"Our Story" chronicles the first Black students admitted to the University of Evansville from 1934-1949 after Black students were forbidden to attend the college for 80 years. Prior to 1934, the University of Evansville (UE) along with many other colleges in the United States, did not admit black students. This was due to the racist, discriminatory laws and policies in effect during those years in the United States.

This documentary profiles the stories of the first black students at UE from 1934 -1949. It also covers some of the “firsts” for black student organizations from 1934 forward at UE. Produced by Arnell Hill, a 1980 graduate of UE, in collaboration with narration by Leairra Carter, a future 2024 black graduate at UE, and Aaron Turner, an Indianapolis-based black videographer who directed the story. This documentary begins the sharing of the stories, experiences, and recollections of black students at UE, once the doors opened.

The film was featured in the 2021 Heartland International Film Festival and received an award of Recognition in the August 2021 IndieFest Film Awards.

Credits

Director
Aaron Turner

Producer
Arnell Hill

Author/Writer
Arnell Hill

Narrators
Arnell Hill, Leairra Carter

Editor/Motion Designer
Aaron Turner