The George A. Smathers Libraries are dedicating a legacy collection of Black film & film literature to memory of the late Dr. Patricia Hilliard-Nunn.
Dr. Hilliard-Nunn was a beloved educator and activist who dedicated many years to the UF African American Studies Program as an adjunct associate professor. She first joined the Program in 2007, but had been a part of the University and Gainesville communities for many years prior. During her time at UF, she taught a broad range of courses. However, she demonstrated an interest and passion for film and media. In 1993, she earned her doctorate in Mass Communication from Florida State University, and she continued to teach and publish on Black film throughout her rich career. Dr. Hilliard-Nunn was equally as skilled behind the camera as she was behind a lectern, utilizing her skills as a director and producer to tell Black stories through film.
The Dr. Patricia Hilliard-Nunn Black Film and Film Literature Collection is a selection of popular films spanning Black film history; documentaries on Black history, culture, and social issues; and secondary, scholarly works on Black film theory, criticism and analyses. The Collection contains a variety of formats, including DVD and Blu-ray disc, streaming video, as well as print and eBooks. The Collection is managed by Stephanie Birch, African American Studies Librarian, with the support of Jeanne Ewert, Film Studies Librarian. Together, they will continue to build the collection over time. Each item in the collection will be designated by a custom-designed print and/or digital bookplate.
The Collection is also be supported by an online guide for both campus and public users. It includes a full list of film titles in the collections, as well as additional Black film resources available in the local community, online and through the UF Libraries.
Beginning February 12 and throughout Black History Month, a selection of DVDs and Blu-ray discs from the Collection will be on display on the 2nd floor of Library West. Materials are available for check-out to UF students, faculty and staff. A corresponding display will be available to the public through the Alachua County Library District (ACLD). For more information, please visit the ACLD website: https://www.aclib.us/.
For questions concerning the collection or Library West display, please contact Stephanie Birch, UF African American Studies Librarian, at stephanie.birch@ufl.edu. For questions regarding the Alachua County Library District display, please contact Joyce West, Public Services Division Director, at jwest@aclib.us.