ATLANTA (January 9, 2019) — On Jan. 24 at 6 p.m., the Friends’ Council of the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library will present a screening of the award-winning documentary MAYNARD for the benefit of students and faculty members in the Atlanta University Center and the surrounding communities. The screening is free of charge and will take place in the Virginia Lacy Jones Exhibition Hall of the AUC Woodruff Library, located at 111 James P. Brawley Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA 30314. Limited seats (250) are available.

The project was conceived because of the desire to provide an opportunity for the students in the AUC, especially at Morehouse College, to learn more about one of their favorite sons, Maynard Holbrook Jackson. The first elected African-American mayor from the City of Atlanta, Jackson is also part of the official name of the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport. As we embark upon this new year and Black History Month, observing 400 years in America, the Friends’ Council wants to ensure that our students and supporters are aware of the great impact Mayor Jackson had on this city.  The screening is made possible by the collaboration of the Friends’ Council and Auburn Avenue Films, the producers of the film.

The AUC Woodruff Library’s Archives Research Center has arranged to put several items from Jackson’s collection on display. The Maynard Jackson Mayoral Administrative Records document Jackson’s term as vice-mayor, as well as his three terms as mayor of Atlanta and associated campaign efforts. The collection showcases the pioneering changes Jackson brought to Atlanta in the areas of transportation, minority business inclusion and reorganization of municipal administration.

The Friend’s Council of the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library and Auburn Avenue Films sincerely appreciate the support of our project sponsor for the financial backing toward the screening of MAYNARD, the full-length documentary film.  Without this funding and support, this screening would not have been possible.

Even though the event is free to students and faculty, those interested in attending are urged to RSVP by visiting maynardscreening.eventbrite.com. For more information and to speak with a representative of the Friends’ Council, please contact Willene White-Smith, Chair, at 404-273-1626.

About the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library

The Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library serves the nation’s largest consortium of historically black colleges and universities, which includes Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College and Spelman College. As the intellectual center of this prestigious academic community, the Library’s mission is to provide the highest level of information resources and services in support of student and faculty success and the cultural preservation of the Atlanta University Center. In addition to the aesthetic benefits of this state-of-the-art facility, the Library has evolved into a model repository of information resources and a front-runner in the innovative delivery of digital resources. The AUC Woodruff Library is the winner of the 2016 Excellence in Academic Libraries Award in the university category from the Association of Collegiate and Research Libraries (ACRL). Library CEO Loretta Parham was named the ACRL 2017 Academic/Research Librarian of the Year. Additional information about the AUC Woodruff Library is available at here.

About the Friends’ Council

The Friends’ Council of the Atlanta University Center Woodruff Library is a diverse (age, gender, cultural and economic background) group of volunteers with a wide range of talents, areas of influence and community activism.  Founded in 2009, with Dr. Helen Kilpatrick Threatt serving as Founding Coordinator and former 12th First Lady of Morris Brown College & Librarian, the Friends’ Council of the AUC Woodruff Library’s stated purpose is to support the Library’s vision and mission through sponsorship of community engagement activities that heighten visibility and awareness. The members also serve as advocates connecting the Library to the greater Atlanta community to build partnerships and support.  The Council is a part of the dynamic academic community and uses its individual talents and expertise in planning and presenting programs, exhibits and events highlighting AUC Woodruff Library resources and services along with establishing connections with alumni of the Atlanta University Center institutions.

About Auburn Avenue Films (AAF)

Founded in 2015 for the purpose of producing the documentary film about Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr, by Maynard Jackson III and his wife, Wendy Eley Jackson, Auburn Avenue Films is a collaborative team of dynamic multi-cultural minds. Based in the heart of Atlanta, GA., AAF thrives on taking concepts and transforming them into experiences that tell stories. Whether its studio made motion and television projects, indie films or digital entertainment, they use creative assets to create inspiration and innovative stories at award winning levels. AAF has become a force in Atlanta’s Film industry; look for future films and television projects in the near future.   www.auburnavenuefilms.com