Fifth Third Bank Hosts Free Public Screening Of "Whatever Happened to Idlewild?"

Fifth Third Bank Hosts Free Public Screening Of "Whatever Happened to Idlewild?"

Sunday, September 23, 2012, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Honoring the Centennial Anniversary of this historic African American Resort

CHICAGO, Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifth Third Bank Chicago and the DuSable Museum of African American History will host an exclusive free showing of a one-hour documentary entitled "Whatever Happened to Idlewild?" on Sunday, September 23, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the DuSable Museum located at 740 E. 56(th) Place, Chicago. (Doors open at 1:30 p.m.) The film was produced by award-winning documentarian Coy Davis, who spent his youth at this recreational resort.

From the 1930s through the 1960s, Idlewild was considered to be the Black Mecca for African-Americans. In this time of strict racial segregation, people wanted the opportunity for recreational pursuits in a setting removed far from racism and discrimination in the cities. Idlewild was one of only a few resorts in the country where African-Americans were allowed to vacation and purchase property before this discrimination became illegal in 1964.

The Museum encourages Chicagoans who have been to Idlewild to attend and contribute to a discussion that will follow the film screening. "Idlewild was a part of a time in our story when Blacks had to create their own entertainment due to Restrictive Covenants. It's great that Fifth Third is presenting this film and encouraging conversation with people who were a part of that history," says Dr. Carol L. Adams, President & CEO, DuSable Museum.

The film depicts the rise, with footage from the Miss Idlewild beauty pageant from 1927 to the downfall of the Black Eden. This story is told by the people, who actually lived it, and experienced the delight of seeing up-close-and-personal some of the greatest African-American entertainers of our time including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Dinah Washington, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, and others.

Film producer, Coy Davis, a former Chicagoan, is well known locally also spent 9 years in Chicago with WFLD-TV, Telerep, and the National Black Network. He is available for interviews and screenings by calling 616-977-2913.

Media Contact: Andrew Hayes, 312-823-4333

SOURCE Fifth Third Bank Chicago

Fifth Third Bank Chicago


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