“10,000 Black Men Named George” To Screen

February 10, 2014

The U.S. Consulate General will bring another feature film to Bermuda as part of the Bermuda National Library’s regular Consulate Night at the Library program. Coming to the Library at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 13 will be “10,000 Black Men Named George” starring Andre Braugher, Charles S. Dutton and Mario Van Peebles.

The Consulate said, “During the Great Depression, jobs were scarce, especially for poor African-Americans. Working as a porter for the Pullman Rail Company was an option, but black employees took home a third as much pay as their white counterparts and sometimes worked for free. They were also denied their humanity and individuality; all black porters were simply called “George” after George Pullman, the creator of the Pullman sleeping car.

“Asa Philip Randolph, a black journalist fighting to give a voice to these forgotten workers, led the cause to form the first African-American union in the United States. Livelihoods and lives would be put at risk in the effort to obtain the 10,000 signatures needed to create the union from the men known only as “George.”

10000blkmen

Consul General Bob Settje, who will attend the screening and lead discussion afterwards, said, “To recognize Black History Month in both the United States and Bermuda, the Consulate wanted a story that would resonate with Bermudians.

“This is the true story of a railroad revolution that resulted in the creation of the first African-American union in the United States. It has parallels with the struggle for human rights in Bermuda.”

Because of limited space, the library can only accommodate 50 guests on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note that this film is rated “R.”

The U.S. Consulate General and the adult library on Queen Street are collaborating to showcase documentaries, docudramas, films, and educational videos on a variety of topics of interest to both Americans and the Bermudian public.

The State Department’s Bureau of International Information Programs sources the films from the private sector [PBS, HBO, Discovery, The History Channel, etc.] and independent producers.

Consul General Settje thanks Head Librarian Joanne Brangman for partnering with the Consulate to host these regular gatherings.

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Category: All, Entertainment, Films/Movies

Comments (3)

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  1. Nuffin but da Truth says:

    this should be shown at the biu cinema,there is more room.

  2. The Messenger says:

    Nuffin but da Truth,

    I agree!

  3. Mazumbo says:

    Well I know there’s a certain segment of Bermuda that wont be there.