Purpose of EMA
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Derived from the Ernest Marshall Association Constitution and By-Laws of September 2001:
Article I -- NAME
This organization shall be known as Ernest Marshall Association or Film and Video Student Organization at Gallaudet University. The name of "Ernest Marshall" is used to honor his important role in Deaf History.
According to article from The Silent News in February 1971, Ernest Marshall was the first deaf person to create movies with deaf actors in it.
"So many names and so many faces, a well known thespian, Ernest Marshall, admits he cannot remember. It is a problem for him as through forty years many deaf person had viewed him in the series of shows either on stage or on screen. It is his utmost ability to entertain deaf people in audience. ....
"He was the first deaf person producing movies with a cast of deaf players. Also he imposed first English subtitles in one of the films he showed around the country. There was a write up about his film work in the Silent Worker magazine of April, 1964, bearing his picture on the cover.
"In the silent movie era there were movie houses where deaf people enjoyed films. When sound-tracked films came, the deaf were deprived of entertainment through the elimination of titles. He then became a projectionist at St. Ann's Church for the Deaf where the silent feature films were shown. Ever since he remains as the projectionist in this 40th year. At present he arranges captioned film programs of the Long Island Club for the Deaf and he also participates as a projectionist of the Union League.
"Making movies is his supreme ability. His last appearance on the stage was at the National Basketball Tournament under the auspices of the U.L. The show he directed and performed in was unique. It was titled, 'Live Movies.' Many deaf people who saw it, have never forgotten the unusual show. ....
"He is married to the former Alida Purdy for 31 years. They enjoy mixing with deaf people and always are eager to please whomever they may contact." (The Silent News)
Ernest Marshall Association's objectives include:
Producing films and videos, working together on various visual media productions, to develop skills in areas associated with film and video production, to serve as a public relations tool for future deaf filmmakers and videomakers both in the United States and other countries, and to provide a support system for students majoring or minoring in the Television, Photography, and Digital Media department of Gallaudet University, as well as any student who is interested in participating in any of the activities.