Kevin Scott Collier

Luther J. Pollard Kevin Scott Collier

Luther J. Pollard: Ebony Film Corp. tells the tale of the first motion picture company presenting an entirely black cast of actors in their films. Ebony, which produced a string of comedy shorts from 1917 to 1918, was both praised and condemned. This book takes a look at young Chicago entrepreneur Luther Jay Pollard, company's African-American president and general manager, and how he founded Ebony Film Corp., a company hijacked by racist, white investors bent on exploitation. Ebony's humiliating comedies caused a national outcry from both black and white audiences. Included is a complete film directory, historic articles, photos and advertisements.