FTP w/ Long Live GoGo
Date and Time
Jun 18, 2023 5:00 pm
Location
14th & V
2021 14th St NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009
Jun 18, 2023 5:00 pm
14th & V
In Chocolate City, otherwise known as Washington, DC, citizens unite to fight for Black lives during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. Between fires in the street, and fires on the grill, this docutrilogy captures the city’s resilient spirit during the height of the BLM uprisings.
“Free The People” is a three part documentary series detailing Washington, DC's 2020 Black Lives Matter movement from the as seen on the frontlines. Directed by Kintsugi Kelley-Chung and Andrew Jasiura, this docuseries is a raw look at some of the summer’s hottest protests, and the growth of DC’s grassroots activism community.
Part I - Free Food For Freedom Fighters
Focuses on a grassroots mutual aid org called Earls First Amendment Grill, that camped out for weeks in front of The White House handing out free food, clothes, and Covid care packages, while protecting Black Lives Matter Plaza from police terror. Their strength and determination led to them being violently attacked by the police on several occasions and ultimately kicked off the plaza, and several of their members serving time.
Part II – Pot, Kettle? Still Black.
On August 13th, activists led a protest to the 3rd District precinct where they demanded justice for the countless Black people that MPD has killed over the years, resulting in a kettle and one of the largest mass arrests of the summer. With exclusive, never before seen footage inside the kettle, even our filmmakers were not immune to arrest. As the summer heats up, so does violence between protesters and police. Just as things start to reach a breaking point, 7th District officers shoot and kill 17 year old, Deon Kay in Southeast DC.
Part III – Welcome To DC
As the nation lurches towards election day, Trump supporters, Proud Boys and other alt-right extremists begin to descend on the city en masse, leading to several clashes with DC activists. The city still reeling in the wake of Deon Kay's death is struck with another blow, as 4th district officers instigate an illegal police chase that results in the death of 20 year old Karon Hylton, becoming one of the worst conspiracies the city has seen in years. Between the protests for Karon and warding off extremists, activists also prep for their biggest mutual aid day of the year: Thanksgiving.
Summary of Event
Sponsored by Long Live GoGo with support from Busboys and Poets, “Free The People” will be screened for the first time publicly on June 18th, 2023 at the 14th Street Busboys and Poets location. We will watch each part, with a brief intermission between parts 2 & 3, followed by a Q+A with the directors and some of the local activists to share their thoughts on the film, the 2020 uprisings and how their activism has continued since. Before and after, music will be provided by DJ Hottie, who was also one of the activists leading the movement.
Please note that this film contains graphic language, content and police violence and may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
Schedule
