'Silas Hunt: A Documentary' to Premiere

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Silas Hunt

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Silas Hunt: A Documentary is the story of the first African American man to attend a Southern land grant university in modern times, as told by the people who knew him. Silas Hunt, a decorated World War II veteran from Texarkana, enrolled in the University of Arkansas School of Law in February 1948. He completed one semester of classes before becoming ill and withdrawing from school. He died the next year from tuberculosis, aggravated by injuries he received during the war. Hunt’s admission to the university began the process of integration at the University of Arkansas and in colleges and universities across the southern United States.

The film was commissioned by Donnie Dutton, dean of the School of Continuing Education. The 12-member staff of the media services department worked for 22 months to tell Silas Hunt’s life story, from his childhood, through his military service and to his time at the university. Christopher Erwin produced and directed the film from a script by Thomas Jordan. Erwin, Jordan and assistant producer Brian Petty researched Hunt’s life, dug up archival pictures and documents, and tracked down the people who knew Silas Hunt during his life, including several who witnessed his experiences at the University of Arkansas. Erwin consulted with professional researchers in Washington, D.C., who helped him find material in the National Archives and the Library of Congress. Media services crews traveled as far away as California to videotape interviews for the film. Erwin estimated that, in all, crews traveled 17,000 miles in 12 states, shot 56 hours of videotape, and found 2,500 documents and images to use in their 63-minute film.

“Every member of the media services staff played a role in the finished product,” said Mandel Samuels, director of media services.

Emmy-nominated actor Steve Harris was hired to narrate the documentary.

Erwin put the total cost of the project at roughly $40,000.

“Silas Hunt: A Documentary” will have its premiere on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Center for Continuing Education on the Fayetteville square. A reception for guests will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the screening will begin at 6:15 p.m.  There is no charge for admission, but a ticket is required.  For tickets call Mandel Samuels at 575-5710.