BMe, a growing network of black men committed to making our communities stronger, is bringing to Baltimore a unique opportunity to view and discuss a new documentary exploring the changing face of success in America.
“We hope that viewing American Promise provides a moment of reflection and discussion that helps bring us closer together, and closer to creating more community solutions,” said Trabian Shorters, vice president of communities at Knight Foundation, which founded BMe along with the Open Society Foundations.
What: The community is invited to a special screening and discussion of American Promise, a Sundance award winner. Spanning 12 years in the lives of two families, American Promise provides a rare look into black middle class life while exploring the common hopes and hurdles of parents navigating their children’s educational journey. Chronicling the boys’ divergent paths from kindergarten through high school graduation at Manhattan’s Dalton School, this provocative, intimate documentary presents complicated truths about America’s struggle to come of age on issues of race, class and opportunity.
You should know? During the film, directors Joe Brewster and Michele Stephenson, middle-class African-American parents in Brooklyn, N.Y., turn their cameras on their son, Idris, and his best friend, Seun, who make their way through one of the most prestigious private schools in the country.
When: March 1, 2013 starts at at 5 p.m. The evening includes an opening reception, with the screening set to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel ~ 903 Dulaney Valley Road, Baltimore, MD 21204
Who: The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click here to RSVP.
FYI: Before and after the showing, BMe will be collecting video testimonials from black men from all walks of life about their positive contributions to Baltimore. Men who share their story are eligible to apply for grants of up to $20,000.
Did you know? The deadline for BMe grant applications is March 8, 2013. Priority for funding will be given to projects involving multiple people working together. In total, up to $200,000 will be given out in Baltimore. Fund recipients will be announced in April. To nominate a black man who should be considered for a grant, click here.
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