On Tuesday March 15, 7PM, Scribe Video Center ‘s Producers’ Forum Series returns with a screening of “Scarred Justice: The Orangeburg Massacre 1968” at International House. Co-director Judy Richardson, Swarthmore College graduate and former 1960’s SNCC staff worker, will be in person. There will be a Q&A following the screening. This special event is presented in partnership with Swarthmore College , NAACP, University of Penn Makuu Black Cultural Center, Reelblack, Film@International House, and The Black Professionals News.
On February 8, 1968, eight seconds of police gunfire left three young men dying and at least 27 wounded on the campus of South Carolina State College in Orangeburg , S.C. All of the police were white, all of the students African-American. Almost all of the victims were shot from behind as they fled the gunfire that erupted without warning. The Massacre happened after four days of student protests to desegregate the city’s only bowling alley. It was the first time ever police opened fire on students on a U.S. campus. Two years later Kent State would shock the nation, while the Orangeburg tragedy went unnoticed. ( USA , 57 minutes, 2009). Tuesday March 15, 7PM at International House, 3701 Chestnut St. , Philadelphia . $10, $8 students/seniors, $5 for Scribe, NAACP and Reelblack members. Learn more about the film and view trailer.
More About Scarred Justice: The Orangeburg Massacre 1968
This powerful yet disturbing documentary film explores the eye-witness accounts of student protesters and police officer participants. Interviews with former Governor Robert McNair, the prize-winning journalists who covered the story, and many others, provide a compelling account of the price paid in America ‘s struggle for racial justice. It raises questions about an event that has yet to be resolved. ( USA , 57 minutes, 2009)
About the Director and Producers
Bestor Cram is a director/producer/cinematographer. Following a tour of duty as a U.S. Marine Officer in Vietnam , he founded Northern Light Productions in 1982 and produced How Far Home, portraying the lives of Vietnam Veterans attending the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in DC, offering insight into the legacy of war and remembrance. His work focuses on issues of social justice and history.
Among his many festival awards, his documentary Unfinished Symphony: Democracy and Dissent screened at Sundance Film Festival and his Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, was recently broadcast on PBS and released as a boxed CD/DVD set from SONY. issues of social justice and history. Among his many festival awards, his documentary Unfinished Symphony: Democracy and Dissent screened at Sundance Film Festival and his Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, was recently broadcast on PBS and released as a boxed CD/DVD set from SONY.
Judy Richardson began her film work with the Academy Award-nominated, 14-hour PBS series, Eyes on the Prize. As a Senior Producer with Northern Light Productions she produces African American historical documentaries for TV and museums. Recent productions include the 2-hour History Channel film, Slave Catchers, Slave Resisters and the National Park Service’s “Little Rock Nine” Visitor Center.
She was a staff worker with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) for three years in the early 1960’s in Georgia , Mississippi and Alabama ; was a founder in 1968 of the country’s largest African American bookstore; and Director of Information for the United Church of Christ Commission for Racial Justice. She and five other female SNCC activists have edited Hands on the Freedom Plow: Personal Accounts by Women in SNCC, published by University of Illinois Press in October 2010. She lectures and conducts teacher workshops on the Civil Rights Movement.
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