Indigo Blue Coffeehouse, 212 W. Barraque St., will show a documentary entitled, “Business in the Black: The Rise of Black Businesses in America, 1800’s-1960’s.”
The event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 31. A reception is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and the film starts at 7 p.m., according to a news release. Admission is $7.
“Detroit producer Anthony Brogdon discusses the complexity of black wealth and business development from the 1880’s to the 1960’s as well as highlighting 50 amazing historic business leaders who succeeded against the odds,” according to the release. “The film will also explore the topics of black self-determination, education, pride and wealth. He said the film is meant to be ‘inspiring, educational and entertaining’.”
Lori Walker has traced the history of black businesses in Pine Bluff. She will discuss the life of black business owners like Wiley Jones “who was so successful in the early 1900s that he attracted the attention of Booker T. Washington who visited Pine Bluff to witness his accomplishments,” according to the release.
Brogdon encourages participants who have a family history of black business ownership in Pine Bluff or Jefferson County to share stories at the end of the film.
“There are numerous forgotten or untold stories about black businesses in this country that should be shared so future generations will know the ups and downs these black business leaders faced and be inspired by their stories,” he said.
After the showing, Brogdon will hold a question and answer session.