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The Life and Times of Elizabeth Keckly

Elizabeth Keckly, although born enslaved within a few miles of Petersburg, has just become recognized for her amazing story. Even today, the recognition of her drive and perseverance can provide significant inspiration to young people, and struggling adults. We were able to recreate several important moments in her history as well as interview a number of regional, state, and national experts to bring her story to life.

  • Tim Reid
    Director
    Once Upon a Time, When We Were Colored; Asunder; For Real;Blues in the Night;WKRP; Frank's Place
  • Elvatrice Belsches
    Writer
  • Ken Roy
    Producer
    Troop 491, Shooting the Prodigal
  • April Marcell
    Key Cast
    No Weapon Shall Prosper
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    42 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    October 19, 2014
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    BMCC
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Petersburg
    October 19, 2014
Director Biography - Tim Reid

Timothy L. "Tim" Reid (born December 19, 1944) is an American actor, comedian and film director best known for his roles in prime time American television programs, such as Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–82), Marcel "Downtown" Brown on Simon & Simon (1983–87), Ray Campbell on Sister, Sister (1994–99) and William Barnett on That '70s Show (2004–2006). Reid starred in a CBS series, Frank's Place, as a professor who inherits a Louisiana restaurant. Reid has directed various television programs as well the film Once Upon a Time...When We Were Colored based on a novel by Clifton L. Taulbert.

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Director Statement

“We want to show Keckly from a different set of eyes” . “She wasn’t a dressmaker,’ she was a designer.” She created innovative styles for formal dresses. She was a businesswoman who hired and trained a studio of seamstresses. She founded several civil rights organizations. She was an author, a mother, a feminist. “She was a true Renaissance woman of the modern era.