Prince William County Public Schools

In observance of Black History Month, Potomac High School is holding an ongoing film festival to bring more awareness to African American contributions to the arts. Every Thursday for the month of February, students have the opportunity to view a film in one of four separate classrooms. The films, many of which are directed or produced by African Americans, tell the stories of notable African Americans and feature diverse characters. Among the choices are: "42," "Lee Daniels' The Butler," "Hidden Figures," "Selma," and "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse."

"The focus of the event is to bring awareness of African American actors', producers', and filmmakers' contribution to the arts," said Erica Edwards, an earth science teacher at Potomac High. "We also hope to enlighten students about the contributions of African Americans in history such as sports, science and civil rights."

"42" is a 2013 biographical film about the racial integration of African American professional baseball player, Jackie Robinson, into major league baseball. Robinson wore jersey number 42 throughout his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

"Lee Daniels' The Butler" is a 2013 biographical film based on the life of Eugene Allen. Allen was an African American who worked in the White House for 34 years and witnessed several notable political and social events of the 20th century.

"Hidden Figures" is a 2016 biographical film about three African American female mathematicians who worked at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the Space Race.

"Selma" is a 2014 historical drama film based on the 1965 voting rights marches that took place in Alabama from Selma to Montgomery.

"Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" is a 2018 computer-animated film featuring the Marvel Comics character, Miles Morales. Morales is an Afro-Latino teenage science prodigy who gains superpowers and joins other Spider-Men from various dimensions to save New York City from villains.

The festival is being sponsored by Potomac High's National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Culinary Club. Edwards hopes that the film festival will also encourage students to consider joining these extracurricular activities.