“Ten Days in September 1956” is a retelling of the pivotal events that unfolded at Poolesville High School in Maryland in 1956. This documentary briefly explores the town’s history, chronicling the path to desegregation through newspaper reports and insightful interviews with historians.
The documentary unfolds through powerful firsthand accounts from those who lived through the desegregation. The narrative takes us to the heart of a community grappling with change as African American students integrate into what was once an exclusive white school. Through the lens of George Barnes Jr, an African American student who experienced integration in 1956, we witness the resilience and determination that defined this transformative chapter in the small town’s history.
“Ten Days in September 1956” reconstructs the events of the desegregation day, employing voice acting to bring quotes from newspapers to life, paired with compelling photos taken on that historic day. This approach sheds light on the complexity of the African American experience during this crucial period.
The documentary captures the present by highlighting the high school’s recent renovation, signifying significant changes to the structure that witnessed the events of 1956. After the school is renovated, the documentary serves as a potent reminder that we must not forget our past and continually strive for a better future for our community.
“Ten Days in September 1956” pays homage to the indomitable spirit of those who dared to challenge prejudice, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to shape Poolesville today.
I started working on this film during my first year in high school in 2018. It is now 2024; I am a college sophomore and finally ready to publish this film. I am very passionate about the story and the impact that this documentary could have because of its historical significance to the small town I live in and the nation. When I was taught about the high school desegregation in high school, what was taught was riddled with misinformation because of a need for more people willing to report its truthfulness. I have done hundreds of hours of research, cross-examining newspapers and interviewing trustworthy sources to discover what happened on September 6th, 1956. I hope this film inspires people to research for themselves and share truthful history from a non-biased perspective.