In 2017, Modos Media was asked to produce a film telling the story of the African-American history of Blythewood, South Carolina These films tell that story as told by six women representing some of the most well known families that have lived in Blythewood for many generations. The stories cross many generations of their families and reflect the translation of the big events of American history both good and bad, via their families’ personal experiences. The stories are inspiring, disturbing and empowering. We hear of families and their neighbors, building a better future from the days following emancipation, sharecropping, working together to create the first black high school in the area, encouraging friends and neighbors to register to vote, despite occasional fierce and frightening opposition, and so much more. Through the lens of Blythewood, we see the story of the south in America.
The film was produced by Raymond Smith and filmed and edited by Andrew Smith for the Town of Blythewood in 2017. Thanks also to Larry Griffin and Malcolm Gordge for asking us to make this film.
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Dorothy Wilson talks about her grandfather, William Griffin. The history of William Griffin goes back to 1886. The Griffin family were sharecroppers and farmers. Her grandfather purchased 80 acres of...
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Constelena Kelly's great-great grandfather, a Caucasian man, was married to a Cherokee Native American who lived on the reservation. A time came when she was not allowed to live anywhere but on the...
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Francine Davis' family moved to Blythewood in 1940 so she can attend the only black high school available in District 2. There were several church-based schools for black children to attend, but...
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Explore the African American community through the experiences of Blythewood resident, Ruby Brice. Brice's paternal family lived in Blythewood since the late 1800s. In the early 1900s, her maternal...
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Naomi and Matty share memories of their father and growing up in Blythewood. Their father was a farmer and activist, encouraging people in the community to register to vote. This was during the time...
