Classic Black Cinema Series: Greased Lightning

551 South Tryon Street,Charlotte NC 28202

12 September, 2021

Description

Enjoy a screening of the classic black film, Greased Lightning, for the price of admission ($9), or free for members! Greased Lightning (1977) This is the true story of Wendell Scott, America's first African American NASCAR driver. Wendell returns home from WWII and finds his hometown the way he left it. Beginning a taxicab business, through which he learns all the county roads, the opportunity of his life presents itself. After an invitation to the local race track, a race car driver is born, unbelievably fast and talented, defying expectations, and pushing boundaries in a racist 1950's America. The track and moment is his. About Classic Black Cinema Series A film series specifically designed as a vehicle to expose the community to the vast artistic value black film has had throughout the years. The goal is to appeal to as diverse a population as possible and further the appreciation of Black cinema. Curator and host, Felix Curtis, came to Charlotte from the Oakland/San Francisco Bay area where he curated The San Francisco Black Film Festival and Black Filmworks, the annual film festival component of the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, where he later served as Executive Director. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture is a multi-disciplinary arts institution in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in 1974 and named for Charlotte civic leader and former mayor Harvey Bernard Gantt, the Gantt Center’s mission is to present, preserve and celebrate excellence in the art, history and culture of African-Americans and those of African descent. Designed by Philip Freelon, co-designer of the new Smithsonian National Museum for African American Art and Culture, the Gantt Center features fine art exhibits from around the world. Visit ganttcenter.org for more information. Harvey B. Gantt Center (Gantt Center) reserves the right to cancel an event due to low enrollment, inclement weather or other circumstances which would interrupt or diminish the overall program experience. If the Gantt Center cancels an event, registrants will be offered a full refund.