Baylor Line is supported by our sponsors! Become one today.

Film Highlight: What About Waco

What about Waco documentary

After making an award-winning documentary about the history of Shreveport, Louisiana, Baylor grad Chris Charles Scott returned to Waco to write and direct a four-part documentary on the history of Waco. The documentary was released this year to great anticipation and success.

“I’ve had so much pride in my school,” Scott says. “I’m a poor black kid that came from Nowhere, East Texas. Baylor gave me a place where there were professors and friends who said, ‘Hey you belong.’ I’ve always said that Baylor was my first love.”

As a student, Scott sought relationships and communities “outside the Baylor bubble” that helped him have an appreciation for the city. His life away from Baylor sparked an interest in the complicated dynamics of the city, its culture, and its history. What About Waco is split into four parts, and spans from the construction of the Suspension Bridge in 1870 through the tornado of 1953 — covering glorious, curious, and gruesome events in the years between.

“The most shocking thing for me was piecing together the events that led to the lynching of Jesse Washington and the actual horrendous event that was,” Scott says. “I did not know the gruesome dynamic nature of what actually happened. We did not shy away from the tough stuff. This isn’t some visitors and tourism bureau documentary. We went there. We had to go there, because the time was right to do that.”

WANT TO WATCH ? Buy the DVD at Common Grounds, the Hippodrome, or at the Historic Waco Foundation
CONNECT: www.wacodocumentary.com

Latest from Baylor Line

A Marriage of True Minds

Theirs was a love story for the ages with all the passion and intrigue of a Victorian-era romance — a

Recommended

The 11 Best Bars in Waco

Welcome to Waco’s lively night scene! From historic family-owned bars to modern nightlife spots, it’s time to indulge in the

12 Things to Do in Waco at Night

As the sun sets over the heart of Texas, Waco lights up with new adventures. Just as captivating and family-friendly

The Many Murals of Waco

For years, Waco has been growing its reputation as a hub of arts and culture, and nowhere is this more

Baylor Line MAgazine

With over 75 years of storytelling under its belt, the award-winning Baylor Line Magazine is now available digitally. Support this vital, independent voice of Baylor alumni by becoming a member today!