USA / 2022 / 95mins / Documentary / English

The documentary will chronicle the journey of AJASS(African Jazz-Art Society and Studios) from the Bronx where they hosted jazz concerts to Harlem where their work was later Influenced by the teachings of the Honorable Marcus Garvey and his protégé, Carlos Cook of the African Nationalist Pioneer Movement (ANPM), which had a
tremendous impact on their vision and mission which led to:
• The development of "NATURALLY" shows which featured the Grandassa Models, Black women adorning afros and African attire to promote Afrocentric beauty. In 1962, the first “Naturally” show was produced in Harlem at the Purple Manor. The show featured renown musical artists, Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln. Over the years, a variety of musical and entertainment groups such as Dinizulu African Dancers and Drummers, Olatunji and Drums of Passion, and others. The Naturally shows launched the Black is Beautiful Movement in the USA and throughout the African Diaspora. In 1963, the first African superhero known as Lil Zeng: The African Boy King was created by Chris Acemandese Hall a member of AJASS. In 1964, AJASS Repertory Theatre was included in the Naturally shows, which featured skits highlighting African and American history, culture, and concerns.
• Members of AJASS also produced a wealth of visual arts creations and books to celebrate the rich history and aesthetic beauty of Africa and its descendants. Their contributions of AJASS celebrated the life and history of people of African ancestry versus Eurocentric aesthetic standards, as well as fought against colorism.

Louise Dente

For over 35 years, Louise Dente has balanced a career as a school educator and administrator, television public affairs producer and documentary filmmaker. Earning
education degrees from Baruch College (BA) and Queens College (MA), she was inspired to incorporate Afrocentric culture in her work and launched a youth program the Joy of Performing Workshop and Ensemble in the 1980s. For 17 years, she’s been the host and producer of the popular four-time NY Association of Black Journalists Award-winning public affairs show “Cultural Caravan,” which celebrates the history and culture of Africans in America and the diaspora. She's also produced documentaries “African American History and Hairtage” and “AJASS: Pioneers of the Black is Beautiful Movement.” Learn More