Hey Cuties,
Last week I had the honor of attending the screening of The Green Book Guide to Freedom at the Blacksonian [National Museum of African American History & Culture]. I legit thought this was a screening for the movie Green Book. I clearly failed to read the invite for understanding, but what I got was even better. However now having the history and back story of The Green Book Guide to Freedom I really want to see the movie Green Book. Let me start by saying YOU CAN see this one too. The Green Book Guide to Freedom documentary premieres on Monday, February 25th on Comcast’s Smithsonian channel. You can also watch it online NOW www.bit.ly/GreenBook2019 Now let me tell you about the event and documentary without spoilers. This is an excellent Black History documentary to watch for yourself and with kids. It is very educational, it is honest, it is real life stories, but not brutal or violent in any way.
I have worked with Comcast over a few years now, and I am always honored when they invite me out. I went for comfy and cute. [Dress: Target Tights: UNIQLO Shoes: J. Crew]
The event kicked off with cocktails and light refreshments.
Then they ushered us all into the Oprah Winfrey Theater, this is like my third time in here and it never gets old. My favorite boo TheStyleMedic and I took our proper place on the second row. Backstory: I charged up my camera battery the night before so I could be ready. She had her brought her camera so she would be ready. I went to shoot pics only to discover my battery was still at home. FAIL! She forgot her camera in the car which was several blocks away. FAIL! So we had to use iPhone photography all night long. It worked out though.
Prior to the screening, we had remarks from the following:
Representative: National Museum of African American History and Culture
Donna Rattley Washington: Regional VP, Government & Community Impact Comcast Beltway Region
David Royle: EVP, Programming & Production Smithsonian Channel
After the documentary screening, we enjoyed a panel discussion: L to R
Moderator, Bruce Johnson: Anchor, WUSA 9 Yoruba Richen: Filmmaker, The Green Book: Guide to Freedom S. Marquette Folley: Content Director, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services [SITES] Brent Leggs: Director, African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, National Trust for Historic Preservation FUN FACT: Marquette and Brent are in the documentary.
The discussion was good and could go on forever. After that, they answered questions from the audience. The grand finale was The Green Book Exhibit on level 2. The crazy things I’ve been to the museum and I’ve seen this exhibit, but I didn’t get it like I do now.
Cars were huge back in the day, this was your pride and joy. So they cut this one in half to create the exhibit. it’s clean though let me tell ya!
The back of the chopped car is an interactive experience. You see visuals on the windshield of the car and it talks to you. The screen allows you to participate. This particular part is preparing you for a trip and you must load in your must-have items for travel.
Once you loaded up and are ready to go, now you have to figure out which route you will take.
Behind the car is the exhibit board that goes into more detail.
The details on why The Green Book was necessary.
Pages from the actual Green Book shows you places you can patron in order by state.
When you run into your squad and didn’t even know they would be in attendance.
The documentary was eye-opening, some of the things I knew, but so much I did not know. Some of the practices they implemented for safe travel during this time period ironically enough are practices/habits/routines my Mom did for us while traveling in the ’80s. I had no idea until now, I thought it was what everyone did.
Do you plan to watch the documentary? Have you seen the movie Green Book? Chat with me in the comments below or FB, IG, and Twitter.
February 12, 2019 @ 10:29 am
This was one of the kids’ favorite exhibits at the museum. I can’t wait to watch the documentary. Your outfit was fabulous!
February 12, 2019 @ 2:00 pm
Oh, I love that. You guys will enjoy it.
February 12, 2019 @ 5:27 pm
Wow this looks amazing! I’ve never heard this story before so I definitely am going to watch the documentary right now!!
February 19, 2019 @ 1:44 pm
Please do, it was very well done.
February 12, 2019 @ 10:42 pm
Have not seen the movie but I have been at the exhibit. It is AMAZING how much planning AA had to take while traveling southbound. No matter what WE deal with in 2019 it is NOTHING like back then.
February 19, 2019 @ 1:52 pm
Yes, we are not where we want to be but we still have come so far.
February 13, 2019 @ 8:43 pm
I’ve heard of the Green Book before and this set up sounds great! Definitely cool for BHM. Your outfit is lovely too!
February 19, 2019 @ 1:43 pm
Thanks, it was a deeper lesson than I realized I would get.
February 15, 2019 @ 9:51 am
What an amazing event! I can’t wait to visit the National Museum of African American History & Culture, I am trying to get my family to schedule a trip so we can go together! Your outfit was super cute!
February 19, 2019 @ 1:43 pm
You guys will enjoy it, it is a lot to see and take in. Take a break and eat, the food is delicious. Then check out the rest.
February 16, 2019 @ 9:46 am
What an awesome experience. I can’t wait to take the kids. You looked fab and how awesome to be so near the car.
