Copyright M Live Michigan
FLINT, MI -- The African American Film Series is coming out swinging for its 11th year at the Flint Institute of Arts. The film series, presented by Communities First, Inc. in partnership with the Flint Institute of Arts, is starting off its new season on Thursday, Nov. 13, with a showing of The Fire Inside, director Rachel Morrison’s 2024 film focused on the story of two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-division undisputed champion Flint native Claressa Shields. Other dates and films in the series will include the following: December 18: Sing Sing January 15: Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power February 12: James Hemings: Ghost in America’s Kitchen Sing Sing focuses on a man named Divine G, a man who finds himself at Sing Sing Prison for a crime he was found guilty of but did not commit. He and other prisoners find some reprieve and chance to express themselves and find purpose and strength in a theatre troupe. The film draws inspiration from true events. The documentary film Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power focuses on the rise of citizen-led voting rights campaigns in Lowndes County, Alabama. Organizers of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) collaborated with local residents to take a stand against racial violence in the late sixties. The final film in the 11th version of the series, James Hemings: Ghost in America’s Kitchen, is the story of a chef who uncovers the story of James Hemings, America’s culinary founding father and the enslaved property of Thomas Jefferson. “Each year, we’re reminded of how powerful storytelling can be in bringing people together,” said Essence Wilson, Chief Strategy Officer of Communities First, Inc. “These films will spark conversations that strengthen understanding and connection across our community. It’s a joy to see neighbors, families, and friends come together to celebrate culture, creativity, and the many voices that make our stories so meaningful.” Each movie screening is free. Donations of $5 or more are encouraged but not required. Those interested in attending can register here. The African American Film Series is sponsored in part by the Flint Institute of Arts, Dee Cramer Heating & Cooling, and Fifth Third Bank. Communities First, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Development Corporation. Headquartered in Flint, CFI serves over 35,000 community members across Michigan and Indiana. The organization’s mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing, and innovative programming.
