Senior Services at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will recognize Black History Month with a film series scheduled for Tuesdays in February. All films will be shown in the MPCC dining room, and popcorn will be available. All ages are welcome. Attendees are asked to register the Monday prior to the showing of each film. For more information, call 423-434-6237. 

Films and Descriptions

“Pride” Feb. 4 at 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

This 2007 feature film directed by Sunu Gonera is loosely based on the true story of James “Jim” Ellis who started a swim team for troubled teens at the Philadelphia Department of Recreation. The PG-rated film stars actors Terrence Howard and Bernie Mac among others. 

 “Akeelah and the Bee” Feb. 11 at 1:30 and 5:30 p.m.

A young girl from South Los Angeles tries to make it to the National Spelling Bee. The 2006 film is rated PG and stars Keke Palmer, Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett.

 “Gifted Hands – The Ben Carson Story” Feb. 18 at 1:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Cuba Gooding Jr. stars as pediatric neurosurgeon Ben Carson, who overcame enormous obstacles to study medicine and work at John Hopkins Hospital in this docudrama based on Carson’s memoirs. 

 “A Ballerina’s Tale” Feb. 25 at 1:30 p.m. only.

This 2015 documentary focuses on the career of Misty Copeland, the first African-American principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. Copeland also narrates the film.

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