About this Event
Join Counterstream and Black Appalachian Coalition for an unforgettable evening of storytelling and community at the highly anticipated premiere of Solidarity Ride: Convergence, Resurgence, Healing & Justice.
This powerful documentary captures the incredible stories of changemakers from the Gulf South to Appalachia who are fighting environmental injustices in their communities. Through compelling narratives and striking visuals, Solidarity Ride highlights grassroots solutions, resilience, and solidarity in the face of systemic challenges.
🎥 What to Expect:
🎟 Exclusive Screening: Be the first to experience this impactful documentary.
🎤 Engaging Q&A: Join a live discussion with people featured in the film who are leading the charge for environmental justice in their communities.
🍢☕️ Refreshments: After the screening, stay for an exclusive networking event with light refreshments and tasty bites.
🏛 Historic Venue: Held at the iconic DeLUXE Theater, a beautifully restored landmark in Houston’s 5th Ward that embodies the resilience and culture of its community.
🗣 Interactive Discussion: Explore actionable solutions and inspiring stories of hope and transformation. Hear from special invited guests who will share how they are advancing solutions, justice, and narratives:
- Beyond Petrochemicals
- Black Appalachian Coalition
- Bullard Center for Environmental & Climate Justice
- Climate Conversations Brazoria County
- Freeport Haven
- Gulf South Partnership
- Jacob & Terese Hershey Foundation
- Kimberley Lane Properties
- Northeast Houston Redevelopment Corporation
- Plastic Solutions Fund
- Resilient Cities Catalyst
- S.A.F.E. Diversity Communities
- Texas Campaign for the Environment
- And more.
✨ This is more than just a screening
It’s an opportunity to connect with a spirit of joy, justice, and solutions — the way ancestors from the Freedom Rides exemplified in spite of repressive regimes. Whether you're a long-time Environmental Justice supporter or new to the movement, this event promises to leave you moved and motivated.
🎟️ Reserve Your Spot Today! Space is limited.
🎬 Watch the trailer here.
About the film
In a world where environmental racism and social injustices continue to disproportionately affect communities of color, stories become one of the most powerful tools for change.
Solidarity Ride: Convergence, Resurgence, Healing & Justice, is a powerful new documentary short that sheds light on environmental racism, social injustice, and the resilience of communities leading the charge for change.
Inspired by ancestors who led Freedom Rides
The film aims to be a beacon of hope and resilience, shedding light on the lived experiences of those who have been marginalized and silenced for far too long.
The film centers voices from the Gulf South and Appalachia
It features people who converged for the BLAC Policy Summit in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as for a back-to-school drive in Brazoria County, Texas.
This film doesn't just document environmental injustice — it uplifts narrative justice, ensuring that the voices of impacted communities are heard, valued, and amplified.
Directed and Written by Michael McKenzie.
A Production.
About The Venue
The DeLUXE Theater
The DeLUXE Theater is a historic cornerstone of Lyons Avenue’s cultural heritage and the 5th Ward community.
The DeLUXE Theater opened in April 1941 as the premiere Black movie theater and is located at 3303 Lyons Avenue in the heart of Houston’s 5th Ward.
History
In the early 20th-century, the 3300 block of Lyons Avenue was predominantly residential with a smattering of small commercial enterprises such as a blacksmith shop and drug store. The McGowen School, later Phillis Wheatley High School, was also located in the adjacent block (3400) of Lyons Avenue. By the mid-1930s, the Crystal White Taxi Line and its associated businesses (a beauty shop, hotel, and domino and shoe shine parlors) were operating in the 3200 block of Lyons and continued at this location through the late 1950s. The Houston City Directory lists the Crystal White Taxi Line as the parent company of many businesses in the area, including the famous Club Matinee known locally as the “Cotton Club” of the South.
After the Civil Rights Act passed in 1964, the days of segregated movie theaters came to an end and the DeLUXE closed in 1969. The Theater sat empty until 2015.
Today the historic DeLUXE Theate offers dance and music programming, event space and community initiatives.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The DeLuxe Theater, 3303 Lyons Avenue, Houston, United States
USD 0.00
