Image credit: Various branches of the Dula family come together at the Dulatown gravesite. Courtesy of Leslie Dula Mckesson.
About the film
Dulatown is a documentary short about a community in Lenoir, NC established from the land of a slave owner (Alfred Dula) bequeathed to his slave (Harriet) and their eight children. Dulatown remains home to the extended Dula clan and embraces its history at a bi-annual reunion where in recent years both African-American and White Dula relatives come together around their shared genealogy to acknowledge they have more in common than just a surname. Using contemporary interviews with members of the Dula family alongside historical images, this film weaves an insightful tale of history, family, race and identity.
About the Speakers
Beth Davison (PhD) is a faculty member and Co-Director of University Documentary Film Services at Appalachian State University. She teaches documentary studies and research methods at the university. Her documentaries have screened internationally and on PBS stations. She works ongoing with many community partners including her work with the National Park Service.
Dr. Leslie Dula McKesson is a retired community college educator and administrator who combines her career experience, family history, and academic research to lead people in discussions around race and equity. Her work spans her career, with some of her current roles including Equity Specialist for The Industrial Commons, Commissioner for the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission, President of Historic Burke Foundation, and member of the North Caroliniana Society. She serves as adjunct faculty with Appalachian State University and has taught graduate leadership studies at Lenoir-Rhyne. An author and public speaker who has received numerous awards and distinctions, she is married with four adult children and fourteen grandchildren.
ABOUT MOVIES AT THE MUSEUM
Movies at the Museum features films by North Carolina filmmakers and films about the arts, history, and culture of the Appalachian region. The films feature a guest speaker and are followed by a discussion with opportunities to ask questions and reflect on the films' highlights.