Black Girl In Suburbia is a 55 minute feature documentary that looks into the experiences of black girls growing up in predominately white communities. This is a different look into suburbia from the perspective of women of color. This film explores through professional and personal interviews the conflict and issues black girls have relating to both white and black communities.
There are many girls out there who have stories to tell about struggle and triumph, but have never had an outlet to share. That’s why this film is so important!
Black Girl In Suburbia intends to spark an open dialogue about race, identity, and perspective among all people. In hopes that these discussions will allow us to look at perceptions of ourselves, others and the community we live in as a whole.
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“This film is a must see for all educators in Oregon. BGS offers great insight into the struggles our students of color face in classrooms and communities where few of their peers or teachers look like them. I am confident Lowery’s work will help spurthe conversations and personal growth necessary to improve our ability to reach and teach all students”
Kim Feicke
Director
Oregon Center for Educational Equity
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“This film is a must see for all people of all colors. Don’t let “Black Girl” in the title think it won’t interest or educate you”.
Tammy Boysen Wilhoite
Parent
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“Black Girl in Suburbia is a very compelling documentary that will elicit feelings of happiness, anger and frustration. The documentary is a courageous look into the lived experiences of many young black women in our schools today. As an educator and with a daughter in high school I face these obstacles every day, where young ladies question their place in a suburban high school setting. Conversations regarding hair, body composition and dating are just a few topics of conversation when meeting with students. Black Girl In Suburbia is an important film that we look forward to sharing with our entire school community and following up with valuable discussion”.
David Blue
Jesuit High School Diversity Director
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“Black Girl in Suburbia was very eye opening for me in so many ways. If you would have asked if racism or being black was an issue while growing up, I would have said, “No, not really.” I grew up in suburbia and raised my daughter in suburbia. When I think of racism and issues facing black people, I think of extreme hate and outright conflict that you see on the news. That was never part of my life. BGS pulled back the rug to expose the things that had been swept underneath the “good life”. I realized that I did have some hurt and issues, but they were swept away because they seemed small compared to “real” issues. For example, dancing is the way I make a living. My daughter, who participated in the documentary, used to dance with me. It was fun and a chance for us to bond. She would even help me find music for my classes. It happened gradually, but I realized that I no longer had my dance partner. I never knew why, I just assumed she was interested in other things. While watching BGS the reason why she doesn’t dance was revealed. I broke down in tears. I was shocked that subtle, not extreme, comments could alter the course of your life. BGS is a must see for all people. This film will get you thinking and talking about race from a whole new perspective; from the black girl in suburbia”.
LaTosha Wilson
Parent
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We have been so blessed to have had a great run so far with screening Black Girl In Suburbia in and around the Portland area! The intent for Black Girl In Suburbia to spark dialogue, has become a reality and even a MOVEMENT! Thank you to all BGS supporters and those that have hosted a screening! Let’s keep sharing and sparking dialogue!!
RECENT SCREENING UPDATES! We’ve got some great ones coming up, check it out below!
*Portland Community Colleges (ALL 4 Campuses) February 5,12,19,26 2015.
-Cascade Campus February 5, (OPEN TO PUBLIC) 3pm-5:30pm. RM SU 203
-Southeast Campus February 12, (Staff Only) 3pm-5:30pm.
-Sylvania Campus February 19, (Staff Only) 3pm-5:30pm.
-Rock Creek Campus February 26, (OPEN TO PUBLIC) 3pm-5:30pm. Building 7 Room 117
Sheldon High School Courageous Conversations (Staff) February 20, 2015.
*Portland Black Film Festival Hollywood Theater (OPEN TO PUBLIC) February 21, 2015 2pm. Discussion to follow.
4122 NE Sandy Boulevard
Portland, OR 97212
(503) 281-4215
Washington County City of Hillsboro (Washington Co. employees) February 27, 2015. 12pm.
1400 SW Walnut St.
Hillsboro, OR
(503) 846-7868
*University of Portland (Open to public) March 2, 2015 6pm Shiley 301.
5000 N. Willamette Blvd
Portland, OR
(503) 943-8000
*Portland Public School Documentary series March 19, 2015 4pm-6:30pm.
Location: TBD
Spelman College March 21, 2015. (Open to public).
Toni Cade Bambara Scholar-Activist Annual Conference
350 Spelman Ln SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
*Shute Park Library May 2, 2015. (Open to public) 2pm.
775 SE 10th Ave
Hillsboro, OR
(503) 615-6500
Centennial High School May 26, 2015. (Open to public) Auditorium 6pm.
3505 SE 182nd Ave
Gresham, OR 97030
(503) 762-6180
Previous Screenings:
Lewis and Clark College (OPEN TO PUBLIC) (2/13/15)
Pacific University (OPEN TO PUBLIC) (2/10/15)
Beaverton City Library (OPEN TO PUBLIC) (2/7/15)
Milwaukie High School (Open to Clackamas School District) (1/27/15)
Clackamas Highschool (school district teachers) (8/20/14)
N. Portland Library open to Public (9/12/14)
Hillsdale Library open to Public (9/28/14)
Hillsboro Library open to Public (10/5/14)
Jesuit Highschool Administration (10/13/14)
St. Johns Library open to Public (10/18/14)
West Linn Lutheran Church open to Public (10/19/14)
Jesuit Highschool 100 Faculty, Admin, & Program Directors (10/28/14)
Midland Library open to Public (10/29/14)
KairosPDX Early Learning Education (Faculty Only, 11/7/14)
Childroots Art-and-Science based learning community (Faculty Only, 11/11/14)
City of Hillsboro Lecture Series (City Employee’s only, 11/18/14)
Sheldon Highschool (Faculty only 12/1/14)
Edison High School (Faculty only 12/4/14)
City Of Hillsboro Parks and Rec Administration (1/6/15)
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HOSTING A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SCREENING PLEASE EMAIL bgsuburbia@gmail.com FOR MORE INFORMATION AND HONORARIUM SCREENING FEES.
Stay tuned for more screening dates!
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RECENT PRESS AND INTERVIEWS
NPR State Of Wonder radio interview with Melissa Lowery
Street Roots News. One on One interview w/Melissa Lowery
The Oregonian article October 2014
Pacific University Magazine July 2014 issue
The NPR program, The Story, interview that Melissa Lowery did with Dick Gordon! http://thestory.org/archive/The_Story_41112.mp3/view. The segment is the last 20-30 minutes of the program.
Please stay up to date and LIKE us on FB and Follow us on Twitter. #GoBGS #Awarness.through.dialogue.
THANK YOU SO MUCH SUPPORTERS!!! BGS HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVED AND HAS OFFICIALLY STARTED A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION!
