A commonality everyone shares is the feeling of being a problem. In the American classic, ‘The Souls of Black Folk’ scholar Dr. W.E.B. DuBois framed this peculiar sensation as a social phenomenon initially and/or especially applicable to Black folk as a result of being blamed for the Civil War and the failure of the country’s Reconstruction effort. Filmmaker Dr. Thomas Keith, inspired by author Dr. J.W. Wiley’s book, ‘The Nigger in You,’ used DuBois’ existential question—profoundly articulated within ‘Souls’—to collaborate on an award winning film project, “How Does It Feel to be a PROBLEM?” This film—which won the 2022 SoHo International Film Festival Best Documentary—was created to be a point-of-departure for consciousness-awakening, conversation-starting, as well as ideal for ally-development.
Featuring actor/activist Danny Glover, musician/actor Henry Rollins, writer/activist Dr. Dena Samuels, and professor/author Dr. James Loewen—with a song by Hall of Fame singer/songwriter Jackson Browne— “How Does It Feel to be a PROBLEM?” challenges viewers to unpack systemic racism while considering the necessity of being a John Brown-type ally. Ultimately we hope that engaging systemic racism as a pertinent template relevant to addressing all societal ‘isms’ will enable every person that considers it, to become an ally too.
Presented in partnership with John Brown Lives. Guest scheduled to appear!