February 19, 2019 @ 12:21 pm
Thanks! They do such an amazing job with the exhibits at the Blacksonian. I love that they went all out.
February 16, 2019 @ 6:39 pm
This looks like this movie will be amazing and educational at the same time. The pictures you provided were great and its nice you got to hear from a panel that included 2 people from the actual movie. The movie is a must watch so thanks for providing the link.
February 19, 2019 @ 1:46 pm
It was nice, the young lady that created the movie wasn’t even from that era. Yet she told their stories in the perfect way.
February 16, 2019 @ 6:50 pm
Your recap was great. Prior to this documentary viewing, I visited the NMAAHC 4 times but truly didn’t value the significance of the 2nd floor until I watched the documentary. I hope they will do similar documentaries but it was an amazing experience.
February 19, 2019 @ 12:18 pm
Thanks, I hope they do similar docs as well. It is an incredible way to educate the masses. I receive the information differently this way.
I too didn’t fully understand the importance of the exhibit until the doc.
February 16, 2019 @ 11:19 pm
The exhibit looks amazing! I would love to check this out. Such a treat for Black History Month.
February 19, 2019 @ 12:20 pm
You really should, they did an incredible job putting it together.
February 17, 2019 @ 5:26 pm
I have an original green book in my office. I haven’t gone to see the movie but it’s on my list of movies to see. I can’t believe we’ve come so far but Lawd I feel like 45 is taking us backwards. I wanted to take my book and see if any of the original places are still open
February 19, 2019 @ 1:45 pm
OMG! That is so freaking cool, girl they are going for big bucks. Hold on to it for dear life. 45 is taking us back girl, we might need a 2019 version.
February 17, 2019 @ 8:39 pm
What a great opportunity. I would really like to see this exhibit at the Blacksonian. I finally visited last September for the first time and I got to see the Oprah exhibit. Thanks for the link to the documentary.
February 19, 2019 @ 1:44 pm
Nice! The museum is so very well done. I love to go every chance I get.
February 17, 2019 @ 10:30 pm
This exhibit looks dope!! I’m gonna take my son!
February 19, 2019 @ 12:17 pm
It really is, it is a fun way to learn.
February 17, 2019 @ 11:04 pm
First off this is awesome. Second I still need to see this. Interactive stuff is always a plus too.
February 19, 2019 @ 12:16 pm
It is a great follow up to the documentary. The interactive exhibit allows us to get it in a different type of way.
February 18, 2019 @ 4:35 pm
I have yet to see the movie but my cousin was the dialect coach for cast. I just saw a segment on the actual Green book and had never even heard of it but what an amazing part of our history. I’ve been meaning to call my grandmother to see if she’s got a copy. I’m sure this was an amazing and enlightening experience for you all.
February 19, 2019 @ 1:53 pm
Oh wow, that is incredible. Watch the documentary that I linked to and then watch the movie. It will blow your mind.
February 18, 2019 @ 11:07 pm
This looks like the perfect documentary for us to watch as a family. I hadn’t even heard of it. ? Love the outfit btw!
February 19, 2019 @ 12:15 pm
It is, there is so much to take from it. Thanks!
February 19, 2019 @ 11:50 am
Such an amazing experience! Everyone’s been talking about the real Green book and it’s so inspiring. I really hope to visit the Smithsonian one day.
February 19, 2019 @ 12:15 pm
It really is a story of inspiration, naturally we wish we didn’t need it. It is a reminder that our people continue to make a way.
February 19, 2019 @ 4:42 pm
You are lucky to have going to this The Green Book experience. I saw the movie and it was a touching movie I swear I didnt know it was a special book for traveling black people in the past.
February 26, 2019 @ 10:16 am
Now you need to see the Documentary, so you can get the full truth of what that experience was like for us.
February 19, 2019 @ 9:21 pm
Wow what a great experience! I’m definitely going to watch the documentary. Your makeup looked lovely btw
February 26, 2019 @ 10:18 am
Thanks, I hope you enjoy it.
February 20, 2019 @ 10:20 am
I still haven’t seen the movie, but I want to. Ooo maybe I’ll check our local drive-in movie. That way I can take my son. Things are just easier when I don’t have to find a babysitter. I’ll definitely watch the documentary too, but I want to watch the movie first.
February 26, 2019 @ 11:01 am
See this documentary before you go see the movie. This way you have a better perspective.
February 20, 2019 @ 3:44 pm
Man, I need to move out East because you get the best invites! I’ve heard about the real book that the movie is based on. I need to see this during Black History Month.
February 26, 2019 @ 10:20 am
Come on girl, we would welcome you with open arms. You do need to watch, it is incredible.
February 28, 2019 @ 11:33 am
Wow, Mimi! This looks like an incredible time and an amazing learning experience!
March 4, 2019 @ 3:41 pm
It was, I learned so much more by watching this doc.