The African American Department presents:

Justice and Reconciliation -Film screening

Local filmmaker and scholar Xavier Frink and co-producer Michael Nelson will screen their documentary, Justice and Reconciliation: Henry Highland Garnet to Harvey Johnson. The film explores two Maryland leaders who pushed for justice under the law and a cultural reconciliation for African Americans. 

Henry Highland Garnet, a leading voice in the Liberty Party, president of the African Civilization Society, and chaplain for Union Soldiers on Riker's Island, speaks to the reality of the Civil War period. 

Harvey Johnson, formed the Brotherhood of Liberty, a blueprint for the Niagara Movement and the NAACP. He also created an organization similar to the AME Church with the Colored Baptist Convention of Maryland. Ultimately, he pushed for a theory in Texas, which highlights the importance of Juneteenth and the need for pluralism in America.

Both individuals led organizations that fought to transform the United States while embracing their African heritage. In memory of Juneteenth, learn about past Maryland leaders who reached national heights as they fought for civil and human rights.