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HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 5, 2019) — The Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications in partnership with the Virginia Air and Space Museum Center presented a sold-out advanced screening and panel discussion of the new film “HARRIET” on October 30.

The Focus Feature film is based on the inspirational life of freedom fighter Harriet Tubman, telling the extraordinary story of her escape from slavery, transitioning into one of America’s greatest heroes. With courage, ingenuity and tenacity, Tubman freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

Following the screening, a Q&A with members of the audience was led by 88.1 WHOV- FM Station Manager Jay Lang with a panel including HU alumnus Calvin Pearson, founder of Project 1619 Inc.; Scripps Howard Endowed Professor, Willie C. Moore; Fort Monroe Superintendent, Terry E. Brown; and HU alumnus and actress in the film, Morgan McCoy.

Topics of discussion included questions on the film’s historical accuracy, the importance of the film being shot in Virginia and Philadelphia, understanding the significance of Fort Monroe’s historical tie to slavery and what should Hampton University students do now to carry on the legacy of Harriet Tubman and other historical freedom fighters.

The evening was closed with an impassioned thank you from the Dean of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, Ms. B. Da’Vida Plummer.

“I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you,” said Plummer. “There is so much that we can learn from listening to others that have had experiences that we haven’t had. For every student here who has an opportunity to walk to the waterfront tomorrow and look at Fort Monroe and realize that very sand is the sand from 1619 and that you're walking on hallowed ground. And there were many Harriet Tubmans who walked where you study. These opportunities are rare. A little further down the road, you will look back on tonight and think ‘I learned something.’”