Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War Screening & Panel

Dive into the stories of Black Americans' impact during the Revolutionary War with a film, panel discussion & attendee storytelling booth.
About this Event

Join us for VPM's premiere screening of Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War. This powerful documentary uncovers the stories of four Black Americans who pursued freedom, citizenship, and belonging during the American Revolution, illuminating the tension between the promises of the Declaration of Independence and the lived realities of enslaved and free Black people in early America.

Registration is required for this free event. VMFA doors open at 5:30pm. Enjoy a reception + explore community partners' programs & resources associated with the film's storytelling. See agenda details below.

Following the screening, audiences will hear from the filmmakers and historians:

Moderator: Shakia Gullette Warren, Executive Director, Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia

Panelists:

• Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, Co-Founder, The JXN Project and Cabinet Official, Office of the Governor for the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Dr. Cassandra L. Newby-Alexander, Professor of History, Norfolk State University
• Stacey Holman, Film Producer & Director

Community partners will provide interactive experiences along with their programming & resources:

• Drums No Guns Foundation

This film was made possible by the generous support of:

• Shockoe Institute
• The Virginia Film Office
• Diane Travis
• Carole Weinstein
• Sonjia Smith in honor of Gail Kitch

Agenda

🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:45 PM
Check In + Reception + Engage with Community Partners

Info: VMFA doors open at 5:30pm. Enter at VMFA's Main Entrance to the Cochrane Atrium. Check in. Enjoy a reception. Share your story at the VA250 Storytelling Booth. Explore our community partners' programs & resources.

🕑: 06:55 PM - 08:50 PM
Premiere Screening + Panel Discussion with filmmakers & historians

Info: Special performance by Drums No Guns. Opening remarks, screening, then hear the film's producer + historians dive deeper into the stories featured in the film.

🕑: 08:50 PM - 09:30 PM
Meet & Greet + Interactive Activities with Community Partners

Info: Cochrane Atrium: Talk with the filmmakers & historians. Share your story at the VA250 Storytelling Booth. Explore our community partners' programs & resources.