Introducing "This History is My History"
Erin Gaddis, Communications Director at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, shares the inspiration behind a newly launched short film spotlighting Black voices of 9/11.
From the moment I joined the 9/11 Memorial & Museum as Director of Communications last spring, I was acutely aware of the responsibility I – and all my colleagues – carry: ensuring that the incredible legacy of 9/11 and its aftermath are preserved for generations to come. I was awed by the breadth of stories that lived within the walls of our collection. But as a native Texan, Black woman, and Millennial, I also felt there were still more chapters to be told, chapters that connected me personally to the narrative and that might not be immediately visible to all.
That sentiment and our collective commitment to capturing the broadest possible range of 9/11 voices inspired the production of a short film entitled This History is My History, launched for Black History Month 2024.
This film is a true labor of love whose goal is to speak directly to the impact of September 11 on the Black community, highlighting the stories of Black victims, first responders, and survivors. Narrated by Marcus Stewart, a senior interpretive guide at the Museum, This History is My History spotlights some lesser-known perspectives from within the 9/11 community, while still underscoring the importance of our mission to never forget what happened to all of us that day, or our collective response in the wake of unimaginable tragedy.
You’ll see the stories behind artifacts from our collection and hear from featured speakers including Regina Wilson, an FDNY Firefighter, 9/11 first responder, and President of the Vulcan Society; Melodie Homer, whose husband Leroy Homer Jr. served as co-pilot on Flight 93; Dylan Williams, Museum curatorial assistant; Vaughan Danvers, a New York City school teacher; Nykiah Morgan, who lost her mother, Dorothy on 9/11; and Carlton Shelley, who was attending the school where President George W. Bush learned about the attacks on 9/11, now a veteran and active member of our Visionary Network.
We envision This History is My History as the first in a series of short films that will spotlight new and lesser-known portions of the 9/11 narrative. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
By Erin Gaddis, 9/11 Memorial & Museum Director of Communications
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