Flint, MI – Communities First, Inc. has partnered with the Flint Institute of Arts to host an African American Film Series at the Flint Institute of Arts. The series is designed to inspire, inform, empower and entertain attendees. The series kicks off on November 10 at 5:30pm.
“Our Culture Shock program has been instrumental in providing unique opportunities for area residents to engage in arts and culture. We are committed to offering low cost, high quality experiences for residents. Most people are not familiar with independent films and this series is a great way to promote the industry, while educating, inspiring and entertaining our guests,” said Glenn Wilson, President/CEO.
The series takes place on the 2nd Thursday of the month from November to February and is sponsored in part by Cinnaire and NBC25. The schedule for the film series is:
Thursday, November 10 – Resurrecting Black Wall Street: The Blueprint (http://resurrectingblackwallstreet.com/)
Reception and live entertainment begins at 5:30pm
This inspirational documentary explores how the residents of a neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, overcame tragedy in the early 20th century to create one of the most prosperous African American communities in history. Film not rated.
Thursday, December 8 – City of Trees (http://www.cityoftreesfilm.com/)
Reception and live entertainment begins at 5:30pm
A complex tale of social justice, urban forestry and community politics portrays the struggles of a Washington D.C. nonprofit to challenge the cycle of poverty and violence in blighted urban areas by implementing an ambitious “green jobs” program. Film not rated.
Thursday, January 12 – Jean of the Joneses
Reception and live entertainment begins at 5:30pm
Death has a funny way of bringing people together, and after the sudden demise of the estranged patriarch of a high-spirited family, a 911 call sparks old memories. This comedy co-stars Sherri Shepherd, Taylour Paige and Gloria Reuben. Film not rated, recommended PG-13 for language and some adult themes.
Thursday, February 9 – Olympic Pride, American Prejudice (http://www.1936olympicsmovie.com)
Reception and live entertainment begins at 5:30pm
In 1936, when 18 African American athletes participated in the Berlin Olympic Games, history forgot all but one – the great Jesse Owens. This acclaimed documentary is the story of the other 17. Film not rated, recommended for ages 12+.
“We are happy to be partnering with Communities First to be bringing quality cinema on a variety of themes and issues to the Flint community,” said Ed Bradley. Associate curator of film at the Flint Institute of Arts.
Doors open at 5:30pm and the films begin at 7:00pm. Seating is limited to the first 300 guests and a donation of $2 is suggested for the films in November, December and February. Each film will feature a brief discussion about the themes in the films. For more information visit communitiesfirstinc.org
Communities First, Inc.
Communities First, Inc. is a Flint based nonprofit Community Development Corporation which was founded in 2010. The priorities of CFI are affordable housing, economic development, green programs, and quality of life programs. CFI is committed to building sustainable, equitable communities in distressed areas. The organization is the developer of Oak Street Senior Apartments and Swayze Court Apartments located in downtown Flint and has amongst its programs Culture Shock and Green Life. More information about Communities First, Inc. can be found at communitiesfirstinc.org.
