Talking to the Screen

There is a phenomenon that Black people talk to the screen while watching TV. We are one with all things I guess or it the call and response gene!

Regardless of the reasoning behind it, I felt odd last month when I screened an 11 minute version of my documentary and the 30 person audience was silent. Why weren't they making grunts or sighs? Was it boring or did they not get it.

As part if the Black Collective on DC History, I took full advantage of the membership and screened my work in progress. Held at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the event was fabulous. I had never watched it with more than one person. The energy in the room and the information exchange that occurred, without words, reaffirmed that I am doing the right thing.

At the end of the screening, I realized that this room, predominately Black, was enthralled and attentive to the story. They were hungry for more and I took their comments into consideration as I sat down to re-write my final script.

Thank you...Thank you...for listening and watching.