ABOUT the film.
The Black Panthers were revolutionaries before their time. Seattle chapter co-founder and captain Aaron Dixon describes a revolutionary as one who hates oppression and fights for ALL oppressed people, regardless of their skin color. Many were only teenagers who fought for a cause larger than themselves: the freedom of all people.
These young women and men understood the environmental impact of government attempts to build freeways through their community. They shamed the American government with the creation of the breakfast program. In Seattle, the Carolyn Downs Family Medical Center, the only remaining medical clinic started by the Panthers that still stands today, was one of many Panther clinics that shined the light on sickle cell anemia and its impact on black people. Their focus on infant mortality and the increased incidents of young black mothers dying during childbirth forced the medical community to be more accountable to our voices and needs.
Co-founder Elmer Dixon says, “We were fighting to change a racist, oppressive society. Thus, our programs were called survival programs. Survival pending revolution. Our Free Bussing to Prisons, Free Food, Free Pest Control, Legal Aid, and the Police Alert Patrols set the standard, leading the way to freedom as we were The Vanguard Party.”
Oral storytelling by a griot has long been the mode of documenting the experiences of West African cultures. Telling our stories about our experiences from our perspectives and voices is critical to preserving our legacy.
The Black Panthers fight is part of our rich American history. Their story must be told!
—— Rick DuPree, May 2024
MEET THE TEAM.
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Rick Dupree
Director, Producer, and Executive Producer
The first-time filmmaker combines his experience as a secondary school educator and coach, performer, and playwright to shape the Seattle Black Panther story. His experience as a mediator and facilitator, not to mention his broad community contact base, has been instrumental in securing the trust of the Seattle Black Panther comrades and the community in telling their stories.
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Marques DuPree
Director of Photography, Co-Director,
Producer, and EditorA music producer, freelance and studio videographer, and producer for the last ten years, he has produced music videos, short films, interviews, and promotional videos. He has recruited and led production teams and has served in all the creative roles necessary to produce artistic expressions.
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Gabrielle Johnson
Assistant Editor
Gabrielle is a filmmaker from South Carolina. She holds a BA in Communications from The University of South Carolina Aiken, and a Masters in Fine Arts (Film) from Howard University. Gabrielle has directed and produced her own documentary (Living in Silence) that brings awareness to the stigma of HIV/AIDS, and (Journey 2 Love) that focuses on individual own journey with the meaning of love. Gabrielle is excited to grow in her career as a filmmaker and director.
Portfolio:
radicallydope.com -
John Twentyfive
Visual Design & Art Direction
A visual and graphic designer who cut his teeth designing records for punk bands from across the country. His passion for design comes from growing up skateboarding and his time spent in the punk and hardcore scenes, which have a close relationship to activist groups and communities.
Portfolio:
JohnTwentyfive.com -
Gigi Gaston
Social Media Manager
Giovannie Gaston is a creative freelancer and recent graduate from Johns Hopkins University with a master's in film and media. They are a passionate person dedicated to boosting awareness and engagement for thought provoking and impactful stories that inspire change.
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Che Sehyun
Cinematographer, Photographer, and Editor
Future Ancient cultural worker in light (video, photo & design) and vibrations (music, spoken word & storytelling) to center our cultural futures and collective liberation towards an indigenous future.
Portfolio:
CheSehyun.com
TheFutureAncient.org -
Jet Gerbier
Photographer, Videographer, and Editor
Bio coming soon.