The documentary special “Our America: Mission Montford Point” is airing on stations representing more than 95% of the country, to date. The special tells the story of first black men to join the Marines – the last arm of the military to end segregation, their lost history, and the efforts being made to tell their story and honor their legacy. “Our America: Mission Montford Point” will continue to air throughout February’s Black History Month – check your local listings for times and channels.
“It’s imperative that someday all Montford Pointers receive the proper recognition for their remarkable contributions to our nation,” said Porsha Grant, executive producer. “Our America: Mission Montford Point. “It is our hope that the show’s wider distribution will lead to more people discovering hidden heroes in their own families and will encourage us all to seek a more precise understanding of American history.”
“We’re incredibly pleased to bring this impactful, entertaining and educational special to new audiences and would like to thank these stellar group of stations around the country for also recognizing its value for their viewers,” commented Chris Oldre, Executive Vice President of Content Sales, The Walt Disney Company.
“Our America: Mission Montford Point” was produced by the ABC Owned Television Stations and initially aired on all eight stations in November. The documentary special will rebroadcast on these stations throughout the winter in honor of Black History Month, and as part of an expanded distribution agreement with The Walt Disney Company, is also now airing on stations from broadcast groups including Cox Media Group, Fox Television Stations, Gray Television, Hearst Television, Nexstar Media, Scripps Television Stations, Sinclair Broadcast Group, and Tegna, among others.
Chronicling the history of the Montford Point Marines, the half-hour special highlights the dedicated individuals locating these Marines and their descendants in an effort to honor them with the Congressional Gold Medal the men collectively earned in 2012. Presently, an estimated 2,000 men have received the medal, leaving approximately 18,000 who are still due the honor. The U.S. Marine Corps was the last of the armed forces to allow Black men to join. Still, the men came from far and wide and enlisted while staring down racism and discrimination. Housing conditions and treatment were harsh, but the Montford Point Marines persevered. Thousands saw combat in World War II’s Pacific Theater. Some of the Montford Pointers continued to serve with honor in the USMC after the end of segregation in the military, and others went on to have distinguished careers in public service and the private sector.
A Disney blooded, crafty, fun-lovin’ wife/mom/organizer/planner, etc who is obsessed with all things Disney 🙂 Maria grew up with the Magic Kingdom and has loved watching WDW evolve into what it is today. A firm believer in the Power of Pixie Dust, she is the owner of The Disney Driven Life – A Community for Neurotic Disney People & a d.i.y. crafty blog, Carousel of Projects – create~inspire~share.
