Oral History Film Project

The Oral History & Documentary Film Project complies oral history archives and produces film documentaries to preserve the cultural and social history of low-income communities of color in South Florida through a partnership with Ransom Everglades High School. Since 2010, the project has produced five films documenting the history of Coconut Grove Village West, public school segregation in Miami-Dade County, and environmental injustice in the City of Miami.

Past Films & Chapbooks

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2014 Film: “Old Smokey: A Community History”

This film looked at the history of Old Smokey, the former incinerator, which operated from 1925 to 1970, and its environmental health impact on the West Grove community. “A second extended version of the film will be produced in early 2015. Thanks for watching.” -Anthony V. Alfieri, Professor and Director, Center for Ethics & Public

Film Chapbook: Read the biographies of the participants in the film and detailed information on this critical project.
2013 Film: “Someday We’ll All Be Free: The Desegregation of Miami”

In this film students documented the struggles of integration.

Film Chapbook: Read the biographies of the participants in the film and detailed information on this critical project.
2012 Film: “G.W. Carver: A Community School”

This film focuses on Carver from its inception more than a century ago to its integration in the wake of the Civil Rights Act.

Film Chapbook: Read about the bios, school and this documentary film project which focused on a local school in Coconut Grove.
2011 Film: “History of Churches in the West Grove: Past, Present and Future”

The film highlights the histories of approximately ten out of the sixteen Historic Black churches of the West Grove.
2010 Film: “West Coconut Grove: Past, Present and Future”

This first documentary reveals stories told by respected elders of the West Grove.

In the News

Historic Black Church Program's Oral History Film Highlights Desegregation of Miami Schools
Students' Documentary Probes History of Coconut Grove School, Segregated Community Lessons From the Past – Miami Herald

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