Film Synopsis
The Black Stars, from the Rose City to the Gold Coast, is the coming-of-age story of eight young Black men from Portland, OR, who travel to Ghana for a two-week leadership expedition led by the non-profit, Word is Bond, to reconnect with their ancestral roots for the very first time.
The young men travel across the West African nation, touring historical sites of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, meeting with ministers of the Ghanaian government, visiting students in urban and rural communities, and immersing themselves in local culture.
While part of a team that must work together to achieve their goals, each ambassador of the expedition has their own narrative, unique challenges, and dreams for their future that are revealed throughout the film.
Black men are among the most misunderstood figures in modern society. The documentary sheds light on the experiences of young Black men growing up in the Pacific Northwest as well as the importance of returning to Africa as a means of reconciling the complex nuances of the African American experience. It is a journey of hope, leadership, and brotherhood that invites viewers to find out what it means to be a Black star.
The Black Stars is directed by Twixx Williams and Executive Produced by Lakayana Yotoma Drury.
Photos by naim hassan & connor Gardenhire.
BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR
Join the The Black Stars world premiere as a corporate sponsor and help us send the next wave of ambassadors to Ghana in the summer of 2024. We are seeking community-oriented companies to join us as corporate sponsors who are committed to racial equity, community engagement, and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Beyond the international exposure companies will enjoy, the deep impact of corporate sponsorship will help Word is Bond grow and expand our exciting new Black Stars program.
The Black Star Homecoming Expedition has a goal of sending 500 Black youth to Africa over the next 10 years. Join us as a cornerstone partner and ensure the Black Stars continue to shine for years to come.
Download our corporate sponsorship guide here.
About the Film Director
Twixx Williams
The poetic, unique and creative styles of Williams has given the 21 year old director and producer an established name, portfolio and repertoire unique to his city, upbringing, and craft. Pink Beanie is not only a production Company, but a symbol and brand for young youth to be inspired to do something they love.
About the Featured Artist
YunginCED
At a young age, Caleb Dixon, known by his stage name as YunginCED, had a passion for music and started to use his talents to record. He learned how to play the piano which built his foundation as a musician and later helped him make beats. YunginCED had been listening to hip-hop music his whole life and started recording my own raps when he was a kid. Producing also helped him establish his sound and creative process as he continued to write lyrics.
His music is very versatile with a new-school sound mixed with an old-school style that includes flow switch-ups, wordplay, and catchy melodies. YunginCED has continued to stay dedicated throughout the years to fully develop his craft as a music artist.
When not behind a mic or on a stage, YunginCED is a student at Portland Statue University.
Movie Poster Artist Statement
Community Ambassador Mathew Baba, 17, Lincoln High School
When I was making this the main thing I wanted to keep in mind is hope. A lot of popular art portraying Black people is usually sad or angry and I didn’t want to show that. I wanted to show that the Black experience is not just only pain but the ability to endure to see a brighter future, hence the detail on the left eye.
The left eye is inspired by the eye of Horus which symbolizes restoration and health but also is related to the moon. The use of black for the skin is a callback to how in ancient African sculptures and paintings, they portrayed themselves as Black. The Black star is not only a symbol of hope but also what we in Word is Bond call our third-year ambassadors.
