Free educational film to show on November 2
Flint, Mich. – Communities First, Inc. (CFI) recently announced the 9th Annual African American Film Series in partnership with the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA). As always, the first film was selected to highlight the work of African American creatives as well as inspire, inform, empower and entertain the participants. This year marks the organization’s ninth time bringing this free, educational program to the Flint community.
The first film, Mr.Soul!, will take place on November 2, and will be shown in-person at the Flint Institute of Arts (1120 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503). Before the film, guests are invited to tour the FIA’s galleries and enjoy a free dinner. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. and the film begins at 6:45 p.m.
Mr.Soul! is an award-winning documentary film centered around the life of Ellis Haizlip. From 1968 to 1973, the public television variety show SOUL!, guided by the enigmatic producer and host Ellis Haizlip, offered an unfiltered, uncompromising celebration of Black literature, poetry, music and politics—voices that had few other options for national exposure, and, as a result, found the program an improbable place to call home.
“The series allows us to showcase unique films that are not normally seen by everyday people that allows us to amplify voices of the community and to make sure their stories are heard through film,” says Glenn Wilson, President and CEO of Communities First, Inc.
Wilson added: “Our intention is to bring audiences stories that they might not have heard otherwise and to bring together community through music, food and great films.”
Following the event, CFI will host an insightful film discussion with local education and community expert, Ira Rutherford. Rutherford previously served as superintendent of the Beecher Community School District.
This discussion will be streamed on the Communities First YouTube and Facebook Live.
Additional films will be shown as a part of the African American Film Series on December 14, as well as January 11 and February 8, 2024. Film titles to be announced.
The series is sponsored in part by the Flint Institute of Arts, Genesee Health System, Mid-Michigan Now, the Nartel Family Foundation, Valley Area Agency on Aging, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Glenn & Essence Wilson, Gary and Carol Hurand, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Epsilon Upsilon Lambda Flint Chapter, Lurvey Construction, HAP and Lynne Hurand.
Donations are encouraged but not required.
About Communities First, Inc. (CFI)
Communities First, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Development Corporation. Headquartered in Flint, CFI serves over 35,000 community members across Michigan and Indiana. CFI’s mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing, and innovative programming. More information about Communities First, Inc. can be found at www.communitiesfirstinc.org.
