Documentary screening to explore African American–Indigenous identities in Massachusetts
October 11, 2024DUDLEY, MASS. – The Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust, Inc. and Nichols College will host the premiere of their collaborative documentary, “Black and Red: The Dilemma of African American-Indigenous Identity in Massachusetts,” on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, in the Daniels Auditorium on the Nichols College campus.
This 30-minute film explores the complex identities of six BIPOC residents of Massachusetts who share heritage as both Pocasset Wampanoag of the Pokanoket nation and African Americans. The project aims to shed light on the identity struggles and contributions of this mixed-race population in Massachusetts, emphasizing the importance of self-identity amidst external perceptions and historical trauma.
Funded by a Mass Humanities grant, the Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust, Inc. (PPLT) and Nichols College have partnered to create and launch the documentary.
In addition to showing the documentary for the first time, PPLT and Nichols have created a cultural showcase at the screening to create a deeper and more lasting experience for community members, including:
- Display of African–Native American themed art from Cynthia Ross Meeks
- Documentary introduced by Chief of the Pocasset Tribe
- Panel discussion with documentary producers and artist
- Performance by Eastern Medicine Singers
The initial screening on Oct. 15 includes one showing for local high school students aimed at providing a transformative educational experience, and another showing for the Nichols and area communities.
The details for this event are listed below.
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Venue: Daniels Auditorium, Nichols College, 129 Center Road, Dudley, MA
The day’s events are structured as follows:
High School Event: 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- 9:00 a.m.: Student Arrival and Art Display
- 9:30 a.m.: Program Introduction and Blessing by Assistant Professor Nikki Anderson and Chief Spring Buffalo
- 9:45 a.m.: Documentary Screening
- 10:15 a.m.: Panel Discussion moderated by Professor Anderson
- 10:45 a.m.: Performance by Eastern Medicine Singers
- 11:05 a.m.: Closing Remarks
- 11:15 a.m.: Lunch and Campus Tours
- 12:30 p.m.: Departure
Nichols College and Greater Community Event: 3 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
- 3:00 p.m.: Program Introduction and Blessing by Nikki Anderson and Chief Spring Buffalo
- 3:15 p.m.: Documentary Screening
- 3:45 p.m.: Panel Discussion moderated by Nikki Anderson
- 4:15 p.m.: Performance by Eastern Medicine Singers
- 4:30 p.m.: Closing Remarks
About Nichols College
Nichols College has earned business accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide. Founded in 1815, Nichols College transforms today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders through a dynamic, career-focused business and professional education. Nichols offers real-world learning focused on professional depth – combined with vibrant living, competitive athletics, and an unmatched alumni advantage – equipping students to exceed their own expectations. To learn more about Nichols College, visit www.nichols.edu.
