Hooks Institute To Premiere Documentary On Life Of Ida B. Wells

Memphis TN

07 April, 2022

4:15 AM

Description

Press release from the University of Memphis: April 5, 2022 The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis will host the premiere film screening of "Facing Down Storms: Memphis and the Making of Ida B. Wells" on April 19 at the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts and Education. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by the program and film screening at 7 p.m. Rita Coburn, Peabody and Emmy-Award-Winning director, writer and producer of radio, television and film will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the premiere event. To purchase tickets or inquire about individual sponsorships, visit memphis.edu/facingdownstorms. Proceeds support the programs of the Hooks Institute. Organizational and corporate sponsorships are also available. To inquire, contact [email protected]. About Facing Down Storms: Memphis and the Making of Ida B. Wells The feature-length documentary explores how the unique cultural and social atmosphere of late 19th-century Memphis indelibly shaped Ida B. Wells as a journalist and activist. The 1892 lynching of three men, including a dear friend of Wells, fueled her zealous efforts to combat the widespread acceptance of the lynching of African Americans in the United States. Wells used the power of journalism to expose to international audiences the injustices of the rising practice of lynching — a form of extralegal execution often taking the form of mob violence against African Americans. "Facing Down Storms: Memphis and the Making of Ida B. Wells" is executive produced by Daphene McFerren, Hooks Institute executive director, and Nathaniel Ball, Hooks Institute assistant director of media initiatives and program support; and produced by Fabian Matthews, founder and owner of Spotlight Productions, LLC. "Facing Down Storms highlights Wells' courageous and inspiring actions as she challenged white supremacy in the late 19th century and early 20th century while navigating the complicated politics of race and gender of the time," said McFerren. "Today, the nation continues to struggle with issues of race, class and gender. This film shows how Wells navigated those times and inspires us to learn from her activism to address the same issues in our lifetime. We are very proud that this documentary is produced by Memphians about a legendary Memphian, and we are very excited to share Ida B Wells' story with the world." This press release was produced by the University of Memphis. The views expressed here are the author's own.