Descendants of Jesuit enslavement launch new research nonprofit
The Descendants of Jesuit Enslavement Historical & Genealogical Society seeks to shine a light on enslavement in the world's largest religious order.
Movies
New film shares personal letters of Venerable Augustus Tolton
CHICAGO — A new documentary on Venerable Augustus Tolton features personal letters from the pioneering Black Catholic priest, to be shared publicly for the first time upon the film’s release in June. A private screening of “Tolton Speaks: The Life and Letters of Fr. Augustus Tolton” was held in February
Review: Donyale Luna doc gives due to Black Catholic fashion pioneer
An HBO Max film released in the fall showcases the nation's first Black supermodel, a troubled and triumphant Detroit-born force who broke barriers.
Review: 'A Symphony of Tiny Lights' illuminates Dr. John H. Francis, eco-justice pioneer
A new short doc on a planet-walking environmental activist—who once considered the monastery—does right by its subject and his love for the earth.
Documentary short on Bessie Stringfield, famed Black motorcyclist, premiering at AmDocs
The 23-minute feature covers one of America's most unique Black Catholic women, known for her cross-country rides during the height of Jim Crow.
Review: 'Cabrini' strikes the right notes of nun's missions to America
Samantha Smith says the new Catholic flick is worth a watch, with strong acting and a compelling American story with an Italian twist.
Docudrama 'Incorruptible' will chronicle Black Benedictine nun and foundress
Royce Hood heads up a new project on a story of perseverance, uncommon Catholic faith, and possible sainthood.
Review: 'Bob Marley: One Love' is a passionate telling of musical greatness
Samantha Smith says a new biopic on the Jamaican reggae superstar handles his gravity well and benefits from a strong supporting cast.
Review: 'Origin' complicates the narrative, but with cinematic consequences
Ava DuVernay’s latest swings for the fences to bring a new angle to Black American history, but comes up short with a middling plot and unclear direction.
Review: 'American Fiction' an incisive, relatable film offering
Samantha Smith reviews a new Black film that's wowing critics and generating Oscar buzz with its timely themes and free-spirited storytelling.
Review: 'The Color Purple' shines with all-star musical cast
Samantha Smith reviews the latest film adaptation of a timeless Black literary classic.
New Orleans jazz funeral documentary screening this week in L.A.
The 2021 film exudes Black and Catholic history and culture in the nation's most unique city, and could soon be headed for a major studio.
Review: Disney brings nostalgia with ‘Wish’
Samantha Smith reviews the new Disney animated film that, for the first time ever, places an Afro-Latina in the leading role.
Review: 'American Symphony' doc triumphs showing Jon Batiste at his realest
A new film from Matthew Heineman centers a Black Catholic musician and his complexities as he navigates fame and family at an artistic apex.
Review: 'Finding Us' doc gives Jesuit slavery descendants a new kind of voice
Still in the festival circuit, the 2022 film does well in centering survivors and their quest to reunite their family, says Nate Tinner-Williams
Ava DuVernay first Black woman to compete at Venice Film Festival
The award-winning director will also receive an award from an AIDS relief organization during the annual festivities in Italy.