Communities First, Inc. to Host 6th Annual African American Virtual Film Series at
Flint Institute of Arts

Flint, MI – Communities First, Inc. partners with the Flint Institute of Arts to host the sixth annual African American Film Series. Due to the challenges of this year, our series will look a bit different, years series will be virtual.  The selections are designed to inspire, inform, empower, and entertain the participants. The series will start on Thursday, December 17, 2020

“Our African American Film Series is one of my favorite events of the year.  It brings the community together for a fun experience that inspires constructive and empowering dialogue,” said Glenn Wilson, President/CEO.

The series takes place once a month from December to March and is sponsored in part by Mott Community College, Community Foundation of Greater Flint, TV25, Kettering University, HAP, Genesee Health Systems, Mass Transportation Authority. and Flint Institute of Arts.

The schedule for the film series is:

Thursday, December 17—20 Willie: The Story of Willie O’Ree the First Black NHL Player
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bktS-7_UgnM)

In the midst of America’s tumultuous fight to end Jim Crow and the birth of the civil rights movement, Willie – the descendant of escaped slaves – became the first black player to skate in a National Hockey League game. Rated PG

Thursday, January 21—24 John Lewis: Good Trouble
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKlfh0vRP5w)

John Lewis: Good Trouble surveys the life and hard-fought achievements of the legendary civil rights activist and Democratic Representative from Georgia. Combining rare archival footage and interviews—with congressional newcomers including Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Civil Rights Movement giants like James Clyburn and the late Elijah Cummings—the documentary looks back on its subject’s 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, healthcare reform, and immigration. Rated PG

Thursday, February 18—21 Fast Colors
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1NshCEzXrY)

Hunted by mysterious forces, a young woman who has supernatural abilities must go on the run when her powers are discovered. With nowhere else to go, she flees back to her family and the farmhouse she abandoned long ago. There, while being pursued by the local sheriff, she begins to mend the broken relationships with her mother and daughter and learns that the power she needed was inside her all along. Rated PG-13

Thursday, March 18—23 The Banker

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_-nk9-sMus)

Inspired by true events, “The Banker” centers on revolutionary businessmen Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris, who devise an audacious and risky plan to take on the racially oppressive establishment of the 1960s by helping other African Americans pursue the American dream. Rated PG-13

This is a free movie, registration is required.  Donations are accepted.  A $25 party pack is available for purchase.  Each Saturday following the start of the film, there will be a live panel discussion available on Facebook and YouTube about the themes in the films.

For more information visit communitiesfirstinc.org

Communities First, Inc.

Communities First, Inc. is a Flint-based nonprofit Community Development Corporation that was founded in 2010. The priorities of CFI are affordable housing, economic development, green programs, and quality of life programs. CFI is committed to building sustainable, equitable communities in distressed areas. The organization is the developer of Oak Street Senior Apartments and Swayze Court Apartments located in downtown Flint and has amongst its programs Culture Shock and Green Life. More information about Communities First, Inc. can be found at communitiesfirstinc.org.