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Award-Winning U of M Documentary “Black Diamonds, Blues City” Will Air on WKNO

For release: February 8, 2008
For press information, contact Simone Notter Wilson

Memphis Red Sox ace pitcher Verdell
Mathis congratulates Joe B. Scott,
following Scott's game winning home run. Photo by Ernest Withers.

In conjunction with its premier of “Joe Scott: Memories of the Negro Leagues," on February 14 at 8 p.m., WKNO will show the award winning documentary “Black Diamonds, Blues City," written and directed by Steven Ross, University of Memphis film professor, and produced by Ross and John Haddock, U of M professor of mathematics.

The 1996 documentary is narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and presents the story of the Memphis Red Sox and Negro League baseball. During its initial release, the documentary was shown on public television in many major American cities.

“Black Diamonds, Blues City" was honored as “Best Regional Film/Video Production" at the Nashville Film Festival, and was selected for screening at the Los Angeles International Film Festival, the Dallas Video Festival, the Louisville Film and Video festival, and IndieMemphis.

The film will air on Thursday, February 14 at 8:30 p.m. on WKNO/Channel 10, and on February 15 at 9 p.m. on WKNO2, available on Channel 10.2 on a digital television set and Channel 910 on Comcast Digital Cable.

Photo by Ernest Withers.

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