Many of Ava DuVernay’s works, including the harrowing documentary “13th” and the moving film “Selma,” have illuminated the true history of America. In her narratives, DuVernay gives viewers an intimate look at the racist histories that persist and take on new shapes in the modern day.
Turman Glynn, Holland Andre, Ealy Michael, Oyelowo David, Nyong’o Lupita, Mbatha-Raw Gugu, Bassett Angela, and King Regina are the stars. The film, commissioned for a 22-minute examination of significant moments in African-American history, debuted on August 28, as part of the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, directed by the director.
The 28th additionally coincided with Kaepernick’s anthem protest, she highlights that Colin Kaepernick’s remarks regarding his anthem protest also coincided with the 28th. Despite her film concluding with Barack Obama accepting the Democratic nomination, Today, she posted on Twitter about the specific date and how it remains significant to her. DuVernay’s film is exclusively showcased at the Smithsonian as an introductory film.
DuVernay’s “mammoth” call serves as a recognition of the time and day when a date has exposed the existence of two Americas, and history continues to be made.
THREAD: Did you know this day is a mammoth one in African-American history? A date that has exposed two Americas. https://t.co/baZCYhEXdJ
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 28, 2017
I was invited to make a film for @NMAAHC. I chose to chronicle “August 28” as a day in the life of my people. https://t.co/wqLT4MEfs4
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 28, 2017
On Aug 28, 1833, slavery is abolished in the UK, contributing to the American abolition of slavery. This date opens our film “August 28.”
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 28, 2017
On Aug. 28, 1955: Emmett Till, 14, is brutally murdered by three white KKK members, becoming the flashpoint in the civil rights movement.
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 28, 2017
On Aug. 28, 1961, Motown released its first hit, “Please Mr. Postman” by the Marvellettes. Motown would go on to transform American culture.
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 28, 2017
On Aug. 28, 1963: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech, bending the arc a little further towards justice. pic.twitter.com/8j0pQqPOzl
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 28, 2017
On August 28, 2005: Hurricane Katrina makes landfall and the government response reveals massive inequities and environmental injustice.
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 28, 2017
On Aug. 28, 2008: Senator Barack stuns the world and accepts the Democratic nomination for President of The United States of America. pic.twitter.com/KxxarA60Zz
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 28, 2017
The film I made ends there. But I always continue to track August 28. It is a magic date in black history. Guess what happened last year?
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 28, 2017
On Aug. 28, 2016, @Kaepernick7 delivers his first official remarks on his reasons for protesting the national anthem. pic.twitter.com/MwJKBBQ83o
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 28, 2017
Written + directed from my heart, “August 28” stars Turman, Bassett, Cheadle, Oyelowo, King, Holland, Nyong’o, Mbatha-Raw, Ealy and more. pic.twitter.com/HqOYQqxiUn
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 28, 2017
Check it out exclusively at @NMAAHC. Our history is a treasure trove of knowledge and guidance. I salute our ancestors on this day. Onward! pic.twitter.com/UiJrqHNxte
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 28, 2017