Permission to Feel - A Journey Through Black Male Interior Life

A New Home for Our Stories - BLACK MAN, A DOCUMENTARY - Movie Screening & Discussion with the Director.

Grand Rapids, we have a new seat for your stories. We are thrilled to announce that the Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives (GRAAMA) has officially opened its theater doors. Join us for an exclusive inaugural screening of Jon Covington's BLACK MAN, a riveting documentary feature 30 perspectives on identity and brotherhood. Experience the film in our intimate new space, followed by a live community discussion with the director and local leaders.

Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Info: Before the lights dim, we invite you to be among the first to experience the new theater at GRAAMA. Use this time to settle in and immerse yourself in all that GRAAMA has to offer. This is a dedicated window for community connection and for you to meet other attendees. Take time to discuss the "living archive" of our community and prepare for a riveting evening.
• Discover the Space – Our new theater will be a space for the stories of Grand Rapids to be told.
• Refreshments – A selection of light refreshments and beverages will be available for purchase.
• Build Your Social Capital – Connect with local Grand Rapids leaders and fellow community members wo share a passion for authentic storytelling.

Info: Prepare for a powerful cinematic experience as we present an exclusive screening of BLACK MAN, a documentary by acclaimed director Jon Covington. This film serves as a "living archive" of the Black Male Interior life, dismantling long-held myths and offering an authentic, unfiltered look at the lived experiences of Black men in America today. Through a series of riveting conversations with 30 men aged 21 - 91 - Covington captures a diverse spectrum of perspectives on identity, brotherhood, an resilience. As the inaugural film to be showcased in GRAAMA’s brand new theater, this screening is more than a movie; it is an invitation to see our neighbors, fathers, brothers, and sons in a completely different light.
• Runtime – 81 minutes
• Impact – A poignant journey through stories of life, love, and loss that sets the stage for our community fireside chat.

Info: Following the screening, join us for an intimate and powerful fireside chat that brings the themes of the film directly into our own community. This is a rare opportunity to engage with the creative mind behind the documentary and the local voices leading Grand Rapids forward.
• Reflecting on the Narrative – Engage in a deep dive conversation with director Jon Covington as he shares the journey of documenting the “interior life” of Black men across generations.
• Local Leadership Perspective – Hear from a curated panel of Grand Rapids Black male leaders as they connect the film’s global themes to the local lived experience right here in our city.
• A Safe Space for Dialogue – This session is designed as a “living archive” of our own, inviting the audience to participate in a moderated discussion about identity, brotherhood and dismantling cultural myths.
• Connecting Cinema to Community – Witness firsthand how GRAMMA’s new theater serves as a bridge for meaningful conversation.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives (GRAAMA), 41 Sheldon Avenue Southeast, Grand Rapids, United States

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