The Akua Benjamin Legacy Project
The Akua Benjamin Legacy Project focuses on anti-Black racism and resistance. It seeks to instill a sense of history and pride for the significant contributions of Black Canadians to the younger generation of activists and/or activists-to-be.
PRODUCED BY ALISON DUKE
DIRECTED BY SARA MICHELLE BROWN, ELLA COOPER, SONIA GODDING TOGOBO, NGARDY CONTEH GEORGE & LAURIE TOWNSHEND
CINEMATOGRAPHY BY RICARDO DIAZ
Book Of Love
This extraordinary mini doc directed by Sarah Michelle Brown for the Akua Benjamin Legacy Project documentary series captures the life of activists Gwen and Lenny Johnson who owned of the legendary Third World Books and Craft store in Toronto. This award winning series celebrates 50 years of black activism in Toronto.
DIRECTED BY SARAH MICHELLE BROWN
Who is Marlene Green?
This insightful short documentary captures the activism of Marlene Green in Toronto around educating black youth and immigrant youth. It was directed by Ella Cooper for the Akua Benjamin Legacy Project which celebrates 50 years of black activism in Toronto.
DIRECTED BY ELLA COOPER
Charley
This extraordinary mini doc captures the life of civil rights lawyer/ activist Charles Roach and his activism on immigration in Toronto in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. It was directed by Laurie Townshend for the Akua Benjamin Legacy Project which celebrates 50 years of black activism in Toronto.
DIRECTED BY LAURIE TOWNSHEND
Dudley Speaks For Me
Dudley Speaks For Me is a hard hitting documentary about the legacy of Black Action Defence Committee member/Activist Dudley Laws and how his powerful voice became a rallying cry for justice against the police shooting Black people in Toronto. The film features educator Thando Hyman, archival footage of Charles Roach and highlights the behind the scenes agency of BADC as they were protesting police shootings.
DIRECTED BY NGARDY CONTEH GEORGE
Rosie, The Fearless Rebel
A powerful short doc about the activism of the Honourable Rosie Douglas
DIRECTED BY SONIA GODDING TOBOGO
Photos taken by Ella Cooper