Columbia University hosted the New York screening of BaddDDD on Sunday, Dec.13, 2015. The 90-minute film starring renowned poet and activist Sonia Sanchez details her story during the 1960’s Black Arts Movement, her contribution to the world of poetry and the pivotal role she played in African American culture over the last five decades. Through eloquent readings and jazz performances, the documentary examines her life’s work as a spoken word artist, playwright and teacher and features guest appearances by Questlove, Talib Kweli, Ursula Rucker, Amiri Baraka, Ruby Dee, Yasiin Bey, and Bryonn Bain.
The event kicked off with a showing of the film followed by a Q&A led by filmmaker Sabrina Schmidt Gordon. Many notable faces came out to support including former NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Deputy Mayor Rahaman Muhammad, Deputy Mayor Baye Adofo-Wilson, VP of Boraie Development Wasseem Boraie, and ADIFF producer Diarah N’Daw-Spech and her husband Reinaldo B. Spech.
Sanchez was also accompanied by the daughters of legendary jazz drummer Max Roach.
Check out pictures from the screening below.
Photo credit: Risasi Dais
