Dear John,

Welcome to this week's Digest, where we're taking a delightful detour in celebration of Black History Month! While we'll still cover some of our usual news, this time, I'm excited to share a curated list of films that provide profound insights into Black lives. Black cinema stands as a dynamic force in film history, serving as a channel for powerful storytelling, cultural expression, and impactful social commentary. From its early silent film roots to contemporary groundbreaking works, Black cinema has consistently challenged stereotypes, amplified marginalized voices, and reshaped mainstream narratives. The five films I've selected delve into the beauty of Black lives, exploring themes of representation, empowerment, and cultural preservation. Whether they're lighthearted or thought-provoking, each film promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Here's what we’re reading, listening to, but mostly watching this week.

1. Saint Paul Educators vote yes to a strike

In a highly anticipated moment, Saint Paul Public Schools teachers voted yes to authorize a strike. Beyond traditional concerns like wages and healthcare, teachers are championing broader issues such as climate justice, health and safety in schools, advocating for crucial measures like weatherizing schools for temperature safety, ensuring air quality, and urging the district to actively address the environmental impact of school buildings on climate change. There is no set strike date yet but stay tuned by following SPFE on instagram and share a message of support with the board here.

2. Rural childcare roundtable 

Southeastern Minnesota childcare providers and lawmakers discussed rural daycare shortages, addressing staffing issues, infrastructure, and empowering parents through scholarships. They emphasized the need for financial incentives, increased state funding, and collaborative efforts to enhance the overall childcare ecosystem.

3. Minneapolis musicians 

Twin Cities musicians are expressing discontent as the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board continues its tradition of not paying performers for its annual Music in the Parks series. Despite a social media backlash and a Change.org petition, the board argues financial constraints and emphasizes the benefits of exposure and tip jars for the artists. Musicians, however, point to other cities in Minnesota that compensate performers and call for a change in the current policy.

4. Thoughts on crime panic

This is an interesting piece about a bipartisan crime panic in the U.S., with Democrats and Republicans advocating for increased law enforcement. The writer touches on the idea that relying on policing perpetuates fear and insecurity, suggesting reallocating funds from police budgets to social services is essential. Efforts in Seattle, like the solidarity budget, demonstrate an alternative approach to public safety without police. Abolitionists emphasize envisioning a society without police for a more just and caring community.

5. African Heritage Museum

The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery this weekend commemorates Black History Month through collage art that illuminates the impactful contributions of Black chefs, a short film delving into the Black queer experience, and an exhibition featuring the abstract creations of artists hailing from African and Caribbean backgrounds.

6. Black Cinema Pick: The Watermelon Woman 

“Cheryl, a video-store clerk and aspiring director whose interest in forgotten Black actresses leads her to investigate an obscure 1930s performer known as the Watermelon Woman, whose story proves to have surprising resonances with Cheryl’s own life as she navigates a new relationship with a white girlfriend.” The movie's significance in the realm of black queer cinema, its exploration of representation and visibility, and its innovative storytelling that blends fiction with documentary elements make it a compelling watch.

7. Black Cinema Pick: Meeting the Man: James Baldwin in Paris 

In 1970, a British film crew set out to make a straightforward literary portrait of James Baldwin set in Paris, insisting on setting aside his political activism. Baldwin bristled at their questions, and the result is a fascinating, confrontational, often uncomfortable butting of heads between the filmmakers and their subject, in which the author visits the Bastille and other Parisian landmark and reflects on revolution, colonialism, and what it means to be a Black expatriate in Europe.

8. Black Cinema Pick: Rye Lane

Two twenty-somethings, both reeling from bad breakups, connect over the course of an eventful day in South London - helping each other deal with their nightmare exes, and potentially restoring their faith in romance. This film's importance lies in its representation, offering audiences a refreshing and much-needed portrayal of Black love and joy in a genre often dominated by white narratives, thereby breaking stereotypes and contributing to the diversification of romantic comedies.

9. Black Cinema Pick: Litnay for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde 

A compelling portrayal of Audre Lorde, celebrated Black lesbian poet, and activist, this film spans five decades, capturing her impactful writings that shaped crucial social and political visions. From her Harlem roots to her battle with breast cancer, the documentary delves into Lorde's life, highlighting her role in connecting the Civil Rights movement, Women's movement, and the struggle for lesbian and gay rights. At the core is Lorde's call to envision the unseen and work passionately to make that vision an irresistible reality.

10. Black Cinema Pick: Wendell & Wild

Two demon brothers enlist the aid of Kat Elliot– a tough teen with a load of guilt– to summon them to the Land of the Living. But what Kat demands in return leads to a brilliantly bizarre and comedic adventure like no other. This beautifully made stop-motion film offers up a parable on Black childhood and trauma from the mind of Jordan Peele, guaranteeing a nuanced and breathtaking story.

And that’s a wrap!

Send us what you’re reading, watching and listening to.

Until next time,

Ayanna Lee (they/she)
Digital Manager