By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
On Friday, November 12, at 4pm, the Noyes Arts Garage will screen the new documentary “Sweet Georgia Brown,” which spotlights the sacrifices made by African American women during World War II.
The documentary has been funded and produced by the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey. Almost 60 minutes of the 90 minute film will air on that day. The film’s director, Lawrence E. Walker, will be answering questions from the audience after the screening. Walker, also an author, said that he was inspired to work on the film after watching the historic film, “The Tuskegee Airmen.” Most African Americans learn about their history through that film (as well as “Red Tails”), but Brown questioned how women played a role in the WWII victory. Most white Americans remember victory gardens, working in factories, and even serving as sniper shooters, but black women don’t have the same history.
Walker crossed paths with Qaiam Saalik, formerly known as Robert Terry, who was working as a professor at Seton Hall University. After sharing his idea for the film, Saalik asked his mother, Estelle Brock Terry, about her service during WWII. While Saalik’s father served as a Tuskegee Airman, his mother flew planes as a licensed pilot. She also packaged parachutes for the Air Force and served as a mail clerk. After learning about his mother’s contributions, Saalik convinced Walker to work on the documentary, hoping to hear more empowering stories.
“The women’s involvement freed up the men to fight,” said Walker. He interviewed dozens of women in the 1990s, many of whom have passed away. He wrote the book “Sweet Georgia Brown: Impact, Courage, Sacrifice and Will,” which was published in 2019. The museum will, at the time of the screening, address Atlantic City’s proud history during WWII. Hundreds of soldiers and wounded veterans occupied casinos and hotels during the 1940s in a military project known as “Camp Boardwalk.”
Walker is actively promoting his documentary in hopes that the script will be picked up as a television series. He hopes that Julie Dash, the producer of the 2002 series “The Rosa Parks Story,” will direct the project. However, Dash seemed unlikely to work on a series on that subject, because Morgan Freeman and Fox Studios have been working on a similar production.
Shore Local Newsmagazine had an exclusive interview with Ralph Hunter Sr., founder and president of the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey. He describes himself as a lover of history and Atlantic City. “It has been my gift to share local African American art and connect with schools and families,” he said. “This is a great documentary, and we will show it close to Veteran’s Day, and so it’s gonna be a great event.” he said. “Lawrence Walker will be here to answer questions!”
