Organized by DENTON BLACK FILM FESTIVAL INSTITUTE, INC.
Quakertown Film Project
Introducing a docu-series about a Texas town that thrived from
Black self-sufficiency and progress for ten years- an example of the American dream was a reality for anyone willing to work for it. The people who followed every rule, obeyed every law, but still had their homes and land and hopes ripped from them.
We need your help to make this series possible.
We invite you to help us tell this story by supporting our fundraising goal for the Quakertown Film Project docuseries. With your help, we can preserve and spread the amazing story of Quakertown throughout Denton County and beyond – preserving its memory for generations to come.
The docuseries will be filmed right here in Denton County and feature never-before-seen footage. The film project will be a broadcast-quality effort to be considered for streaming platforms. Every dollar contributed will go towards sharing this unforgettable journey of resilience, strength and courage in vivid detail.
Learn more about the Filmmakers & project updates by clicking here.
or follow us on Instagram @QuakertownFilmProject
Why Now?
In May 2023, the Denton City Council approved $250,000 in funding for the docuseries production with support from the Denton Black Film Festival. With the city's help, we are already halfway to our goal.
Denton, Texas city leaders are taking steps to remember Quakertown during the 100th anniversary of the freedman town’s forced removal "at a time when the Black community finds itself under attack again by gentrification, the resurgence of Jim Crow laws and some politicians doing their best to erase that history once again." Mcphate Denton Record-Chronicle
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The History
Quakertown, Texas was a historically significant African-American community that existed from the late 1800s to the early 20th century. The boundaries of the Denton community were Withers Street on the north, McKinney Street to the south, Vine Street on the east, and Oakland Avenue on the west. Quakertown was likely named in honor of the northern Quakers who sheltered runaway enslaved people and aided freedmen during early Reconstruction. The town was settled by freed slaves and their descendants following the Civil War. Quakertown thrived as a self-sustaining community with its own businesses, schools, and social institutions. However, in the 1920s, the city of Denton decided to reclaim the land on which Quakertown was situated. The residents were not adequately compensated for their properties, and the community was dismantled. The area was transformed into what is now known as "Quakertown Park," erasing the vibrant history and cultural heritage of the once-thriving African-American community.
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Giving Levels
$25,000 + Producer Level
- Producer listing in Credits
- (12) All Access VIP Passes to 2024 Denton Black Film Festival
- (12) Reserved Seats at Quakertown Film Premier
$10,000 Partner Level
- Partner listing in Credits
- (8) All Access VIP Passes for the 2024 Denton Black Film Festival
- (8) Reserved Seats at screening at Quakertown Film Premier
$5,000 Contributor Level
- Contributor listing in Credits
- (6) All Access VIP Passes for 2024 Denton Black Film Festival
- (6) Tickets to Quakertown Film Premier
$1,000 Advocate Level
- Advocate listing in Credits
- (2) All Access VIP Passes for 2024 Denton Black Film Festival
- (2) Tickets to Quakertown Film Premier
$500 Community Level
- Community listing in Credits
- (2) All Access VIP Passes for 2024 Denton Black Film Festival
- (2) Tickets to Quakertown Film Premier
$50-$499 Friend Level
- Listing in credits
- Ticket to a Quakertown Film Screening
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80 supporters
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