Documentary Feature Film, 1 hour, Rio Grande Valley Premiere

Synopsis:

On Black History Bike Ride’s 6th annual Juneteenth Ride, led by Talib Abdullahi, hundreds of cyclists bike together to learn under-told stories of Black history. From the State Capitol to Austin’s only HBCU to iconic venues like Victory Grill, this journey through history explores the transition from plantation sites to freedom communities, highlights the impact of the 1928 City Plan’s “Negro District” in east Austin, and celebrates the contributions of leaders of the Black community like Jacob Fontaine and Barbara Jordan. Through interviews with local Austinites and thought-leaders like Peniel Joseph and Tara Dudley, an inspirational story of resilience and Black excellence unfolds. 

• Website: https://blackhistorybikeride.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackhistorybikeride

Ya'Ke Smith

Bio:

Ya’Ke Smith’s films have screened at over 150 film festivals and won over 60 awards. The Directors Guild of America, the Student Academy Awards, HBO, Showtime, the City of Buffalo, NY, which proclaimed February 23, 2013 as Ya’Ke Smith Day, and the city of Cincinnati, OH, which proclaimed October 6, 2019 as Ya'Ke Smith Day, have honored him. He is currently a professor of film at the University of Texas at Austin.