Event Date
Friday, December 19 2008 : 6:30pmLocation
The CenterDescription
Co-sponsored by the New York City Anti-Violence Project.
RECEPTION 6:30PM
PROGRAM 7:30PM
Dreams Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Film Project tells the tragic story of Sakia Gunn, a 15 years old high school student who was murdered in a gay hate crime. Sakia was proud about being an 'aggressive' – as defined by GLAAD, a homosexual woman of color who dresses in masculine attire. Many of these young women mimic the aesthetics of male rappers that are seen on the popular television programs for young urban youth of color. She and her friends were returning from socializing at NYC’s Greenwich Village piers at Christopher Street. While waiting for a bus in downtown Newark, New Jersey, she was sexually proposition and assaulted by a man who fatally stabbed her. Dreams Deferred depicts the homophobia that caused this murder to occur and questions the lack of media coverage of the murder of a Black Gay teenager.
The documentary follows the reaction of the Newark community where several rallies and vigils were held, galvanizing the community and prompting several LGBT organizations to form, including the Newark Pride Alliance and Sakia Gunn Aggressives & Femmes, as well as a scholarship fund in her name. May 23, the day Sakia was murdered, was declared by the Mayor of Newark as “No Name Calling Day.”
The story unfolds with the testimonies of Sakia’s family and friends during the sentencing hearing of the murderer, interviews of LGBT community leaders, opinions of people in the community, interviews of Sakia’s best friend, Valencia, and exclusive footage of Sakia’s vigil. Dreams Deferred pays homage to this young Aggressive and exposes the sensitive issues not often addressed regarding gender-identity, homophobia and racism.
Opening Remarks by Ana Hernandez, Director of Public Policy, The Center.
This screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film's director Charles B. Brack and Kim Fountain, Deputy Director, New York City Anit-Violence Project.
Limited seating is available.
Price
$8 online
$10 at the door
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Tickets can be purchased at the door.
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