Hear Young Black People Tell Their Own Story

"Woke Up Black"  

join

Director Mary Morten

and some of the young people

featured in this film

on

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Reception  - 6:00 pm

Film - 6:30 pm

Discussion - 7:30 pm

at

The University of Chicago

5710 South Woodlawn (1200 East)

Chicago, Illinois 

(FREE!!!) 

Arguably more than any other underrepresented group of Americans, African American youth reflect the challenges of inclusion and empowerment in the post-civil rights period. However, in contrast to the centrality of African American youth to the politics and policies of the country, their perspectives and voice have generally been absent from not only public policy debates, but also media, art and film projects. Increasingly, researchers and policy-makers have been content to detail and measure the behavior of young African Americans with little concern for their attitudes, ideas, wants and desires. This documentary will work to fill that void.

For the last two years we have followed five youth and have witnessed family and social interactions, school and work life activities. The youth, ages 16-21, (three young women and two young men) represent a diversity of backgrounds and interests. A youth advisory panel has provided input on interview questions and screened footage throughout the production.

We have now completed shooting and need money to complete the post production - editing, music scoring - for the film. This is a critical stage. Your donation will also enable us to begin the construction of the website which will feature a curriculum/discussion guide to encourage ongoing dialogue on issues raised in the film.

We hope you'll join us in telling real stories about real lives, not just the typically negative, twenty second sound bytes we see on the evening newscast.