Film
Black Is... Black Ain't
Having grappled with the stereotypes imposed upon black people by white America, Riggs turned his attention to another fraught issue: the definitions of “blackness” that African-Americans impose on each other. Weaving together poetry, commentary from scholars like Angela Davis and bell hooks, and direct address from Riggs (filmed from his hospital bed, dying of AIDS), Black Is…Black Ain’t powerfully confronts sexism, homophobia, and colorism as it makes a moving call for communion among black Americans.
Feb 8—Intro by filmmaker Katherine Cheairs
Feb 10—Intro by archivist and author Steven G. Fullwood
Go to the movies just once a month and a BAM membership pays for itself.
An unflinching, essential look at the history and legacy of black stereotypes.
Barry Jenkins’ instant classic Oscar winner and Riggs’ poetic ode to black gay liberation.