For Love of Liberty: The Story of America's Black Patriots, A Film by Frank Martin, Hosted by Halle Berry

(Press Release) In observance of February's Black History Month and in honor of African-Americans who serve our country, "For Love of Liberty: The Story of America's Black Patriots" premiers on most Public Broadcasting System stations nationwide throughout the month. Presented by Maryland Public Television, this is a powerful documentary television series that salutes our African-American service men and women and reveres their dedicated allegiance to the United States military. The four-hour high-definition (HD) film will air in two parts on PBS stations across the country starting Monday, February 1 (check local listings). Made with the U.S. Army's full cooperation (www.goarmy.com), the film is sponsored by US Bank, Ford Motor Company and State Farm. The documentary's website is: www.forloveofliberty.org.

The film begins at the dawn of U.S. history, chronicling African-Americans who risked their lives to create and preserve freedom for their country while attempting to acquire it for themselves. "For Love of Liberty" uses letters, diaries, speeches, journalistic accounts, historical text and military records to document the accomplishments of African-American men and women since the earliest days of the republic. Their gripping personal stories paint a deeply moving historical account of service and sacrifice, from the Revolutionary War to today's battle against global terrorism.

"For Love of Liberty" introduces men and women whose lives make up the fabric of this inspiring and often heart-breaking story. Their compelling first-hand accounts are told through dramatic, off-camera readings by a Who's Who of major entertainers and public figures. Those who lent their voices include: Morgan Freeman, Mel Gibson, Susan Sarandon, Louis Gossett Jr., John Travolta, Robert Duvall, Danny Glover, Sam Elliot and many others.

"It is a wonderful story...of a group of Americans who never lost their love of this country, never lost their faith in it or what the Founding Fathers had promised them. And that's why this story is simply called, For Love of Liberty," says former U.S. Secretary of State and Army General Colin Powell in the film's introduction.

"I am proud and pleased a film finally presents a comprehensive review that accurately details how blacks played a major role in America's wars," said Clarence Sasser, a U.S. Army combat medic and Medal of Honor recipient who served in the Vietnam War. "From the beginning of American history, black soldiers and patriots understood that to be a part of America, they had to do the kind of things that others did; assimilating the U.S. culture, producing inventions and fighting in wars. Pertaining to wars, 'For Love of Liberty' superbly authenticates that perception."

Web Site: www.forloveofliberty.org