Former Slave's Voice Amplified Through New App Developed by Professor Getz, Students

SF STATE NEWS -- It took more than two years and a cast and crew of nearly 35 San Francisco State University students, faculty and staff members, but a best-selling graphic novel written by Professor of History Trevor Getz will soon be lighting up tablet screens throughout the country as a narrated, animated, digital education app. With a $13,000 grant from the University Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, Getz assembled a team of faculty, staff and students to create an animated film adaptation of the novel and the additional content needed for an educational app. “Abina was brave enough to fight for her freedom hundreds of years ago, and we are humbled to amplify her voice now so that many more people can hear it,” said Soumyaa Kapil Behrens, director of SF State’s DocFilm Institute. The New York City School District is piloting the app in three high schools to work out any bugs, and the finished product includes the film and accompanying text and other materials.