A film series organized by the Graduate Association for African American History will begins Thursday in honor of Black History Month.
Weekly films depicting the theme "Black Soldiers in Film" will be shown in the Mitchell Hall auditorium throughout February.
This week's film, "Home of the Brave," will kick off the series Thursday at 6 p.m. Based around the theme of "African Americans in World War II," a 1949 film that examines the horrors of war from a black veteran's perspective.
Each film will showcase black masculinity throughout American history, followed by an informal discussion that aims to analyze the progression of African American culture.
"Showing these films is a way to spur interest in African American history," said Michael Blum, former president of the association. "It's always easier to get people to come to a movie than a talk. Our mission is to study African American history in a way that attracts a younger audience."
Each film provides its own importance relating to the chosen theme. Past themes have included "The Evolution of Black Women in Film" as well as "Black Comedies."
For the past seven years, films have been shown to provide a starting point for discussion, Blum said.
The informal atmosphere serves as the perfect introduction to larger discussions regarding African Americans in history, he said.
"It is important for these things to be discussed especially during Black History Month," Blum said.
Pizza and refreshments will be served at the weekly showings, which are free and open to the public.
