The College of Charleston’s Avery Research Center, in conjunction with Charleston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will share the significant legacy of celebrated African captive, Kunta Kinteh, in an exclusive screening of Kunta Kinteh Island: Coming Home without Shackles, on Friday, August 2, 2013 at 7 p.m. in the Avery Research Center (125 Bull Street). This event will be immediately followed by a panel featuring the filmmakers and producers of Kunta Kinteh Island. The screening of this powerful film will keep Kunta Kinteh’s story alive as well as spark interest in the new generation to discover their legacy.

kunta_kinteh_flyer2“It is very possible that many African-American Charlestonians’ legacies could be traced back to Kunta Kinteh Island,” explains Patricia Lessane, director of the Avery Research Center. “We get inquiries from around the country about genealogy and host many tours for family reunions and gatherings for groups who want to know more about their roots.”

The writer and director of the film, Elvin Ross, best known for his extensive work with writer, director, and actor Tyler Perry, grew up watching the 1977 ABC television series Roots, which first gave Kunta Kinteh world-wide recognition. Ross has created his film in a way that today’s younger generation will understand and appreciate. In an article with UrbanLux, Ross states, “I wanted to give a production through the eyes of a student so that my kids would be able to understand this story of Kunta Kinteh and the struggles that he went through so that someday they could realize that their story could be a legend just as Kunta Kinteh’s was.”

Kunta Kinteh Island: Coming Home without Shackles tells the story of how through courage and perseverance, Kunta Kinteh fought to keep his freedom and identity during the horrors of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Members of the Kinteh family who still reside in Jufferreh, The Gambia, West Africa, give the film even further depth with their personal testimonies. Making this film especially relevant, the island at which Kunta Kinteh was held captive, James Island, was formally renamed Kunta Kinteh Island on February 6, 2011. A fortress on the island serves as the film’s backdrop.

Kunta Kinteh Island: Coming Home without Shackles has received abundant support from prevalent figures in the African-American community including: Ben Vereen, Jermaine Jackson, and Chaz Guest, who are all featured in the documentary and provide personal testimonies. Ross’ colleague, Tyler Perry has also voiced great support for the project.

The College joins other academic institutions including Harvard University, Morehouse College, Wayne State University, Northeastern University and St. Augustine High School in New Orleans in hosting film screenings as a part of the Heritage Tour of Kunta Kinteh Island: Coming Home without Shackles.

There will be special advance screenings during the day on August 2, 2013 for designated middle school and College of Charleston students. The impact this film will have on students and their families in the Charleston area will be absolutely invaluable.

For more information on the screening of Kunta Kinteh Island: Coming Home without Shackles, contact the Avery Research Center at 843.953.7609.