Xavier University of Louisiana hosted a screening of “Detangling the South: New Orleans,” the first of a five-part documentary series chronicling the untold and undervalued contributions of women in the Civil Rights Movement. The series screening was held at Xavier’s Pharmacy Auditorium on November 2, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The film features interviews with Black women elected officials, doctors, homemakers, business owners, social media influencers across the deep south, detailing their journey to make an impact on communities.

The screening was part of Xavier’s Art Gallery and Pass It On NOLA Open Mic's “Holding On: Reaching Forward” event. The event celebrated the spirit of legacy and reaching forward, with Xavier’s campus chosen to host given the university’s rich history. The screening was co-hosted by New Orleans native Nia Weeks, Founder and Executive Director of Citizen SHE United and Co-Founder of Detangled and Faye Matthews, the Legal Policy Advisor and Senior Partnership Manager for the National Wildlife Federation – Gulf Restoration and Mississippi River Delta Restoration programs.

 

“This project is unique because it centers the core issues for all Black Women in the South. It takes into account the voices, efforts and needs of Black Women across the spectrum. This docuseries celebrates the fact that Black Women are beginning to emerge with the confidence to restructure the situation they find themselves in,” said Weeks. “They are beginning to realize that when it comes to Black Womanhood, there is no need to choose between loyalty to race and loyalty to gender. Dedication to Black Womanhood is loyalty in and of itself.”

The event included the art exhibit opening of celebrated artist and esteemed Xavier alumnus, Ayo Scott (‘03), and a poetry performance by Xavier alumna Sha’Condria “iCon” Sibley, along with Naomi Daugherty and Akilah Tone. The event also served as an activation space for attendants to check their voter registration status and have registration questions answered. The event also included a panel discussion on civil engagement and the significance of Black voting and Black women. As attendants socialized, they gained knowledgeable information while taking in beautiful artwork.

“It was a beautiful event, and I was excited to have an exhibit there. I was raised on Xavier’s campus and as a baby, I was baptized in the room where we had the exhibit. It was a full circle and culminating experience for me,” said Scott. “I was proud to share my art with the university, especially during the exciting week for Homecoming.”