Sunup Initiative hosting online screening of 1919 film

The Sunup Initiative is continuing its effort to shine light on the tragic action of 1919 when African-American’s were forced out of Corbin on Friday night when it hosts a virtual screening and discussion of Black in Appalachia’s, “The Corbin Expulsion of 1919.”

Last year, Mayor Suzie Razmus joined members of the Sunup Initiatve with the proclamation recognizing the Corbin race riot in 1919, and declaring Corbin to be “a welcoming city.”

Friday marks 101 years since the incident. By educating ourselves about this event, we continue the conversation about improving race relations and promote healing and progress,” said Sunup member Lisa Garrison. “Even in the anger and chaos of that event, there were good people that protected others and pushed back on the violence. Corbin is no longer a sundown town. We are moving forward and try to make all people feel welcome here in Corbin.”

Sunup officials have said previously that the effort to acknowledge the incident that has been the subject of rumor and speculation, was not about reopening old wounds, but to allow Corbin to move forward from the darkest point in its history that led to it earning a reputation as a “sundown town” for people of color.

An online discussion of the film is scheduled to take place afterward.

The screening and discussion may be viewed at www.sunupcorbin.com.