Come see the newest documentary from the Inclusive Storytelling Hub, Best In Class: Blenda J. Wilson, Jon Onye Lockard, and the Portrait that Connected Them. The film is being screened at this year’s Ann Arbor Black Film Festival on Saturday, June 6th at 12:00pm at the State Theater.
The documentary explores the story of Chancellor Blenda J. Wilson, the state of Michigan’s first Black woman chancellor, during her tenure at UM-Dearborn from 1988–1992. Produced collaboratively by UM-Dearborn faculty, staff, and students and through the partnership of the Inclusive History Project, the Office of Holistic Excellence, and the Inclusive Storytelling Hub, the film traces Wilson’s leadership at UM-Dearborn and tells the story behind her official portrait by acclaimed artist and U-M professor Jon Onye Lockard—an artwork that continues to illuminate the power of art to preserve, share, and engage with history.
Best in Class is part of the IHP’s 1959 Project: University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Origins and Timelines. The documentary is executive produced by Jennifer Proctor and directed by Rick Morrone, with Jay Snyder-Phillippoff serving as associate producer. Camera and editing were completed by Anthony Fraga, Jabez Williams, Ben Filler, Marcos Carrillo, and Rick Morrone. The research team includes Camron Amin, Marlaine Magewick, Hannah Zmuda, Rebeca Maxon Sáenz, Wallace Bowie III, and Adam Almalekey.