Melaneyes' School

This offer includes 7 full length documentary films/presentations, produced by Melaneyes Media, including:

AFRICAN SYMBOLS DECODED

An insightful video presentation revealing African and Black Symbols from our history. We decode the meaning and messages behind  ancient and modern African and Black images that we see everyday.  Symbols are a method of communication used by traditional and ancient cultures. We take the time to analyze:

• West African Adinkra Symbols

• Symbols of Ancient Kemet (Egypt)

• Also Flags and images created here in America by Black People

Our stories, our history is embedded in symbolic concepts that are often attached to a greater narrative. Usually a myth, a parable, a poem, or other types of creative expression, give context to the simple images that help us better understand our place in the universe. Understanding these concepts give a us a broader perspective of ideals, ideas and philosophy. Our symbols have often been distorted, hidden and flat out stolen by other cultures and societies. We need to reconnect with our past, our history in order to reclaim our heritage.

CELEBRATING BLACK WOMEN IN THE STRUGGLE

An outstanding video presentation designed to highlight the historical achievements of our sisters and the true value and character of the Black woman. We take a journey through history looking at great Black women from the past to the present acknowledging their contributions to humanity and civilization.

Mary McLeod Bethune said, “The true worth of a race must be measured by the character of its womanhood.”

In this video presentation we will be highlighting great women such as:

• Queen Tiye: Queen Mother of Egypt over a fifty-year period. She set the standard of beauty, style and fashion for the women of her time.

• Harriet Tubman (Born Araminta Ross): Self-emancipated enslaved African, conductor for the Underground Railroad, Union spy, army scout, and nurse.

• Ida B. Wells: Journalist and an active crusader against lynching, she was a champion of social and political justice for African Americans.

...And many others

HERE WE STAND: THE BLACK ATHLETE ACTIVIST

an informative and inspiring presentation discussing the history of Black athletes who have made personal sacrifices to take a stand for social issues.

Paul Robeson, the great athlete, scholar, actor and activist, said “I stand here struggling for the rights of my people to be full citizens in this country… Every artist, every scientist, must decide now where he stands…The battlefront is everywhere. There is no sheltered rear."

Often in our society professional athletes are looked upon as role models and celebrities. With this comes a great deal of pressure, especially for African-American athletes who often face racism and discrimination on and off the field of competition. When confronted with these adversities, some have chosen to speak out and others have chosen to be silent in the public arena.

However, there is a special group of sports figures who have been willing to come forward and truly take a stand against racism, segregation and oppression while enduring great personal sacrifice. Some of them have lost income and endorsement deals, some have faced public scrutiny, black balling and even death threats.

UNDERSTANDING JUNETEENTH

An important video presentation about the history of Emancipation Day as a holiday and how it has been celebrated throughout the years here in America.

Juneteenth (also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day) is the oldest known celebration honoring the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger led thousands of federal troops to Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended, and enslaved Africans had been freed. Approximately 250,000 enslaved Africans had no idea that their freedom had been secured by the government.

Now that Juneteenth is an official federal holiday it is vital that we don't forget the true significance of the holiday. The history of Emancipation should not be distorted or lost. 

MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE: A STORY OF MALCOLM X

A powerful, historical dramatization based on the life and experiences of Malcolm X. Portraying his image and presenting his words; this film introduces us to the great legacy of brother Malcolm, who is a cultural icon. It shows the life journey and powerful transformation of a complex man. "Message to the People" presents his message of Black pride, self-reliance and human rights that challenged and changed the world. Viewers who attended the film's premiere rated it 5 stars and declared it a must-see!

"This was an Awesome film!!! The acting as well as the way it was put together was Amazing!!! If you have not seen it yet I would highly recommend that you take the time to set down and watch this film as you learn and support the Black Film makers who are really trying to write our history. I give this film 5-Stars easy!!!"

- Facebook Review: Ntheskey Eye

THE BLACK AGENDA: A LOOK AT THE 1972 BLACK POLITICAL CONVENTION

a historical presentation looking back at the 1972 Convention in Gary, Indiana and the history of Black political gatherings that have pushed for a Black agenda. The Gary convention was an opportunity for many different Black organizations, political factions and social movements to come together putting their differences aside to vote on and establish a national Black agenda. This one of a kind, historic gathering took place at West Side High School in Gary, IN hosted by Richard Gordan Hatcher (elected in 1968) who was the first Black Mayor of a major U S city. Attendees included, Coretta Scott King, Betty Shabazz, Dick Gregory, Harry Belafonte, Isaac Hayes, Sidney Poitier, Bobby Seale, Jesse Jackson and the list goes on. So many Black figures in one place, at one time was monumental. In this presentation we will cover:

• Basic History

• National Negro Convention Movement

• The 1972 Convention

• Lessons Learned

• Moving Forward

THE MLK YOU DON'T KNOW

An excellent video presentation looking at rare speeches and discussing little known facts about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King was a real man, a real person. One of the travesties of history is that we begin to make actual people into myths and legends. We strip away their human flaws, their imperfections so that they fit our view/ narrative. When we do this we rob them of their relatability, depth, character and complexity. We turn their very interesting lives into a bland snapshots, boring tales that most people will forget or ignore.

Dr. King is one of the main people this has happened to over the years. A man who’s life is so rich and eventful has been narrowed down to 2 talking points:

1. Non-violence and 

2. I Have A Dream

But Dr. King stood for so much more than that. He was a father, a son, a husband, a humanitarian and much more. In video presentation you will be introduced to the real Dr. King.