August 11th 2023.
The Sun Rises In The East, a 2022 documentary, is now streaming on Amazon Video and has been making the rounds at various festivals. This documentary tells the remarkable story of a Black community based in Brooklyn, New York, called The East.
The community was born out of an experiment when Black folks in Brooklyn took control of public schools in the Bedford-Stuyvesant community, according to CityLab. The experiment expanded to include food co-ops, schools, jazz lounges, and art centers. This burgeoning movement came to be known as The East, and it was a counter to Western ideals and values. It centered around Pan-African views and culture, fostering a collaborative approach as opposed to the more individualistic ideas of the West.
Though the East had a sprawling presence, evidenced by the group’s occupation of a 232,000-square-foot facility, little has been recorded about its existence. CityLab talked to the documentary’s directors, Tayo Giwa and Cynthia Gordy Giwa, about the significance of sharing this forgotten story.
The Giwas wanted to make the story of The East accessible to the masses, without losing any of its detail. They also emphasized that the documentary wasn't about The East ending, but rather about showing how the movement is still having an impact today. CityLab describes The East as a potential progenitor to the Black Lives Matter movement, critical race theory, and Afro-futurism.
This documentary is a powerful reminder of the strength of the Black community and its ability to create a safe haven even in the face of adversity. The Sun Rises In The East is an important story to remember and share, and it will hopefully inspire others to create their own movements for positive change.
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