AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange

In North Carolina, Princeville and Tarboro are neighbors separated by the Tar River. The former lies on low ground while the latter sits on high ground which is why Princeville is subject to flooding. Kofi Boone, a Professor of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at NC State University, talks history and racialized topography in the South.

Filmmaker Resita Cox and DeVante Hudson of The Chisholm Legacy Project speak with Tina McDuffie, host of Local, USA, about FREEDOM HILL and the story of the historic Black town. Cox shares her own story to the making of film including an education of Princeville and environmental racism while Hudson provides a perspective of organizing, planning and obtaining resources within communities.

In cities and town across America, communities of color and people living in poorer neighborhoods have been the target of environmental racism. The unfair decisions and practices by local, state and federal governments, companies and organizations undermine the health and well-being of people as in the case of the historic Black town of Princeville, North Carolina.

Princeville, NC sits atop wet, swampy land along the river. In the 1800s, the land was deemed uninhabitable by white people. After the Civil War, this indifference left it available for freed enslaved Africans. Once called ‘Freedom Hill,’ it was gradually established as an all Black town. But the town has been inundated with flooding...and with each flood, a little more of the small town erodes.

Princeville, NC sits atop wet, swampy land along the river. In the 1800s, the land was deemed uninhabitable by white people. After the Civil War, this indifference left it available for freed enslaved Africans. Once called ‘Freedom Hill,’ it was gradually established as an all Black town. But the town has been inundated with flooding...and with each flood, a little more of the small town erodes.

Jo's family and community, and friends and caregivers at the hospital, watch the finished film that she starred in, paying tribute to her and her dream of becoming a superhero. With hesitation, her mother and sister are able to witness the happiness, laughter and brightness that Jo is able to bring to everyone around them.

When Mwix's younger sister, Jo, returns home from the local hospital to live out her last days, she puts a plan together involving the community. Unbeknownst to Jo, who believes in superheroes, she joins in a game of football using her superpowers while her loving older sister looks on.

Kenneth Polite, Jr., the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, reads from the letter written by him supporting the commutation of Danielle Metz who was sentenced to three life sentences plus 20 years. Former President Barack Obama granted her clemency in 2016 and Metz has proven why she deserved this second chance ever since leaving prison.

Danielle Metz, who received three life sentences plus 20 years as a first time nonviolent offender, talks about her separation from her family - a young son and daughter, and her dream of returning home to them.

Danielle Metz, once incarcerated and now with her sentence commuted, speaks at a Free Her campaign about her own story. Metz also calls for clemency of incarcerated women like herself who are deserving of commutation by the president.

Gleneisha opens up about her childhood without her mother, Danielle Metz, who was incarcerated with three life sentences when she was a young child. She also shares how faith plays an important part of her life in getting through the most difficult moments.

In 1993, Danielle Metz was labeled a drug kingpin and sentenced to triple life in California, many miles away from New Orleans and her two children. Metz's sentence was commuted 23 years later. Now back home, she is stepping into a different reality. The film traces Metz's journey in confronting the wounds of incarceration, and to finding purpose, love and unification with her two grown children.

In 1993, Danielle Metz was labeled a drug kingpin and sentenced to triple life in California, many miles away from New Orleans and her two children. Metz's sentence was commuted 23 years later. Now back home, she is stepping into a different reality. The film traces Metz's journey in confronting the wounds of incarceration, and to finding purpose, love and unification with her two grown children.

Filmmakers Nailah Jefferson (director), Darcy McKinnon (producer) and Danielle Metz (co-producer) talk about COMMUTED and their experience making the documentary. While Jefferson and McKinnon discuss the cruelty of the criminal justice system, Metz shares her intimate journey as a Black woman who was once incarcerated and is now advocating for others like herself.

Kaleche attempts to run from the truth when she discovers that Kati Kati is not paradise but the afterlife as Thoma explains.

Where am I? Kaleche finds herself in unfamiliar territory after waking up in the wild. And she isn't the only person out there as she meets a group living together in Kati Kati.

Filmmaker Mbithi Masya talks about KATI KATI, the inspiration behind his narrative film and global cinema. The director and writer, who lost someone dear to him, opens up about grief and shares how he turned deep thoughts about Kenyan society into themes within the story.

After watching a movie in the hospital, Jo and her friend discuss superpowers and which one she would want. Jo is packing up, leaving her friends - other pediatric patients - to return home with her mom and sister.

When Kaleche wakes up in the middle of the wilderness, she has no idea why or how she got there. She makes her way to Kati Kati where she meets a motley crew living under the leadership of Thoma. As Kaleche strikes up a quick friendship with him, she discovers that Thoma is a very special person at this mysterious place: Kati Kati is inhabited by the souls of dead people waiting for redemption.

When Kaleche wakes up in the middle of the wilderness, she has no idea why or how she got there. She makes her way to Kati Kati where she meets a motley crew living under the leadership of Thoma. As Kaleche strikes up a quick friendship with him, she discovers that Thoma is a very special person at this mysterious place: Kati Kati is inhabited by the souls of dead people waiting for redemption.