Newark Moonlight Cinema and American Black Film Festival Premieres, Why Is We Americans?

By turns kinetic and intimate, ‘Why is We Americans?’ is an in-depth, cinematic exploration of Newark’s legendary Baraka family. Spanning decades of social activism, poetry, music, art, and politics, this kaleidoscopic family saga is illustrated by on-camera interviews with Ms. Lauryn Hill, rare archival footage and revealing personal testimonials. As we connect with the iconoclastic poet Amiri Baraka, his wife, Amina, and their son, the current mayor of Newark, Ras, a portrait of a city emerges with an inspiring call to arms in the fight for class and racial justice.

Directed by Udi Aloni and Ayana Morris

Produced by Ms. Lauryn Hill and Oren Moverman

Gates Open at 6PM/Movie Starts at 7:30PM