Cinematters: NY Social Justice Film Festival

MLK Day screening: Black Boys + Q+A

Expired January 20, 2021 4:45 AM
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Filmmaker Q+A on Mon, Jan 18, 4pm EST

A film for this historic moment, Black Boys exposes the dehumanization of Black males in America at the intersection of sports, education, and criminal justice in a nation still struggling to rectify its past.


The story is anchored by Greg Scruggs, a 2X Super Bowl champion and young father who recently returned to his hometown of Cincinnati to impress upon young Black athletes the importance of education first. Supporting storylines follow Sharif El Mekki, a principal at a nearly all Black charter school in West Philadelphia, and Malcolm London, a young poet activist fighting for criminal justice reform in Chicago. Notable other voices in the film include Malcolm Jenkins, Carmelo Anthony, Jemele Hill, Dr. Harry Edwards, former Secretary of Education John King, and more. Ultimately, the film serves as a rare glimpse into the emotional landscape of Black males, illuminating their full humanity, vulnerability and resilience.

  • Year
    2020
  • Runtime
    90 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Director
    Sonia Lowman
  • Producer
    Chad Williamson
  • Executive Producer
    Malcolm Jenkins
  • Co-Producer
    Elliot Kotek, Jon-Thomas Royston
  • Cinematographer
    Jeanne Tyson
  • Editor
    Evald Ridore