ORLANDO, Fla. — In honor of Black History Month, the Heart of Florida United Way held a premiere for its first ever documentary film.
It’s called “Know Your Place” and it takes a look at Central Florida’s not-so-distant past.
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In it Black Central Floridians share the times they’ve dealt with racism, segregation, or bias in their lifetime.
“Jeff Hayward, CEO of United Way, came to us three and a half years ago with an idea and here we are tonight where it’s finally come to fruition,” said Jim Hobart, director of “Know your Place.”
Read: Central Florida celebrates: Black History Month events planned throughout February
The premiere was held at the Orlando Science Center, with more than 200 people in attendance.
These 11 people were interviewed for the film:
- Nick Aiken, Jr.
- Mable Butler, former Orange County Commissioner
- Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings
- Former U.S. Representative Val Demings
- Dr. Kathleen “Kat” Gordon
- Former Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr.
- Dr. Alzo Reddick, former member of Florida House of Representatives
- Lorenzo “Tee” Taylor
- Florida State Senator Geraldine Thompson
- Dr. Clara Walters
- Annetta Wilson
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“It’s a reminder of a town I grew up in that has changed tremendously,” said Perry, Jr.
“We’re standing on the shoulders of our ancestors and those who have come before us,” said Mayor Demings.
Mayor Demings, who is also the first Black man to hold that office, said it was an honor to be part of this project.
“If we fail to understand the history we have been through then perhaps we will fail to understand the destiny of where we will ultimately end up,” said Mayor Demings.
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“We wanted, really, a spectrum of different kinds of folks who all lived their own lives and overcame tremendous obstacles to get to where they got to,” said Holbart, talking about the people showcased in the film.
Everyone involved acknowledged the massive strides that have been made, but say there is still work to be done.
The merit of this movie is that it teaches us, lets learn about our history, so history does not repeat itself,” said Perry, Jr.
“In America, think about the leader we really could be if we stop hating the person next door and started working together,” said Former U.S. Representative Val Demings in the film trailer.
Watch the exclusive broadcast premiere of “Know Your Place” at 7 p.m. Saturday on Channel 9.
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