Rock Island Prison 1864 - An Award Winning Drama Sheds Light on the Untold Story of Black Union Soldiers
Washingtoner/10283704

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Washingtoner -- Award Winning Drama Sheds Light on the Untold Story of Black Union Soldiers

Guarding Confederate POWs at the Rock Island Prison in 1864

Winner of the Best Drama Short in the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival, director  Joy Shannon brings a powerful and deeply personal perspective to history with her latest film, a groundbreaking fictional story that unearths the overlooked history of Black Union soldiers who were assigned to Rock Island Prison in 1864 where they encountered hostile Confederate prisoners of war.   Growing up in the very region where these events took place, Shannon has long felt a profound connection to this chapter of American history. Now, through this film, she brings these voices to life in a compelling story based on true facts.

More on Washingtoner

• Spokane: Vehicle vs Bicycle Collision Sends 7-Year-Old to Hospital
• Century Fasteners de Mexico Exhibiting at 2026 Farnborough International Airshow
• George Martinez Completes Community Re-distribution Initiative, Returning $5,000 In Campaign Resources To Anchorage Nonprofits
• Spokane City Council Passes One-Year Moratorium on Data Centers
• Mister Omaha Tries The Turf At Lone Star Park

The film delves into the harrowing experiences of Black soldiers who fought bravely during the Civil War, only to find themselves confronted with Confederate soldiers. This story, of one that is often left out of mainstream historical narratives that do not allude to their struggle for survival, dignity, and recognition.  This is a vital piece of American history, like the story of Harriet Tudman, Rosa Parks, the Buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee airmen, it deserves to be told.

"This story has lived in the shadows for far too long," said Shannon. "Having grown up in Rock Island, I have always been aware of its history, but the stories of Black soldiers stationed there have remained largely untold. This film seeks to give them the voice they were denied."

The film weaves together dramatic scenes to paint  a vivid picture of resilience and perseverance. Shannon's deep-rooted connection to the region adds a unique authenticity to the storytelling, making it a must-see for those passionate about history and social justice.

More on Washingtoner

• Andrew D. Levine Releases The Lily Network, an Indian Noir Mystery of Power, Paperwork & Murder
• The Mapping Software Behind America's Viral Maps Just Got Faster and Smarter
• Longevityresearch.ca publishes cross-disease causal analysis quantifying endpoint reduction across 27 diseases
• Joulescope JS320 Launches to Help Engineers Develop Battery-Powered Devices with Greater Confidence
• Ghanaian Afrobeat Artist Praise Kusi Announces Upcoming EP "After 21:00" Releasing July 3, 2026

The film's PR campaign will target historians, educators, the Black community, and general audiences, emphasizing the significance of this overlooked history and its relevance today. By bringing attention to these soldiers' untold sacrifices, Shannon hopes to spark meaningful discussions about race, recognition, and remembrance in America.

For ticket information visit:  https://hollywoodreelindependentfilmfestival.com/

Premiere: March 8, 2025 at 5pm @ The Regal Stadium Cineplex Theaters at L.A. Live, 1000 West Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, 90015

Film's website: www.rockislandprison.com