"COMPENSATION": Celebrating Black Film & Black Deaf Creatives

"COMPENSATION" BY ZEINABU IRENE DAVIS | CELEBRATING BLACK FILM

The Black Deaf Project is screening the film "Compensation" by Zeinabu Irene Davis!

Join us as we celebrate Black film and Black Deaf actress, Michelle Banks. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in a thought-provoking and visually stunning piece of cinema.

Compensation is a 1999 independent drama film produced, co-edited and directed by Zeinabu irene Davis and written by Marc Arthur Chéry. The film is about two parallel love stories set in turn-of-the-century and present-day Chicago, with both stories concerning a relationship between a Deaf woman and a hearing man. The story is inspired by the 1906 poem of the same name from early African-American writer Paul Laurence Dunbar. The film stars Michelle A. Banks and John Earl Jelks in the leading roles. The early part of the story is shot like a silent film. Though the film was not released until 1999, filming took place in 1993.

What's the Story about?

In 1910, Malindy, an educated seamstress who mobilizes against segregation at her school for the deaf, meets and falls in love with Arthur, a hearing man and an illiterate migrant worker from Mississippi. Malindy teaches Arthur ASL and how to read and write. In the present day, artist Malaika and librarian Nico also fall in love after a series of encounters. Both couples revel in the splendor of romance and a possible lifetime commitment, only to be forced to deal with the dreaded diseases of their respective times: tuberculosis and AIDS. In both stories, the couples also face opposition from those that do not think a relationship between a hearing person and Deaf person will be compatible.

Calling All Vendors

We’re calling on Deaf & Black-owned businesses & organizations to come through and give back to the community. Drop some gems, advertise your organization, offer free goodies, and connect — no selling, just giveaways, sharing knowledge, and good vibes. ? Limited spots available! Reserve Your Space by October 19!

Info: Enjoy browsing vendor tables, mingling with guests, entering raffles, and indulging in sweet treats. You also have time to check out the current exhibits- Shaping the Imperialist Imagination: Stereographs from the Museum Collection, Off Reservation: Sofia Valiente and the Photo Students of Sherman Indian High School, and Lost in the Wilderness: Ansel Adams in the 1960s.

Info: Watch the critically acclaimed film Compensation, exploring themes of love, disability, and Black identity.

Info: Join us for a live virtual Q&A with Michelle Banks, renowned Black Deaf actress and advocate.

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Host or Publisher THE BLACK DEAF PROJECT Board Team