Synopsis.
It's 1962 and life hasn't been easy for Joanna a teen mother and eldest sister. When things hit an all time low she gets fed up with the abuse in her home and plots to get her child, her siblings and her mother, Rasheeda, to safety. Inspired by true events.
Rasheeda’s Freedom Day is a new short film from Harrison Center and Dija Henry of The Blue House that tells the true story of longtime Indianapolis resident and greatriarch (a member of a community who has helped write the story of the neighborhood) Ms. JoAnna LeNoir.
She has spent her life learning that her story is worth sharing and now she’s sharing it with you. In 1962, Ms. JoAnna found the courage to take herself, her mother Rasheeda, and her siblings out of an abusive family situation to find freedom and community in the Indianapolis neighborhood Martindale-Brightwood. Every year since then, they have invited their family, friends, and neighbors on Columbia Street to celebrate “Rasheeda’s Freedom Day” on the anniversary of their escape. As the film shows, a healthy community gives us the courage to share our stories with our neighbors so we can be known and loved.
Director’s Statement
I have been volunteering in the Martindale-Brightwood area for 17 years through The Felege Hiywot Center. Two of those years were through my Americorps Service. Over the years I've grown to love this neighborhood and truly respect the history that is embedded in this neighborhood and it's residents. The Harrison Center for the Arts has worked to preserve stories of the long term residents of Martindale-Brightwood for several years. I was invited to adapt Rasheeda's Freedom Day written and directed for the stage by Ruthie Buescher, who also wrote the screenplay. I was really moved by Ms Joanna's courage at such a young age and was honored to tell this story especially to honor a resident from this community.
Throughout this process we've seen this film touch others and give them courage to tell their survival stories as well. I hope that we can keep making that impact by sharing this film with more people.
