As Black History Month approaches, New York City, a vibrant hub of culture and history, prepares to honor the enduring legacy of the Black community. While the majestic Manhattan Cathedral of St. John the Divine stands as a beacon of architectural grandeur and spiritual reflection in the city, the spirit of cultural enrichment extends far beyond its walls. This February and early March, immerse yourself in a powerful cinematic experience celebrating Black stories, resilience, and global impact, conveniently located in Manhattan.
Teachers College, Columbia University, a short distance from the Cathedral in upper Manhattan, will host a compelling film series dedicated to Black History Month from February 28 to March 2, 2025. This carefully curated collection of films promises to take audiences on a journey through pivotal historical moments, spotlight unsung heroes, and explore the rich tapestry of Black culture and activism.
This film series offers a unique opportunity to engage with narratives that have shaped the Black experience worldwide, all within the accessible setting of Manhattan. Let’s explore the schedule of these impactful films:
Film Schedule: A Deep Dive into Black History
February 28
6:00 PM: Boma Tervuren, The Journey (Le voyage)
Boma Tervuren, The Journey is a poignant documentary directed by Frances Dujardin, released in 1999. This 54-minute film, presented in French with English subtitles, delves into a dark chapter of colonial history: the 1897 World’s Fair in Tervuren, Belgium. The film recounts the tragic story of 267 Congolese individuals who were put on display, highlighting their exploitation, suffering, and deaths. It further explores the long-lasting impact of this event, examining how it contributed to colonial stereotypes and the ongoing need for reparative reflection. This screening offers a critical look at historical injustices and their enduring consequences.
7:30 PM: Attica
Directed by Traci A. Curry and Stanley Nelson in 2021, Attica is a powerful 117-minute documentary in English that revisits the largest prison uprising in US history. Through extensive new interviews with former inmates, journalists who covered the events, and other witnesses, the film provides a comprehensive and unflinching account of the Attica Correctional Facility uprising in 1971. Attica sheds light on the prisoners’ fight for human rights and the tragic outcome of the rebellion, offering crucial insights into the American carceral system and its history.
March 1
1:00 PM: Gurumbe: Afro-Andalusian Memories
Gurumbe: Afro-Andalusian Memories, directed by M. Ángel Rosale and released in 2016, is a 72-minute documentary that unearths a forgotten history. This film, presented in Spanish with English subtitles and co-produced by Spain, Mexico, and Senegal, reveals the significant contributions of African slaves to Spanish culture. Gurumbe explores the profound cultural exchange between Africa and Andalusia, highlighting the enduring legacy of African traditions in Spain. This documentary is a celebration of cultural fusion and a reclamation of a hidden past.
3:00 PM: Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun
Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun, directed by Sam Pollard in 2008, is an 83-minute English-language documentary celebrating the life and work of Zora Neale Hurston. This film honors Hurston as a groundbreaking novelist, anthropologist, and literary pioneer. Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun delves into her vibrant personality, her complex perspectives, and her original contributions to American literature and anthropology, ensuring her legacy as a vital voice in American culture.
5:00 PM: Fighting For Respect: African Americans in WWI
Fighting for Respect: African Americans in WWI, directed by Joanne Burke in 2021, is a 54-minute documentary in English that sheds light on the experiences of African American soldiers during World War I. Co-produced by the USA and France, this film captures the paradox of these soldiers who bravely fought for democracy abroad, earning the Croix de Guerre military decoration from France, while simultaneously facing discrimination and racial hatred upon their return to America. Fighting for Respect is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and recognition.
6:30 PM: Fighting White Supremacy: Keepers of the Flame / Chisholm ‘72: Unbought & Unbossed / Judging Juries
This evening features a series of films under the theme “Fighting White Supremacy”:
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Keepers of the Flame (Directed by Shari L. Carpenter, 2023, 17 minutes, Short/Drama, USA, English): Set on the eve of the 1913 Women’s Suffrage Parade, this short drama highlights the courageous Black suffragettes who challenged racist exclusion by white organizer Alice Paul, demanding their rightful place in the fight for voting rights.
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Chisholm ‘72: Unbought & Unbossed (Directed by Shola Lynch, 2004, 75 minutes, Documentary, USA, English): This acclaimed documentary chronicles Shirley Chisholm’s groundbreaking journey. From becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968 to her audacious 1972 presidential run, Chisholm defied political norms and shattered barriers, inspiring generations.
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Judging Juries (Directed by Abby Ginzberg, 2024, 24 minutes, Documentary, USA, English): Judging Juries is an expository documentary that uncovers the systemic barriers to fair jury representation in the criminal justice system. The film explores issues such as inadequate jury pay, the discriminatory use of peremptory challenges, and felony exclusions, revealing how these factors contribute to the underrepresentation of marginalized communities in jury pools.
March 2
2:00 PM: Yafa Forgiveness (YAFA Le Pardon)
YAFA Forgiveness (YAFA Le Pardon), directed by Christian Lara in 2020, is an 85-minute drama in French with English subtitles. This film, set against a backdrop of complex social dynamics, explores themes of power, class, and the potential for understanding between individuals from different worlds. YAFA Forgiveness centers on the interaction between an African asylum seeker and a Caribbean policeman, delving into their personal journeys and the possibility of finding common ground.
4:00 PM: Teddy Pendegrass: If You Don’t Know Me
Teddy Pendergrass: If You Don’t Know Me, directed by Olivia Lichtenstein in 2018, is a 106-minute English-language documentary that chronicles the inspiring life of Teddy Pendergrass. This film explores how Pendergrass’s musical talent and charisma shaped the landscape of 1970s R&B, making him a defining figure in the genre. Teddy Pendergrass: If You Don’t Know Me also poignantly portrays how a tragic accident dramatically altered his life, examining his resilience and enduring musical legacy.
6:30 PM: San Juan Hill: Manhattan’s Lost Neighborhood
San Juan Hill: Manhattan’s Lost Neighborhood, directed by Stanley Nelson and recently released in 2024, is a 60-minute English-language documentary that uncovers the rich history of a once-vibrant Manhattan neighborhood. San Juan Hill celebrates the culture, the people, and the enduring artistic legacy of this lost neighborhood, revealing its significant contributions to the cultural fabric of New York City and beyond. This film offers a vital piece of Manhattan’s history, just a short distance from landmarks like the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
Conclusion
This Black History Month film series at Teachers College, Columbia University, provides a valuable opportunity to engage with important stories and histories close to home in Manhattan. While visiting or reflecting upon the grandeur of the Manhattan Cathedral of St. John the Divine, consider enriching your understanding of the city’s diverse cultural landscape by attending these powerful film screenings. These films promise to be both educational and deeply moving, offering a meaningful way to honor Black history and celebrate its ongoing impact.
