The Pacific Northwest may not be the first region that comes to mind when thinking about Black culture, but the new documentary ‘Songs of Black Folk’ is changing that narrative. Co-directed by Haley Watson and Justin Emeka, this 26-minute film highlights the stories of Rev. Dr. Leslie Braxton and his nephew, Ramón Bryant Braxton, weaving together themes of identity, love, and community.
Watson, who found herself captivated by the Braxtons’ mission, shares the motivation behind the film: “It was a chance to shine a light on Black culture in the Pacific Northwest that has traditionally been underrepresented or ignored.” The documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June and aims to bring attention to the Juneteenth celebrations, particularly Seattle’s first official commemoration in 2021.
Initially, Watson admits she was somewhat naive to the full cultural significance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The work of Rev. Braxton and Ramón to create a celebratory tradition in Seattle struck a chord with her, yet she recognized the need for a collaborator who could authentically represent the community.
That’s where award-winning filmmaker Justin Emeka came in. “I wanted to make sure to have someone like Justin who is not only Black, but who also has history with the area,” says Watson. With previous collaborations under their belt, such as the short film ‘Biological,’ the pair embarked on a project that would capture the essence of the Juneteenth celebration.
In 2022, they filmed the second annual ‘Songs of Black Folk’ concert in Seattle, which was themed ‘A Juneteenth Celebration: Music of Resistance and Hope.’ This event showcased an impressive assembly of Black musical talent, marking a significant moment in the Pacific Northwest’s cultural scene.
While the concert footage highlights the event’s vibrancy, it’s the inclusion of grainy archival videotape footage that adds depth to the documentary. Emeka humorously remarks, “Aunties and grandmas are a great place to start for archival footage because they always want to show off.” One such moment features introspective footage from Ramón’s paternal grandmother, Claudette Nash, alongside clips of his maternal grandmother, Eileen Ton.
An unexpected but profound storyline emerged from the relationship between Ramón and his maternal grandmother, who was gravely ill in the hospital while he performed to honor Juneteenth. Emeka reflected, “For me as an artist, I’m drawn towards projects that are rooted in love.” This sentiment became the driving force behind the project’s creation. The grandmother’s spirit served as a foundation, providing a poignant context for the performances and the overall message of the film.
Moreover, both directors share a profound appreciation for the Pacific Northwest, creatively showcasing its beauty and story. Emeka notes, “I wanted the audience to fall in love with the area. It’s such a beautiful area.” They aimed to highlight not just Seattle’s history but also that of Tacoma, revealing the unique cultural narratives of both cities. This careful attention to detail ensured that their cinematic portrayal did justice to the communities involved.
The film, though brief, could have easily explored its subjects for a longer running time. Emeka expressed, “What’s important to me as an artist is to leave people with that feeling of not only wanting more but also wanting to go see the show, because it’s a three-hour epic-long orchestra performance that is truly amazing to see in person.” Through ‘Songs of Black Folk,’ they hope to inspire broader support for Juneteenth celebrations.
Following its debut at Tribeca, ‘Songs of Black Folk’ has been scheduled for screening at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival in Indianapolis on July 24, as part of a lineup featuring over 250 short films. Watson conveyed her excitement for upcoming screenings in her home region, stating, “We are very excited to bring the film to a home audience.”
In closing, ‘Songs of Black Folk’ not only highlights Black cultural heritage in the Pacific Northwest but also emphasizes themes of connection, remembrance, and love—a testament to the community it represents. As the documentary continues to find its audience, its heartfelt narrative is destined to resonate deeply with viewers both in and outside the region.
image source from：seattlemag
