More than six decades after Wendell Gunn walked onto the campus of what was then Florence State College and made history, a new documentary will tell the story of the people and events surrounding the integration of what is now the University of North Alabama.
UNA will host the global premiere of “Making History Together” on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. in Norton Auditorium.
The documentary centers on Gunn, who became the college’s first Black student in September 1963, along with then-President E.B. Norton, civil rights attorney Fred Gray and members of the university community.
“It was in September of 1963 when Wendell Gunn made history by taking his first day of classes here at what was then Florence State College,” UNA President Ken Kitts said. “We are thrilled to host the global premier of the telling of that vital and important time in the institution’s history.
“We want to ensure that future generations know and appreciate the role that Dr. Gunn and Dr. Norton played in that very significant event.”
The film was created by documentary filmmaker Norton Dill, whose previous work includes “Music in Their Bones: The Music & People of Sand Mountain,” “Katherine, the Story of a Teller” and “Restoration: The Life and Stories of the Lyric Theatre.”
Dill also has a personal connection to the story. He is the nephew of E.B. Norton, who was president of Florence State College when Gunn enrolled.
“Making this film was important for many reasons, not the least of which is the opportunity to tell a story that has been told in my family for years,” Dill said. “It is also an opportunity to honor the moment when Wendell Gunn integrated UNA and to hear from him and others who were living and attending the school at the time.”
The documentary also includes the work of executive producer Matt Schoenbachler, a UNA history professor who has worked with Gunn for years to tell his life story.
“I’ve truly enjoyed helping Wendell tell his story in his own words,” Schoenbachler said. “Norton Dill’s documentary is an excellent opportunity to see and hear from many of the individuals included in the book.”
The UNA premiere will be followed three days later by a statewide television audience. Alabama Public Television will air “Making History Together” on Sept. 27 at 6 p.m.
“Alabama Public Television is excited to share this important part of Alabama history with viewers across the state,” said Mike McKenzie, APT programming and public information director. “President Norton’s visionary leadership deserves to be recognized, as do the accomplishments of Wendell Gunn. Filmmaker Norton Dill has created a compelling story of the pivotal events that reshaped the University of North Alabama and higher education in the state.”
The Sept. 24 premiere will be held in Norton Auditorium on the UNA campus in Florence.
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