AETN and FlagandBanner.com Announce Premiere of the Documentary Film "Dream Land"
(PRWEB) March 15, 2017 -- On March 31, the premiere of “Dream Land,” a documentary by AETN, will take place at the CAS Ron Robinson auditorium at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The film is based on the historic past of Dreamland Ballroom located on the third floor of the Taborian Hall. Currently, the building is home to Arkansas’ FlagandBanner.com which has worked with the non-profit “Friends of Dreamland” to restore the historic site.
AETN and the producers of “Dream Land” said the following about the film, “Little Rock’s West 9th Street was once a vibrant, African-American business and entertainment district. Today, Taborian Hall is the only remaining historic structure on West 9th Street and stands as a living witness to the street’s former glory days.
Throughout the 1920’s and 30’s, West 9th Street was home to a variety of prominent black businesses and residences. During this period, Taborian Hall housed: professional offices and businesses, a USO, the Gem Pharmacy, and perhaps its most lively resident… the Dreamland Ballroom.
By the 1920’s, the Dreamland Ballroom was firmly established as a stop on the “Chitlin Circuit,” which showcased regional and national African-American band and stage shows. It was also host to local musicians, dances, socials, concerts and sporting events."
The film's producers went on to say, "This documentary seeks to recognize, memorialize and share the history of West 9th Street and Dreamland Ballroom – from the spirit and hard work of the people- to the implications of federal programs such as Urban Renewal, school desegregation, the Housing Act of 1949 and the Eisenhower Interstate Program.
West 9th Street and the Dreamland Ballroom have waited patiently for the stories of the entrepreneurs and patrons who brought them to life to be told. Through this documentary, audiences will be able to connect with the district’s vivid history and be inspired to take part in its still unfolding future."
After 20 years of renovating the Taborian Hall, Kerry McCoy, president of Arkansas’ FlagandBanner.com said, “I am so happy to have someone with such clout and integrity as AETN join in my enthusiasm for this old building and its history. I had no idea when I bought the Taborian Hall it was so important in Little Rock’s African American community. I just fell in love with the architecture. I thought then, that only a crazy preservationist with the heart of a mother could have had the passion and vision to take on such a long term commitment. Thank you AETN for the long-awaited validation.”
Follow Dreamland Ballroom for updates and invitations to special events on Facebook at DreamlandBallroom or visit the website at DreamlandBallroom.org
Tammie McClure, FlagandBanner.com, http://www.flagandbanner.com, +1 501 375-7633 Ext: 117, [email protected]
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