“Secrets of Being Black: Duluth Edition” Screening & Discussion

The University of Minnesota Duluth College of Liberal Arts Change Team is sponsoring a screening of The Secrets of Being Black: Duluth Edition in Montague 80. Following the film there will be a discussion with Classie Dudley, one of the producers.

The Secrets of Being Black: Duluth Edition is a locally produced film that examines the views, experiences and perspectives of Blacks living in Duluth today. The film contains reflections by the African Heritage Community on Black culture, housing issues, inequities, education, relationships, mental health, religion and representation in Duluth. This film was created by Classie Dudley and Malcolm Fields, two young filmmakers from Duluth, and has a run-time of two hours.

Dudley is a Duluth native, although she has lived in many other states. She was a part of the last graduating class of Duluth Central High School and went to Hamline University to continue her studies. Serving and enriching people has been a passion of Dudley’s instilled by her father, who grew up in Anniston, Ala. during the Jim Crow era. Her mentors Julian Bond and Michael Curry have helped her cultivate her knowledge and skills in working for social rights. Recently Dudley has been working with the Small Business Association in implementing business plans, focusing on long range planning, financial assets, and maintaining or obtaining the correct licenses and permits required for the needs of each business. On her days off she spends time with her five furbabies and is in progress to obtain her pilot’s license.

This event is the third installment of a film series during the 2017-18 academic year. It is also part of UMD’s annual Summit on Equity, Race and Ethnicity.