By Charles Honey
A student-produced film on the history of black musicians in Grand Rapids will be shown Thursday, May 10 at Celebration Cinema North, as well as on Xfinity On Demand cable TV beginning the same day. “Rhythm and Race: A History of African American Music in Grand Rapids” was created by Grand Rapids Public Schools students in the after-school video production studio at the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT).
The film examines how the local black music scene influenced social justice and helped advance equity for African Americans. Premiered last year, it has since added an interview with Curtis Rodgers, cofounder of the Grand Land Recording Company, the first record company to sign Grand Rapids-raised soul and gospel star Al Green.
The free 6:30 p.m. screening will be followed by a panel discussion of the WMCAT student production team and teaching artist Mike Saunders. Register to attend here.
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