We Speak Events
TI Host Advance Sreening Of Black Panther Which Was Sponsored by Walmart and Marvel Studios [Pictures]
, T.I. who attended with his children. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms brought her family and joined Moore and T.I. to introduce the film and welcome theatergoers.
Filmed in Atlanta, Black Panther generated more than $83.9 million to the local economy and contributed more than $26.5 million in wages to more than 3,100 workers across the state. In an interview with the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Mayor Bottoms stated, “It’s just an extraordinary opportunity for the City of Atlanta to be here to celebrate this African-American cast that was filmed right here in Atlanta really speaks to what’s possible in this city and the opportunities we have in this city when we provide incentives and when we are a friendly and welcoming place.” T.I., a member Mayor Bottom’s transitional team offered a poignant statement about the impact of the film saying, “It’s imperative that we know there is greatness inside of all of us and our children should know that as well. They all possess super hero like qualities that will allow them to change the world. Films like Black Panther empower them.”
Additional celebrity guests included Brad James (actor, “For Better Or For Worse”), Tye White (Own’s Greenleaf), Ryan Destiny (actress), Egypt, DJ Faldelf (celebrity DJ), Marquitta Goings (TV One), HeadKrack (Rickey Smiley Morning Show, DishNation), Ms. Juicy (Rickey Smiley Morning Show), Angela Benton (CEO, NewMe), Alexis Branch (singer), Kyle “Stalley” Myricks (hip-hop artist), Lil Zane (actor/hip-hop artist), Demetria McKinney (actress), Cocoa Brown (actress, comedienne), Jamie Foster Brown (entertainment journalist), Dr. Rondrick Williamson (frequent guest on “The Doctors”), Dr. Sonja Stribling (Author & Women’s Empowerment Coach) and more!
About 250 ticket holders who received FREE ticket giveaway at Walmart’s Cascade store the previous day enjoyed the film, offered reactions, and left with film merchandise.
We Speak Events
Atlanta Screening of The Alabama Solution Brings Together Panel of Advocates, Leaders, and Community Voices
ATLANTA, GA — Community leaders, advocates, and residents gathered in Atlanta for a special screening of the Oscar-nominated HBO documentary The Alabama Solution, an evening centered on film, dialogue, and community engagement around issues of justice and incarceration.
Hosted at 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road NE, the event brought together organizations and community members for a formal evening of reflection and conversation following the powerful documentary. The film, co-directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman and co-produced by Alex Duran, offers an intimate and unfiltered look into Alabama’s prison system.
At the heart of the documentary are the voices of justice-impacted individuals Melvin “Bennu” Ray and Robert “Kinetik” Council, whose experiences shed light on the realities inside the prison system while challenging viewers to consider deeper questions about accountability, dignity, and reform.
Following the screening, a panel discussion brought together leaders and advocates working in justice reform and community outreach. The conversation was moderated by Bridgette Simpson of Barred Business, who guided the dialogue with panelists representing several organizations committed to addressing issues within the justice system.
Panelists included Gerald Griggs of the NAACP, Kimberly Jones of Fork the System, Octavious Holiday of the Positive Outreach Development Society, Kevin Marshall of The Marshall Law Group, LLC, Kathryn Hamoudah of the Southern Center for Human Rights, and Christopher Willars of The Life Unit Inc.
Each panelist offered insight shaped by their work in advocacy, legal reform, and community engagement. Their perspectives highlighted the far-reaching effects incarceration can have on families and communities, while also emphasizing the importance of awareness, accountability, and continued dialogue around the issues presented in the film.
The screening was supported by several organizations dedicated to justice and civic engagement, including One for Justice, Dream.org, Barred Business, the Southern Center for Human Rights, The Life Unit, the Center for Civic Innovation, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), and the Free Atlanta Abolition Movement.
The evening also served as a moment of connection for those in attendance, including family members and advocates whose lives have been impacted by the justice system. Through film and conversation, the gathering created space for reflection and for communities to engage with the realities highlighted in the documentary.
As conversations continued after the screening, the event underscored the power of storytelling to bring people together, raise awareness, and encourage deeper consideration of issues that often remain unseen by the public.
As momentum continues to grow around conversations sparked by the documentary, organizers are encouraging community members to take an additional step by supporting efforts aimed at protecting justice-impacted individuals from discrimination.
Advocates are currently inviting the public to sign a virtual petition card supporting the establishment of a statewide Protected Class Ordinance in Georgia, which would help ensure justice-impacted individuals are protected from discrimination in employment, housing, and opportunity.
You may find and share the virtual petition here:
Statewide Protected Class
https://www.theprotectedclassnetwork.org/sign-our-petition
