Kindred Spirits and Film Video Arts

Kindred Spirits and Film Video Arts, Inc. Announce the unveiling of a portion of a historic and monumental documentary film entitled
"traded to trading: Portraits of Wall Street in the Black"
by Drunia M. Duvivier and Robyn M. Greene-Arrington
An Inside Look at the Evolution of Blacks on Wall Street

By Anonymous

New York, NY April 22, 2004 -– The unveiling of the trailer for the documentary film "traded to trading: Portraits of Wall Street in the Black" is scheduled for Thursday, April 29, 2004 at 6:30 pm, at Tribute, 26 Broadway. The New York event, which is also supported by strategic partners including, Film, Video Arts; the National Association of Securities Professionals (NASP-NY Chapter); the Museum of American Financial History; the National Black MBA Association; and KIP Business Report, brings a rare look at African-American experiences on Wall Street that is vital to our rich, robust and diverse American legacy.



One of the first commodities regularly traded on Wall Street was slaves—even before the establishment of the American financial markets in the 1790’s. From then on, African-Americans have continued to influence the United States economy, first as “property,” then as keen investors, critical laborers, and major consumers, and now as renowned players in the securities industry.



"traded to trading: Portraits of Wall Street in the Black," is a one-hour documentary that takes an up-close and personal look at the experiences of a variety of seasoned and up and coming Wall Streeters, exploring the challenges these individuals faced, and currently face, as people of color navigating an industry that, until the 1960’s, was almost exclusively made up of white, male professionals.



Cynthia Franklin of the Kip Business Report will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. Additionally, outstanding individuals and organizations will be honored for their contributions to increasing the participation of persons of color on Wall Street. The Robert Toigo Foundation will be named the “Outstanding Nonprofit Organization for Significant Contributions on Wall Street.” This event is designed as both a celebration of this monumental film and a means to raise funds to complete the film.



In support of helping to empower young people with new role models and alternative career options, traded to trading includes revealing interviews with a star-studded cast of African American professionals who have built remarkable careers for themselves on the Street. Some of the individuals that have already been filmed or who are confirmed for interviews are: The Honorable William C. Thompson, Jr., New York City Comptroller, Melvin Van Peebles, First black trader on the American Stock Exchange; Milton M. Irvin, President, Imbot and 1st black Managing Director at Salomon Brothers, Ernesta Procope, President & CEO, E.G. Bowman Co., Inc.; Joseph L. Searles III, 1st black floor member and floor broker on the New York Stock Exchange; Ernest G. Green, Managing Director, Public Finance at Lehman Brothers and one of the “Little Rock Nine” that integrated Central High School in Arkansas; Christopher Williams and Janice Savin Williams, founders of the Williams Capital Group and William Capital Management; Bernard B. Beal, Founder & CEO, M. R. Beal & Company, Fourth largest black-owned investment firm in the US; Patricia Winans, Chairwoman and CEO of Magna Securities Corp; Harold E. Doley, Jr., CEO, Doley Securities, Inc. and Dr. Eugene Flood, President & CEO of Smith Breeden Associates and Guest co-host of Squawk Box on CNBC.



We are also honored to have in attendance, several notable participants appearing in the film and others supporting this project including Senator Carl Andrews, Tony Perkins of Good Morning America, and Advisory Board member Sam Pollard. Mr. Pollard has been a filmmaker for over 25 years, and has produced the acclaimed PBS series Eyes on the Prize and Academy Award-nominated 4 Little Girls before becoming Spike Lee's editor on such narrative features such as Mo' Better Blues, Jungle Fever, Clockers, and Girl 6.



Congressman Charles B. Rangel wrote “ I applaud your efforts to bring to the forefront the contributions made by African Americans in this area. My very best wishes for your success in this venture.” Author Gregory S. Bell who wrote “In the Black: A History of African Americans on Wall Street,” expressed “The trailer is wonderful. I am sure that it is an indication of the great things to come in the full length film. This is an important work because for far too long, television and film have not recognized our stories on Wall Street. Traded to Trading helps correct this.” Kenneth Holley of Atlanta Life said after his interview “I feel that the work you are doing is very important. It's sad to say, but young people don't read as much as they should. No one does, and that makes the documentary films like yours all the more important in terms of passing on history to our youth. Yours is a sacred and important mission and it warms my heart to see you and the people you have working for you acting with such passion. I know you will succeed.”



Additional information may be found at www.tradedtotrading.com.



Reservations: $100 General, $75 for Professional Organization Members, $50 Students with I.D.



Make your reservation by mailing to: T2T Benefit Office, Attn: Drunia M. Duvivier, P.O. Box 844, New York, NY 10268. Make check payable to Film/Video Arts, a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.







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