Dark Frames is working closely with several Partners dedicated to seeing this film through to completion. Together we will honor and preserve the legacy of the Montford Point Marines.

The National Montford Point Marine Association (NMPMA)

The National Montford Point Marine Association (NMPMA) Inc. is a nonprofit Veteran's organization, established to perpetuate the legacy of the first African-Americans who entered the United States Marine Corps between 26 August 1942 through 9 September 1949, at Montford Point Camp, New River, North Carolina.

Dr. James T. Averhart, Jr., Chief Warrant Officer Five, CWO5 (ret) served 30 years on active duty. He is a combat tested veteran having served in direct combat action in Operations Desert Shield and the ground offensive in Desert Storm. Additionally, he served in support of the Global War on Terrorism, Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) Afghanistan / and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Iraq. James retired from the Pentagon, Washington D.C., while serving as the Head of Marine Corps Corrections Branch. He previously served as the National President of the National Montford Point Marine Association, Inc., from July 2009 to July 2015 and was inducted in the National Montford Point Hall of Fame in 2016. James was honored to be re-elected in July 2021 and assume the duties and responsibilities again as National President.

“Raj Amit Kumar and his team has been working with the National Montford Point Marines Association consulting team for several years now to develop this project to include interviewing many Montford Point Marines. He has taken numerous trips with me to various locations to understand the essence of the life stories of the men who trained at the segregated training facility, Montford Point Camp and would later fight for the right to fight during WWII. I am inspired with his commitment and way the film script is progressing to realization. Key members of the staff and I are very excited to see a talent like him bringing the Montford Point experience to the silver screen.”

- Dr. James T. Averhart, Jr. President, National Montford Point Marines Association, Inc.

Throughout his incredible 34 years of service to the Montford Pointers, Joe has served at every imaginable level within the National Montford Point Marine Association Inc. and has mentored dozens of current and past National and local Officers. Joe has been recognized of his efforts on many levels to include; A Special Presidents Award from the Montford Point National President (Sam Saxton), the prestigious James Calendar Award for his work on a National level for Montford Point, induction into the Montford Point Hall of Fame in 2010 and the oral recording of his life’s work by THE HISTORY MAKERS whose collection now is within the Library of Congress. Joe is currently the National Public Relations Officer for the National Montford Point Marine Association Inc.

"It is absolutely the right time for the story of Montford Point Marines to come to the big screen. It is time for a larger audience to learn the story of America's first African American Marines. Raj Amit is the perfect person to tell that story. He has dedicated almost six years of research, to include personally interviewing dozens of these men who went through a segregated US Marine Recruit training from 1942-1949."

- Joe Geeter, Past National President of Montford Point Marines

James (aka “Hammer”) Carr, has a 28+ year history with Montford Point at varying levels. Currently serving as President of New York Metro Chapter-3, now serving his 4th Term. He has also served as Past National Vice President; Fundraising Director; Convention Director; Recording Secretary; Regional VP; in collateral roles and Committees all in support of furthering the National Agenda of preserving the legacy of our original Montford Pointers, today and for the future....

"I am looking forward to our continued work with such an impressive team. There, is a genuine commitment of talented individuals such as Damon Taylor Co-Writer & others who have chronicled videography and invested in capturing the historical legacy of our most precious heroes. The story of Montford Point has been lost and we must challenge history to restore our most sacred treasure and bridge both Marine and American History. Bringing their story to the big screen is just one more step in that unique level of ongoing commitment. Along the way, many have lost focus and faith in our project, I however remain vigilant to Raj Amit Kumar and his team. Our collective goal is “clear”, inspire and tell the story that will for generations beg the question “why didn’t we know sooner…."

- James Carr, MGYSGT Ret. Past National Vice President, Life Member Montford Point Marine

Master Gunny Taylor has been an active and productive member of the Association for the past 20 years. The Master Gunny served as the Public Relations Officer, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, and Program Designer for the Beaufort Chapter from 1995-2001. Gilbert also served as the artistic leader, designing a series of coins that were reviewed by the entire team. The final result of Gilbert Taylor's design was the impetus for the US Mint designing the Congressional Gold Medal. The result was a lasting depiction of the Nation's first African American Marines training to take their rightful place among "America's Greatest Generation" of World War II veterans. In continuing the cementing of the legacy, a new Hall of Fame Medallion has been designed recognizing the accomplishments of those who help promote and preserve the legacy of Montford Point.

"Keeping with our strong commitment in preserving the legacy and documenting the history of the Montford Point Marines, it is with great pleasure of having Raj Amit Kumar to document and film the story of these great men of Montford Point.
Mr. Kumar’s dedication in developing this movie is unwavering and has always been in the forefront of telling this unique story of a special group of Marines.
The creative vision and filmmaking of Mr. Kumar and his team will be a great venture in documenting and telling the story of the Montford Point Marines, and I look forward to making a difference, and being a part of this great team."

- Gilbert T. Taylor, United States Marine (Ret) Life Member NMPMA, Inc. Marine Marine