving to the Delta

  • Sharon Brown

    Cutting of Hair Ritual

  • Sharon Brown

    History Has the Word Story in It

  • Linda Allen

    American Built

  • Mike Jackson

    Couldn’t Stop to Eat

Underwritten by

  • Joyce and Roger Foley
  • Venues Parks and Arts Department of Community Investment
  • South Bend Community School Corporation
  • Alick's Home Medical
  • City of South Bend- Community Investment