Brenda Jackson Makes Literary and Film Making History

by: Kattie Harvey

Brenda Jackson, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, made literary and filmmaking history on Saturday, November 5, 2011. Hundreds of Brenda Jackson's fans from around the country, members of Brenda's extended family, friends and classmates (from as far back as 3rd grade!) was at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, Florida for the film premiere of "Truly Everlasting" --a feature film based on one of Brenda's 88 novels.  Brenda and her husband, Gerald Sr., were the executive producers of the film, and their oldest son, Gerald Jr. CEO of Five Alive Films, was the director.  This was definitely a family affair.  With an audience of over eleven hundred in attendance, it felt like the whole city was involved in one way or another and had come out to support one of Jacksonville's own. Limos with police escorts took the cast and crew to the film premiere at the historical Florida Theatre where there was a red carpet, live music, and parties before and after the film screening.

Brenda's high school classmates of over 100 were there to give their support, and surprised the author and filmmaker with a beautiful vase of red roses and a huge scroll plague that acknowledges her achievements that includes her community service, and especially for the support she gives Raines High School Class of 1971.  Brenda also made a donation in the amount of $20,000 on behalf of the Josiephine Threatt Scholarship Foundation to Florida Memorial University. The president of the university was on hand to receive such an outstanding gift to his university. The Josiephine Threatt Foundation was established by Brenda nine years ago in honor of her grandmother.

Also on hand to film the event for the Endowment of Humanities was Emmy award winning, Blueberry Hill Productions.  They plan to air the documentary of Brenda's history making event in 2012 on HBO and/or PBS.

On Monday following the movie premier, Brenda addressed over 200 junior and senior ladies at her alma mata, Raines High School, at which time she presented the principal with a check for $4,000 in the name of her film companies Madaris Entertainment and Five Alive Films and in honor of her high school class of 1971.  "This is $100 dollars for every year since our class graduated from this great school," Brenda was quoted as saying.  She and her classmates are celebrating their 40th class reunion this year.

The movie, Truly Everlasting, goes to DVD on Friday, November 25th and can be purchased at www.filmbaby.com.