The story behind "I Am Black," a Panthers-produced project with Rapsody

Sir Purr

Well-known member
Mar 16, 2019
1,969
0
qs0upcmfr5yl4t4ubk99


What does it mean to be Black?


Better yet, how do we celebrate Black people for their historical advancements and achievements without singling them out solely for the color of their skin?


A single thought sparked this Black History Month project: "I am more than what you see. Not defined by the color of my skin, but the purpose of my being."


In late January, I reached out to our video producer Stephen Manderville and asked, "What do you think about a Black History Month project narrated by Rapsody?" This single text message led us on a month-long journey that would take us through Charlotte's most northern and southern parts, out to Raleigh, and even up to Cincinnati.


For four weeks, we exhausted all efforts to get some significant people of the North Carolina and South Carolina communities in this project. Individuals such as Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, South Carolina women's basketball head coach Dawn Staley, Panthers legends Steve Smith and Julius Peppers, and the 72 Black educators of Rocky River High School, led by Principal Ericia Turner.
 
Top