CAPE MAY - East Lynne Theater Company will honor Juneteenth with a screening of “Whispers from the Forgotten,” a 33-minute documentary that explores the history of Union Bethel Civil Cemetery, an important Cape May County African American cemetery, in the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME Church.
“Whispers from the Forgotten,” directed by South Jersey-based filmmakers Tim Millaway and Tom Coyle, premiered on Philadelphia's Access Channel in January. The movie unveils the forgotten stories of African American heroes who fought for freedom and equality, while delving into the history of this sacred ground, shedding light on the lives of those who were marginalized and silenced. Additionally, the documentary was seen last month at the Hammonton Film Festival, and will be screened later this month at the New Jersey Shore Film Festival.
“East Lynne Theater Company’s recent move into the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME Church has given us a responsibility to offer programming that remains true to the original reason this structure is here – as a place of worship for Cape May’s African American population,” East Lynne Executive Director Mark David Boberick said. “The Clemans Theater is now a venue for world-class arts programming, yes. But we also feel deeply about continuing our strong connection with this treasured community.”
The screening will take place 3 p.m. Sunday, June 22. Millaway will be available for a Q&A session following the screening, potentially alongside some descendants of the African American Civil War Soldiers buried in the cemetery.
The event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted. No reservations are required.
The Clemans Theater is located at 717 Franklin St., Cape May. For more information, go to EastLynneTheater.org.
