And Still I Rise Screening
This July, Maya Angelou Schools joined the March on Washington Film Festival to host an exclusive screening of “And Still I Rise,” a documentary featuring Dr. Maya Angelou’s life and legacy.
Fresh popcorn filled the air of MAPCS, as the Maya Ambassador Corps assembled goodie bags for the morning screening. The student hosts treated their fellow peers to a full movie theatre experience in the media center, where roughly 60 summer school students enjoyed the documentary. Special guests and staff were treated to an afternoon screening.
Following the film, Directors, Rita Coburn Whack and Bob Hercules, Isisara Bey of the March on Washington Film Festival, as well as See Forever Foundation Board Member and Dr. Angelou’s grandson, Colin Johnson, spoke with students and staff about the importance of the documentary and Dr. Angelou’s extraordinary life.
“What was the hardest part about making the film?” asked Maya student, Joshua. “Trying to figure out what parts to cut,” jokingly responded the directors. The 2-hour documentary chronicles the robust life of the legendary, poet, singer, dancer, and civil rights activist, and still had much more footage that wasn’t included. Dr. Angelou accomplished a lot in her storied life, and even keeping the film to 2 hours was a task.
“I get emotional every time,” said Johnson of the film. Mr. Johnson, the only grandson of the late poet, runs Caged Bird Legacy, which aims to continue Dr. Angelou’s great work. He recently joined the board of the See Forever Foundation to take more of a role in Maya Schools. Mr. Johnson has already made an impact on the Maya Angelou Schools and looks to continue his grandmother’s legacy by playing an active role in empowering the students and schools to see forever.
Enjoy the clip of And Still I Rise below, and make sure to visit http://mayaangeloufilm.com/ to see a screening near you!