Communities First, Inc. to screen Black Art: In the Absence of Light

Communities First, Inc. (CFI) is excited about this year’s African American Film Series and their partnership with the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA).  This year’s series is now halfway completed with the first two installments, being offered in the traditional in-person format of in-person dinner and a movie at the FIA, with an insightful panel discussion offered virtually the following Saturday via social media.   

Due to the unpredictable nature of the current global pandemic, CFI thought it would be safest to convert the final films, Finding Fellowship and Black Art: In the Absence of Light, to a virtual platform.  This decision was the best one to ensure the health and safety of our Community and Staff, without neglecting the experience entirely. 

The final films will take place in January and February and are sponsored in part by Cinnaire, Mid-Michigan Now, Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Gary, Carol, and Lynne Hurand, Genesee Health System, General Motors and The Flint Institute of Arts. 

The schedule for the final films is: 

Film Screening – Thursday, January 13 through January 16, 2022  

Finding Fellowship 

Finding Fellowship goes back in time to 1968, an unmistakably divided time of student protest and racial unrest to share the remarkable story of three racially segregated churches in Quince Orchard, Maryland coming together in the wake of Martin Luther King’s assassination. Their decision to merge will surprise you. Their dedication to stay together will inspire you. 

Finding Fellowship is a story of the possibility that reminds us that even in these divided times, the opportunity and responsibility to come together – heart to heart and hand to hand – rests within each of us. 

Panel Discussion – January 15 at 2:00 PM on Communities First, Inc. Facebook page and YouTube Channel 

Film Screening – Thursday, February 10 through February 14, 2022  

Black Art: In the Absence of Light 

Inspired by the late David Driskell’s landmark 1976 exhibition, “Two Centuries of Black American Art,” the documentary Black Art: In the Absence of Light offers an Illuminating introduction of the work of some of the foremost Black visual artist working today. 

Directed by Sam Pollard the film shines a light on the extraordinary impacts of Driskell’s exhibit on generations of Black artist who have staked a claim on their rightful place within the 21st-Century art world.  Interweaving insights and context from scholars and historians, along with interviews from a new generation of working African American curators and artist including Theaster Gates, Kerry James Marshall, Faith Ringgold, Amy Sherald and Carrie Mae Weems, the documentary is a look at the Contributions of Black American artist in today’s contemporary art world. 

Panel Discussion – February 12 at 2:00 PM on Communities First, Inc. Facebook page and YouTube Channel 

This is a free movie, registration is required.  You can register at https://comfirst.eventive.org/films, donations are accepted through the registration link.  A party pack will be offered to all registered guests and will be available for local pick up beginning on Tuesday, January 11 through January 15 at the CFI Office located at 415 W. Court Street, Flint, MI 48503.  You will receive additional information about picking up your party pack once your registration is complete. 

For more information visit www.communitiesfirstinc.org  

Communities First, Inc.  

Communities First Inc. is a Flint based nonprofit Community Development Corporation which 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