August Grahn Memorial Thriving Artist Series

The August Grahn Memorial Fund is designated solely for the purpose supporting the The August Grahn Memorial Thriving Artist Series. This series will present a number of artists and speakers in various disciplines and mediums, who will be commissioned to create and or present works centered on mental health and wellness, for a series of lectures, shows, and on campus performances and presentations. The funds will be utilized to secure their works/presence for campus, and for post-event receptions for students to discuss their thoughts and feelings surrounding the works.

Ferguson Rises - Mobolaji Olambiwonnu

Ferguson Rises - Mobolaji Olambiwonnu

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MOBOLAJI OLAMBIWONNU - DIRECTOR/PRODUCER

Mobolaji is a graduate of UCLA and AFI. His first feature documentary Ferguson Rises is the recipient of the prestigious Audience Award at the Tribeca Film Festival and is now being distributed by PBS. Besides film work, Mobolaji also works in the fields of education, conflict resolution, and community organizing. His community-based experience is the conscience behind his work.

Film Synopsis: FERGUSON RISES is an unparalleled documentary film that intimately follows the journey of Michael Brown Sr., whose teenage son’s death by police in Ferguson, Missouri. The film centers on Michael Sr.’s search for healing and justice alongside his community amidst the international media frenzy and inspiring the global Black Lives Matter movement. The filmmaker hears from widely varying perspectives including business owners, neighbors outraged by or participating in the protests, police officers, and ministers. FERGUSON RISES illustrates the enduring struggles and triumphs of the African diaspora and the strength of community. FERGUSON RISES ultimately embodies the power of channeling grief into change and can help add visual and emotional resonance to some of the topics you may be discussing with your community.

About the screening: The film with a facilitated discussion will allow the audience to navigate difficult topics such as race, policing, resilience, trauma, and mental health. Our hope is that attendees can take those conversations to their organizations and communities to share empathy, understanding, and respect.

 What should you expect to get out of screening and Q&A?

  • Develop a greater understanding of the issues around race, policing, grief, and fatherhood in the film and how they relate to today

  • Increase their understanding of the intersectionality between the African American experience and their own

  • Connect with the universality of the grieving process and the need to find purpose in their struggles

  • Become more sensitized to the challenges that their peers and others may be experiencing

  • Moved and primed for conversation and action as it relates to your organization’s directives and other social justice engagements

We hope that you will join us for the screening in the Bijou, Q&A with Black Arts Collective, and refreshments.