NPU-H: Our History, Our Legacy, Our Community is an in-depth documentary aimed at preserving the history of the NPU-H West Atlanta communities. Led by Tanzy Ward and Khalifa Lee, the project documents the experiences of the NPU-H West Atlanta community's Black residents, focusing on the elders and legacy residents who have shaped the neighborhood. The film includes historical narratives, personal stories, and significant landmarks, offering a comprehensive view of the NPU-H West Atlanta community's evolution. This documentary is a primary source for understanding the community's history and the importance of preserving its cultural heritage. It aims to be featured at local festivals and community events, fostering a greater appreciation for the NPU-H West Atlanta communities past and present.
The documentary is set in the present but delves into historical events, places, and people that define the NPU-H West Atlanta communities. It features stories from elders and legacy residents, capturing memories and experiences from when Black families first moved into the area. This project addresses the lack of detailed, publicly accessible history about the NPU-H West Atlanta communities, spotlighting significant leaders and places beyond the well-known Cascade Skating Rink.
The film emphasizes the preservation of oral storytelling, allowing legacy residents to serve as primary sources. It begins with the early history of Adamsville, predominantly its Black settlement, and transitions into the migration of Black families and the formation of community organizations. Key segments include:
​
-
The founding and evolution of the NPU-H West Atlanta community civic clubs.
-
Personal narratives from the first Black families in the NPU-H West Atlanta Communities
-
The impact of historic churches, community organizations, and businesses.
-
An urgent need for continued historic preservation and accurate storytelling.
The Story
Our documentary aims to champion the preservation of oral storytelling by featuring firsthand accounts from legacy residents and elders as primary sources. The narrative will trace the emergence of innovative community initiatives led by the NPU-H West Atlanta community eldesers, including the pioneering establishment of the area's first community civic clubs. Emphasizing the pressing need to safeguard Adamsville's historic sites and foster community-oriented growth, we'll showcase iconic churches, grassroots organizations, businesses, and cherished memories integral to the NPU-H West Atlanta community's identity.
Who We're Looking for
We will focus on the legacy residents and elders who’ve lived in the communities for multiple generations. The first community leaders and neighbors who started the civic clubs and other community-oriented organizations. The documentary will include dozens of other life-long Adamsville civic leaders and neighbors who are residents of the community. We are currently in the process of reaching out to community legacy residents and elders and asking if they would like to be a part of the documentary. We will be recording the oral history and journey of more than one legacy resident. WE NEED YOUR PHOTOS AND HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS!
