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“Detroit We Dey” Virtual Watch Party and Panel Conversation
June 10, 2023 @ 2:00 pm
Join American Black Journal and Detroit filmmaker Ozi Uduma for a virtual watch party and panel conversation about her new short film “Detroit We Dey,” which is now streaming on PBS!
The documentary takes a compelling look at the history and future of the Old Bende Association, which was founded by a community of Igbo-Nigerians who immigrated to Detroit in the 1970s and ‘80s.
RELATED: Detroit filmmaker premieres ‘Detroit We Dey’ short highlighting the city’s Nigerian community
Through reflective storytelling and vintage VHS tape footage, Uduma’s film delves into the unique stories, experiences and cultural contributions of Detroit’s Nigerian American community, and highlights the community’s efforts to navigate the pandemic, serve an aging membership, and pass down its cultural heritage from generation to generation.
Join us for an engaging conversation, moderated by BridgeDetroit’s Orlando Bailey, about the creation of “Detroit We Dey,” the Association’s efforts to preserve their heritage amongst new American identities, and the cultural traditions that are being passed down to a new generation of young Nigerian American leaders.
Watch Party Participants:
Filmmaker Ozi Uduma, Director, "Detroit We Dey"
Filmmaker Ozi Uduma, Director, “Detroit We Dey”
Ozi Uduma was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and is of Nigerian descent. Ozi’s love of art and culture is inspired by her appreciation for the brilliance and ingenuity of Black people all over the globe. She is an alumna of the Detroit Narrative Agency’s inaugural Introduction to Filmmaking program. Currently, Ozi serves as the Assistant Curator of Global Contemporary Art at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA).
Panelist Jennifer Onwenu, Host, "Ask Jenn" Podcast
Panelist Jennifer Onwenu, Influencer & Host, “Ask Jenn” Podcast
Jenn uses charisma, humor and style to start conversations and cultivate community through her YouTube Show “Ask Jenn”. #AskJenn is an Avenue to ask Jenn for advice about all things life, family, motherhood and sisterhood. Embodying the true essence of an Aries, she is the hostess with the mostest from panels to parties!
Panelist KESSWA, Interdisciplinary Artist
Panelist KESSWA, Interdisciplinary Artist
KESSWA is an interdisciplinary artist from Detroit. As a vocalist, producer, and filmmaker, her work integrates performance, video, and music to function as a resource for emotional healing. Her recent work with Shigeto, “Is My Mind A Machine Gun?,” premiered on MOCAD’s new media platform Daily Rush and as a performance art piece at the DLECTRICITY festival (2021). KESSWA toured Germany as Detroit-Berlin Connection and Musicboard Berlin’s premier artist-in-residence. She has performed in support of avant-garde artists such as Esperanza Spalding, Sudan Archives, the Sun Ra Arkestra, and Rashaad Newsome.
Panelist Sameul Umachi, Old Bende Leadership
Panelist Sameul Umachi, Old Bende Cultural Association Leadership
Samuel Umachi is originally from Abia State, Nigeria, and currently resides in Midtown, Detroit. He moved to Detroit when still a baby. Both his father, Dr. Umachi N. Umachi, and mother, Mrs. Ngozi Umachi worked hard to become venerated Detroit Public Schools educators while raising four boys who each graduated from Detroit Public Schools Community District.
Sam is an alumni of the University of Detroit Mercy where he earned both a bachelor’s degree and MBA, in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Sam is the oldest of four boys and enjoys spending time with his wife of nine years, Stephanie, and their three children.
Moderator Orlando Bailey, Engagement Director, BridgeDetroit
Moderator Orlando Bailey, Engagement Director, BridgeDetroit
A lifelong Detroiter, Orlando P. Bailey learned how to practice community development in the neighborhood where he was born.
Passionate about shifting the narrative of Black cities & neighborhoods, Bailey is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, Director of Engagement for BridgeDetroit, co-host of the podcast Authentically Detroit, and host of Urban Consulate. Previously, he served as Chief Development Officer for the Eastside Community Network.
A sought-after voice for public dialogues & media, Bailey has appeared on stages & screens for The Aspen Institute, SXSW, Canadian Urban Institute, Wellbeing Cities Forum, American Black Journal on Detroit Public TV & more.
In 2019, Bailey traveled across Europe with The German Marshall Fund of the United States. In 2020, he was named a BMe Vanguard Fellow. In 2015, he was selected as an Emerging City Champion by Knight Foundation and 880 Cities in Toronto. In 2010, Bailey was the recipient of the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award from Eastern Michigan University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism.
Since then, Bailey has had the privilege to interview hundreds of visionaries & changemakers, including Dr. Cornel West, Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, Dr. Andre M. Perry & more.
Rooted in his faith and radical love for his community, Bailey is a passionate advocate for city residents as experts in their lived experiences. He continues to reside on Detroit’s Eastside.
About the film:
“Detroit We Dey” is part of an eight-film PBS anthology, “Homegrown: Future Visions,” presented by Firelight Media and the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) to illuminate the Midwest experience. Funding for the film was provided by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), in association with PBS.
Support for this film provided by:
