National History Day Students Named for Smithsonian Documentary Showcase

Category: Community News Community News
Published: 25 June 2021 25 June 2021

rashelbarragan1Rashel Barraganelizabethmcdonald1Elizabeth McDonaldNational Museum of African American History and Culture Selected Student Films Showcased in the Smithsonian Learning Lab

WASHINGTON, D.C.—National History Day® (NHD), the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), and the Smithsonian Learning Lab are pleased to announce the global premier of 33 documentary films, to be featured in an online showcase. The films were produced by middle and high school students competing in the 2021 NHD National Contest and were screened and selected by NMAAHC staff. The documentaries premiered, Wednesday, June 16, via the Smithsonian Learning Lab.

NHD students whose films were selected for the showcase grappled with topics consistent with the mission of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Their documentaries address topics of African American history, civil and human rights, and the experiences of historically underrepresented, marginalized, or subjugated peoples.

These 10-minute films also reflect the 2021 NHD theme, Communication in History: The Key to Understanding.

Due to the continued impact of the coronavirus pandemic, this showcase will be exclusively available online through the Smithsonian Learning Lab, instead of being screened in-person in the NMAAHC’s Oprah Winfrey Theater.

“Despite the ongoing public health emergency, the virtual nature of this showcase allows us to leverage modern technology to share student work that addresses important movements and advancements in communications history,” said National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “These students have recognized, researched, and refined powerful stories of communication breakthroughs and pioneers of the past. We are so grateful to our partners at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Smithsonian Learning Lab for making this showcase accessible to millions of people around the world.”

The 33 student films will be available to stream online for one week via the Smithsonian Learning Lab, from Wednesday, June 16 through Wednesday, June 24.

This program is generously supported by United Airlines.

The two following films and students have been selected from New Mexico to be featured in this showcase:

  • Communicating Through Art: The Harlem Renaissance, by Rashel Barragan from Silver High School in Silver City, New Mexico
  • Communication through the Arts: Gordon Parks' Choice of Weapons, by Elizabeth McDonald from Silver High School in Silver City, New Mexico

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