AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM, DALLAS TO SCREEN

“PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR: BEYOND THE MASK”

On Saturday, April 29, at 2:30 p.m., the African American Museum, Dallas, will host a screening of “Paul Laurence Dunbar: Beyond The Mask,” a feature-length documentary on the life and legacy of the first African American poet/writer to gain international fame.

Frederick Lewis – an acclaimed filmmaker, writer and director and professor of media arts at Ohio University – will be on hand to introduce the film and lead a post-screening discussion. The event is free and open to the public.

Born to former slaves in Dayton, Ohio, Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) is best remembered for his poem “We Wear The Mask” and for lines from “Sympathy” that became the title of Maya Angelou’s famous autobiography “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.” A clip of Angelou reciting Dunbar’s poem is featured in the film.

Dunbar’s story is also the story of the African American experience around the turn of the century. The man abolitionist Frederick Douglass called “the most promising young colored man in America” wrote widely published essays critical of Jim Crow laws, lynching and what was commonly called “The Negro Problem.”

More than eight years in the

My Truth

cont. from page 1 to show me!”

I guess I have combined the two memories as I go through life.

Now this may not be the best analogy, however I have long said that a lady of the evening doesn’t have to tell you who she is; she shows you!

Well, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III does not have to tell you who he is. You see it in his walk, his talk and his actions.

This man walks a walk that is on the right side of history. He speaks truth to power and making, “Beyond The Mask” received major funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities with additional support from Ohio Humanities. and screened at more than 100 cultural/educational venues, including the Library of Congress, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. Professor Lewis is a recipient of the Presidential Teacher Award, Ohio University’s highest honor for transformative teaching, curriculum innovation and mentoring. He has been a Fulbright Specialist in Hungary and has also taught or lectured in England, Germany, France, Ukraine, Malaysia and Vietnam. he is committed to the cause.

Lewis' independent documentaries have been seen on PBS stations throughout the U.S.

His walk is not an easy one. There’s always someone who thinks they can do better or has to give their input on any and everything that he does.

There are those who want to constantly compare him to the Almighty versus comparing him to the alternatives.

As not just the pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church, Dr. Haynes has done so much for so many and he should be uplifted and supported; as well as celebrated.

He has spoken out and up for those whose voices were either muted or ignored.

Dr. Haynes has been a voice for so many who may never know that he was doing it

"This screening has been in the planning stages for many months,” said Lewis. “I'm looking forward to sharing the story of Paul Laurence Dunbar's brief but brave, prolific life with because he did what he did without a lot of fanfare.

Instead of seeking accolades and adulation; he sought justice and salvation.

While he is not seeking cameras and microphones, Dr. Haynes realizes the responsibility he has as someone who can command the attention of the cameras and microphones.

Without Dr. Haynes, many of our issues or concerns would not be addressed. For this reason alone, I say “thanks.”

We need more who are able to use what they have for the benefit of others. We should pray for those, like Dr. Haynes. And we should all say, “Thanks!”

the people of Dallas."

The African American Museum, Dallas is located at 3536 Grand Ave., in Dallas’ historic Fair Park. The museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free self-parking is available in nearby lots. For more information, go to aamdallas.org or call 214-5659026.