I AM, AMERICA THE STORY OF AMANDA AMERICA DICKSON

“I Am, America” will bring to the national stage the untold history of Amanda America Dickson. Her story moves from the dusty archives of Southern history to be counted among America’s most unusual success stories.

She was the daughter of David Dickson, a farmer driven by science who rose to recognition as the Prince of Agriculture in the South, regaled for his crop-boosting fertilizer compounds. The wealthy, single Dickson was also a slave owner, who favored a 13-year-old enslaved girl named Julia, overpowered her, and Amanda America Dickson was born.

Though enslaved through her endearing White grandmother’s ownership, Amanda was groomed to mingle among the elite society of Georgia. She attended Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University). Julia, her birth mother, was also Dickson’s confidant. He trusted her to manage the plantation books and worker affairs. Julia even persuaded Dickson to build a church

for the enslaved workers. The St. Paul AME Church still stands today in Hancock County.

Dickson as Amanda’s birth father was no secret, and he relished in showing off his beautiful daughter. Upon Dickson’s death, his family revolted when told that he left his major holdings to Amanda, making her the richest African American woman in America at the time.

The ensuing trial contesting David Dickson’s will made international news and tested the mettle of the young Amanda. She emerged triumphant. She became a successful businesswoman and philanthropist. She left a legacy of generous contributions to education, such as Payne College, and the arts.

Amanda will tell her story in this heartfelt history, with alternate love and longing, facts and feelings. The writer has captured the amazing life of an African American woman in the 19th century and readied it for America’s enjoyment.

Wilbert D. Minter, Sr., is an accomplished strategic planner and project manager. Multiple national recognitions and numerous prestigious appointments reflect his broad expertise in policy implementation; science and the business of science, politics, education; and in civil rights and economic development. He has served on national, state, and local stages in appointed and elected roles. He rose to the executive ranks in his profession, earning first-ever awards for exceptional business performance.

Minter served as Mayor Pro Tem for the city of Oak Ridge, Tenn., and served on the Board of Education. He served as President of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO). He served on the National Black Leadership Forum, the black leadership think tank, along with Coretta Scott King and Joseph Lowery.

Minter received the first-ever Department of Energy Lifetime Achievement Award for National Leadership in Small Business Programs in 2009, for his work with HBCUs and small business contracting. Minter was also designated as 2009 Black Engineer of the Year by Career Magazine. Minter also lead the way for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to receive the Eisenhower Award and the Francis Perkins award for their national leadership in doing business with small, minority and women-owned businesses; these awards are the top national leadership awards given by (SBA) Small Business Administration. He is also President of Community Building Enterprises, Inc., a 501©3 non-profit.

Next up is our expert advisor Mr. Monty Ross. Mr. Ross brings over 35 years of entertainment experience to the table. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, and began his filmmaking career as an acting student at Clark Atlanta University (formerly known as Clark College). There, Monty became friends with Spike Lee and a collective of classmates that loved film and television—Jasmine Guy, Bill Nunn, and Samuel L. Jackson were among them. They were all just kids kickin’ it and following their dreams. Who knew they all would become successes in their own right? Monty would later co-found the legendary production company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, with Spike Lee in the mid-80s. At 40 Acres, Monty co-produced School Daze, Do The Right Thing, Crooklyn, Malcolm X, and more. Not too bad for a kid from the Midwest.  

Amina Mohammed-Christmas recently earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Old Dominion University, majoring in communication with a concentration in film and television production and a minor in psychology. She has demonstrated dedication as a production assistant through consistency, networking, and determination. She also has demonstrated an eccentric mind that leads her to innovative and creative ideologies at every opportunity to showcase her talents. She produced her first commercial production for a faith-based congregation in 2022 with success. Amina appears to have a talent for aesthetics and a desire to work as a filmmaker. Her goal as a creative is to use unique camera angles and what's around for aesthetics to capture the beauty in all things, no matter how dark the reality is. Amina admires directors like Spike Lee, Ava DuVerney, M. Night Shyamalan, Jordan Peele, Issa Rae, and Monty Ross. She enjoys these filmmakers' projects for their authenticity, realism, and psychological aspects.