DETROIT — Hundreds gathered at Charles H. Wright Museum on a recent Saturday afternoon to embrace the stories of elders in the Black community and some of them celebrated for their contributions to every walk of life.
It was a knowledge-filled and inspiring moment as the author and film director Roohee Marshall presented her documentary, “A Generation Found: The Journey Continues”.
In an interview with Michigan Chronicle, Marshall explained her goal was to document in real time the views and real-life experiences of African American senior citizens and how their impacted and life journey shared publicly can help others navigate the world.
“In Mississippi we were surrounded by elders, respect was always due, said Marshall. “They saw their love for you at the same time they were very serious. This is an opportunity to connect generations now and generations to come.”
The film is a collection of interviews with 51 seniors sharing their stories of accomplishments, their challenges, advice on raising children and much more. It reconnects to elders in the community and it aims to tap into the seasoned village in the Black community.
Marshall believed it was important to document “our heroes” and capture the legacy of who our Fredrick Douglas’ and Harriet Tubmans of now and in real time.
“When you watch this documentary, it’s like you’re sitting in the company of greatness. You discover the power of listening and standing up for the justice and the things that are right,” Marshall explains. “I have a greater and deeper appreciation for a village, not only for my own but in the world.”
Sitting at the head of each village Marshall finds is an incredible elder in that space. As society is faced with so many disparities, she believes our elders need to be uplifted to know its people – generations behind them are still there and care enough to respect the paths they’ve paved for others.
During the afternoon program, guests were also inspired in dance with a performance by Eleanor Kaye and a “Grandmother” poem authored by Nubia Kai.
At different moments of the documentary, Black elders across the country individually and passionately gave their insightful opinions and advice, from inequalities of justice for Black people to hope and inspiration for young people.
If you’re in your own movie, “Why would you go through it and not be the star?”, said Matthew Corbin, 77, of Detroit, and one of the elders featured in the documentary film. “Make it good for you, make it productive for you, honest for you, so you can speak to its grandeur, and let it be yours.” An interesting metaphor which drew applause from the audience as it spoke to anyone needing to take shape and focus of their life as if its living in a movie.
The documentary received a standing ovation from the audience gathered inside the theatre at the Wright Museum. Following the film, attendees were able to receive signed copies of Marshall’s book which bears the same name as the documentary film.
“Detroit is where I gained most of my culture – African American culture, African concepts of beauty and treasures from the continent. What better place to host such a beautiful event than to have the elders coming into these walls to see how Charles H. Wright Museum has preserved the voices of their strength and courage throughout time.”
One of the attendees at the event was thrilled by the rich stories and history of such legends featured, she left feeling inspired and with much more work accomplish in her own personal growth after listening to the elders share their experiences.
“I’m so excited, and am so proud,” said Nzinga Johnson. “To be Black, to be in my 70s. I look forward to being 106 and listening to these extraordinary legends. I thank GOD for their longevity. It gives me hope.
Some of the elders featured in the documentary and others were present following the documentary’s showcasing were recognized and honored by Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree.
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