Upcoming Event - Screening of film - BIlly - story of Billy Beal

Hello Everyone ,




I would like to introduce you to Ernesto Griffith, a very talented Manitoban

actor and director, who will be releasing his first feature film, entitled

"Billy", profiling the life and times of Billy Beals, one of the first

documented Black people to settle in Manitoba. Please see Ernesto's message

below for more information about the movie.



The movie showings which will take place on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at

the Park Theater at 698 Osborne Street. There are 3 shows at 4:15 p.m., 6:30

p.m., & 8:30 p.m.



thanks Chris Melnick



Ernesto Griffith cordially invites you to attend a movie presentation of the

feature film "Billy." The presentation is a fund raiser for the film. The

film is based on the real life and achievements of Billy Beal, one of the

first documented Black people to settle in Manitoba.



Billy Beal was born in Chelsea, Massachusets in 1874 and grew up in

Minneapolis. He arrived in the Big Woody, Swan River area in 1906 to work as

a steam engineer at a saw mill. He enjoyed the area so much, he decided to

stay. He applied for and received a patent for 30 acres of land after

clearing it over an 8 year period. He was a man of many talents. He was an

inventor and an electrician who made the first radio in Swan River. He made

electrified fences for cattle farmers. He also made furniture & toys which

he often gave to his friends and neighbors.



Billy became involved in the formation of the Big Woody School District in

1912 and was elected the first Secretary-Treasurer of the School Board &

held that position for 37 years. He was instrumental in the creation of a

circulating library within the school system. He also served as the first

secretary when the Big Woody Sunday School was formed.



Billy formed a literary society, debating teams, directed plays, had poetry

readings, & help organize musical concerts. He had a library in his home &

had a vast knowledge of philosophy, politics, astronomy, law and medicine.

Some believe he was trained as a doctor in the U.S. He even helped Dr. Edwin

Bruce give inoculations for small pox, dyptheria, & influenza. He even

carried his own medical bag.



Billy was also a photographer who captured images of his friends, neighbors

& surroundings and archived early pioneer life in Manitoba. An area of the

museum in Swan River is dedicated to Billy Beal. Billy passed away at the

Eventide Home in The Pas in 1968 at the age of 94.



RSVP by calling me at 918-9300 or email esgrif@mts.net - Please specify

which show you would like to attend.



Thank you for your consideration,



Ernesto Griffith