The Newnan Cultural Arts Commission will present a screening of the new documentary “Three Days at Foster” August 29 at 7 p.m. at the Wadsworth Auditorium in downtown Newnan.
“Three Days at Foster” tells a powerful true story about the integration of sports at the University of Alabama in the shadow of segregationist Governor George Wallace’s stand in the schoolhouse door. On June 11, 1963, Wallace fulfilled a campaign pledge by blocking the entrance of Foster Auditorium, in a symbolic attempt to prevent the admission of two African-American students.
But he planted his feet on the wrong side of history. After Wallace finally yielded to federal authority, Vivian Malone and James Hood registered for classes without incident, shattering an important barrier while marking a pivotal milepost in the civil rights movement. Much less is known about the athletic pioneers who came after Malone and Hood — attacking the last bastion of segregation.
This feature-length documentary film, written and directed by sports author Keith Dunnavant, focuses on several barrier-shattering athletes, including some who have never spoken publicly about their experiences: Danny Treadwell, a one-time civil rights protester who integrated the state basketball tournament at Foster, just 33 months after Wallace; Dock Rone, Andrew Pernell, and Arthur Dunning, who walked on to the all-white Alabama football team in 1967 but have largely been lost to history; Wendell Hudson, UA’s first African-American scholarship athlete; and Wilbur Jackson, the first black man signed by Paul “Bear” Bryant’s football program.
For more information about the film and to view the video trailer, visit the official website at www.threedaysatfoster.com.
The screening will be immediately followed by a reception hosted by the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society at the Historic Train Depot, located at 60 East Broad Street. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with members of the film’s creative team and enjoy light refreshments.
Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, July 24 and are $15 for adults and $10 for students. The admission cost includes the post-screening reception. You may purchase online at http://newnanculture.bpt.me.
For more information, please contact NCAC Chairperson Dave Dorrell at 770-301-2875 or email newnanculture@gmail.com.
