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Old School Black Cinema Night to be Held Wednesday Night

The history of the black film industry will not be forgotten if Carl Ervin and Pamela Smoot have anything to say about it.

Old School Black Cinema Night, which will take place today, promises an evening of entertainment, reminiscence and sartorial wonderment where "old school" films will be screened and their sociopolitical impact on black, mainstream America and world cultures may be pondered.

Ervin, coordinator for Student Development, said the event is free, open to the public and should be a great opportunity for anyone to learn more about black culture.

"I think this event is going to be a very positive and uplifting experience for the community," Ervin said. "This is something that was thought up in December and I think it should do a good job showcasing the illustrious history of black films."

Smoot, assistant professor of Black American Studies, said the films shown at the screening would be a surprise, but promised they would be thought provoking and entertaining.

"We're hoping to bring education and entertainment together for this screening in honor of Black History Month," Smoot said.

Ervin said one film that may possibly appear at the screening is the 1975 Michael Schulz film Cooley High. The film, described by American International Pictures as a black American Graffiti, focuses on two young inner city men trying find romance and cope with urban life in 1960s Chicago.

Ervin said the screening would be an event that everyone could benefit from attending.

"It's an event commemorating Black History Month, but anyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing a good turnout," Ervin said.

The Black History Month Planning Committee is sponsoring a screening of celebrated and influential black films from the '60s and '70s at 6 p.m. today in Faner Hall, room 1326.

Reporter Andy Horonzy can be reached at ahoronzy@dailyegyptian.com