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EARLY AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM

Reconstructing the History of Silent Race Films, 1909-1930

Project Overview

This main goal of this project was to collaboratively create a database on early African-American silent race films by drawing together information in a wide range of primary and secondary sources. For the purpose of this project, we determined that we would only include silent films created before 1930 for African-American audiences. This definition was the main factor that informed our decisions to include or exclude pieces of data.

The database we have created contains information on films, actors, production companies, and other aspects of early silent-era African American race films. The database is intended to allow the public to learn about this period in film history that is too rarely discussed.

As we compiled the database, we began to see connections within our dataset. We created data visualizations based on these connections in an attempt to give the audience a more complete understanding of the complexity of this early African-American film industry. It is our hope that individuals will be able to utilize this database for their own research on this topic. We have targeted our database towards scholarly research. However, we hope that the information within this project is accessible to a wide range of audiences who are interested in the early African American film industry.

We have structured our dataset so that it is free to use by individuals for their own research and knowledge. Each data visualization we have included is accompanied by the specific data used and step by step instructions on how to create similar visualizations.We hope that this project increases interest in this part of history that is too rarely discussed. The early African-American film industry gives us insight into multiple facets of history, and it is our hope that this project will prompt others continue to explore its significance.

Mission Statement

To provide a platform for the purpose of raising awareness, promoting research, and highlighting the significance of early African American race film in film history.

PRESS

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Explore the Flickering, Forgotten Past of African-Americans in Silent Film

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The history of 300 silent films that Hollywood shunned, and why they matter.

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The Garfinkel Prize in Digital Humanities: Honorable Mention

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Digital humanities students shine a light on the history of African American filmmakers

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Early African American Film: Reconstructing the History of Silent Race Films, 1909-1930

Mobirise

Early African American Film, Reconstructing the History of Silent Race Films, 1909-1930

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Early African-American Film Database, 1909–1930

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UCLA students create database for African-American silent films

Meet the Team

UCLA undergraduate and graduate students in the Digital Humanities program. They are the creators of the original site

Shanya Norman

Project Manager

Marika Cifor

Data Visualization Specialist

William Lam

Web Designer & Publicist

Hanna Girma

Web Designer

Monica Berry 

Data Visualization Specialist

Karla Contreras

Metadata Specialist

Aya Grace Yoshioka

Web Designer & Publicist

Miriam Posner

DH Program Coordinator

Meet the Redesign Team

UCLA undergraduate students in the Digital Humanities program. This is our revamp of the original site for our DH 199 capstone project!

Charlotte Breslin

Project Manager & Content Strategist

Stacy Li

UX Specialist & Content Strategist

Miguel Gutierrez

UX Specialist & Visual
Designer

Wendy Trang

Web Designer

Gaby Chan

Web Designer

Remi Kim

Web Designer

Janet Luu

Information Architect

Jonathan Liu

Content Strategist

Genesis Carrillo 

Content Strategist

Miriam Posner

DH Program Coordinator

Special Acknowledgements

Many thanks to the distinguished scholars and librarians who helped us and gave us guidance throughout the quarter, whether it be through email, Skype calls, and in person meeting. We could not have done it without these generous individuals. (All of the mistakes, of course, are our own!)

Allyson Field, University of Chicago
Brian Graney, Black Film Center/Archive, University of Indiana
Cara Caddoo, University of Indiana
Charles Musser, Yale University
Jan-Christopher Horak, University of California, Los Angeles
Peggy Alexander, University of California, Los Angeles
Thomas Padilla, University of California, Santa Barbara

Early African American Film Website Revamp • Meet the Redesign Team
UCLA DH199 Capstone 2018 • Visit the Original Site
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