What:
A framed enlargement of a soon–to–be–released U.S. Postage Stamp commemorating former Great Bend, KS, resident, and pioneer filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, will be presented to some of his relatives during a reception hosted by the Barton County Arts Council. The Council has done considerable work through the years to honor Micheaux’ legacy. Micheaux’ parents moved to Great Bend in 1901, where Micheaux once lived, and was known to return frequently during his life. Micheaux and his parents are buried in the Great Bend Cemetery. The postage stamp will go on sale at Post Offices nationwide beginning June 22.
When:
7:15 p.m., Saturday, June 19, 2010
Where:
Barton County Arts Council
1401 Main St.
Great Bend, KS, 67530
Who:
Relatives of Oscar Micheaux
Karen Neuforth, Executive Director, Barton County Arts Council
Shelly Lippert, Acting Postmaster, Great Bend, KS
Background:
The 33rd stamp in the Black Heritage series honors pioneering filmmaker Oscar Micheaux (1884–1951), who wrote, directed, produced, and distributed more than 40 movies during the first half of the 20th century. An ambitious, larger–than–life figure, Micheaux thrived at a time when African–American filmmakers were rare, venues for their work were scarce, and support from the industry did not exist. Micheaux’ entrepreneurial spirit and independent vision continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers and artists.
Forgotten after his death, Micheaux was rediscovered in the late 1960s by South Dakota historians and in the 1970s by film historians interested in early black cinema. Although only 15 of his movies are known to have survived in whole or in part, Micheaux has become a cinematic icon. In 1986, he was posthumously awarded a special Directors Guild of America award. In 1995, the Producers Guild of America established the Oscar Micheaux Award to honor “an individual or individuals whose achievements in film and television have been accomplished despite difficult odds.”
In addition to hosting the Oscar Micheaux postage stamp presentation, the reception will include the debut of “Prairie Ink,” a new literary annual celebrating the art of fiction and creative non–fiction, published by Barton Community College.
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