Being Black In America On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday

ROCHESTER, NY—Being Black in America, an award-winning documentary short filmed in Rochester and produced by Our Voices Project, will screen on Monday, January 19 at 3:00 p.m. at Legacy Drama House.

The film features seven Black Americans each discussing what being Black means to them, touching on Black history, intersectionality, raising and educating Black youth, and their lived experiences growing up. Preceding the film will be a clip from Messages From A King, a collaborative project created with Irondequoit High School students who performed short excerpts from various Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches.

“This is not your ordinary screening,” said Jackie McGriff, director and co-producer of Being Black in America. “These are bridge-building, thought-provoking, and organizing events using our film as a catalyst for change. It’s held in a Black-owned space to create an environment that’s a safe and brave space for many folks in the Black community.”

Immediately following the screening, storytellers featured in the documentary, along with local entrepreneurs and community leaders, will facilitate a discussion about ways to uplift Black-owned businesses while reimagining economic independence beyond capitalism.

The screening is free and open to the public. ASL interpretation will be provided, the venue is wheelchair accessible, and the film includes subtitles.Anyone interested in attending can RSVP via Eventbrite here: https://beingblackinamericajan19.eventbrite.com

Any Black-owned businesses and Black-led organizations interested in tabling this event can sign-up here: https://forms.gle/P5AZoLFL7zjXRwkG8

For more information about Being Black in America, please visit www.ourvoicesproject.com/black-in-america.