Native Detroiter Sabrina Banks has a compelling story to tell about sexual violence and trauma, and it will be told when the documentary “Restoration” is screened for the general public on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Detroit Food Commons in the Detroit People’s Food Co-op Building. The venue is located at 8324 Woodward Ave. in the Motor City. Admission to the screening is free, but donations are welcomed.
Directed by veteran Austrian filmmaker and producer Gudrun Gruber and presented in conjunction with Uplifted and Free, Change is Reel, and the Detroit Women of Color International Film Festival, “Restoration” follows the life of Banks as she evolves from a tragic time of being sexually assaulted as a teenager. Now an adult, Banks returns to the house where her trauma began more than a decade ago and mentally and verbally relives the horrific night as part of her necessary journey to restoration. The documentary shows Banks’ resilience and demonstrates how sexual violence impacts not only the victims but also those around them, including family, friends, and associates.
While it has been more than a decade since Banks was subjected to sexual violence, the documentary reveals how she faces the present challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES).
Banks is optimistic that her documented story will be a change agent platform to help others experiencing traumatic circumstances.
“I hope this documentary will help break the generational chains of violence many individuals are still struggling with and bring light and hope to trauma survivors around the world,” said Banks. “This documentary is based on my life as a survivor.”
In addition to the public screening of “Restoration,” a panel of advocates will convene at the venue to discuss the perils of human trafficking, sexual violence, and healing. The panel will consist of Sabrina Banks (survivor and Founder/CEO of Uplifted and Free, LLC), Audrey Watkins (CEO of Resourceful Woman), Renee Roederer (Senior Director of Programs and Community Care at Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan), Darnell Cotton (Advocate and Banks’ father), Alia Harvey Quinn (Founder of FORCE Detroit), and Kalimah Johnson (Founder and Executive Director, SASHA Center).
In addition, the event will have a healing space, information stations, live entertainment, and refreshments.
Over the years, Banks has continued to empower others in many ways, including through mentorship, motivational speaking, and as a certified life coach. Since 2018, Banks has served as CEO of Uplifted and Free, LLC, an organization she founded to facilitate awareness and advocacy outreach to individuals facing mental and traumatic challenges. Banks holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Wayne State University and will receive her Master of Social Work (MSW) next year from the university.
Banks is also penning a book titled “Dear God, Hear Me Out.” When published, the inspirational publication will be another tool of advocacy Banks will use to help individuals combat mental, traumatic, and other life challenges.
“My goal is to bring awareness to mental health issues and give hope to individuals who have faced life’s toughest obstacles,” Banks said. “My life is a testament to resilience, and I will continue to uplift others with my platforms and messages of faith, perseverance, and empowerment.”
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