Austin, Texas, February 11, 2026
A new documentary titled ‘RISE’ explores the rich history of Austin’s Black freedom communities, focusing on neighborhoods established by formerly enslaved individuals after the Civil War. This film, created by native Austinites Funmi Ogunro and Stephanie Lang, utilizes oral histories and rare archival photographs to uncover often-overlooked narratives. Recognized with a Telly Award, ‘RISE’ serves as an educational resource and promotes community engagement to preserve these important histories.
Austin’s Black Freedom Communities Highlighted in New Documentary
Austin, Texas – A new documentary titled “RISE” sheds light on the rich history of Austin’s Black freedom communities, neighborhoods established by formerly enslaved individuals after the Civil War. These communities, including Clarksville, Gregorytown, Masontown, and Red River, became vibrant centers of Black culture, resilience, and community life. The film, created by native Austinites Funmi Ogunro and Stephanie Lang, utilizes oral histories, rare archival photographs, and insights from historians and descendants to uncover these often-overlooked narratives. “RISE” has been recognized with a Telly Award for excellence in documentary storytelling and has been used in classrooms across Central Texas.
Preserving Austin’s Black History
The documentary serves as both a film and a digital archive, aiming to preserve and share the untold histories of Austin’s Black freedom communities. Through this project, the filmmakers hope to educate the public and honor the legacy of these neighborhoods that have significantly contributed to the city’s cultural identity.
Community Engagement and Educational Resources
Beyond the film, “RISE” offers an interactive directory that allows viewers to explore each community’s unique history and view rarely seen photos from the Austin History Center archives. Additionally, the project provides an educational lesson plan designed to support middle school, high school, and college-level instruction, featuring discussion prompts, activities, and guided worksheets to facilitate meaningful classroom dialogue.
Background on Austin’s Black Freedom Communities
Following the Civil War, formerly enslaved individuals in Austin established neighborhoods such as Clarksville, Gregorytown, Masontown, and Red River. These communities became thriving centers of Black culture, community, and resilience, building homes, churches, schools, and businesses that sustained generations. Despite facing systemic racism and displacement, these neighborhoods played a crucial role in shaping the cultural identity of Austin.
About the Filmmakers
Funmi Ogunro and Stephanie Lang, both native Austinites, are dedicated to uncovering and preserving the history of Austin’s Black freedom communities. Their work on “RISE” reflects a commitment to historical accuracy and community storytelling, aiming to educate the public and honor the legacy of these neighborhoods.
Availability and Recognition
“RISE” has been featured at local screenings and recognized with a Telly Award for excellence in documentary storytelling. The film has also been used in classrooms across Central Texas, serving as an educational resource to engage students with the rich history of Austin’s Black freedom communities.
Support and Contributions
As an independent project, “RISE” relies on community generosity through donations, grants, and merchandise sales. Contributions are vital for expanding the archive, creating educational materials, and preserving important history for future generations.
Further Resources
For those interested in learning more about Austin’s Black history, “RISE” provides a visual archive showcasing images from the city’s Black freedom communities. These photographs, many from the Austin History Center, offer a glimpse into daily life, church gatherings, and community landmarks, with each photo captioned for historical accuracy.
Contact Information
For questions about the film, lesson plan, community histories, or upcoming events, the “RISE” team encourages individuals to reach out and connect. Whether you’re an educator looking for resources, a community member with a story to share, or someone who wants to get involved, they welcome your engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the documentary “RISE” about?
“RISE” is a documentary that uncovers the hidden history of Austin’s Black freedom communities, focusing on neighborhoods such as Clarksville, Gregorytown, Masontown, and Red River. The film utilizes oral histories, rare archival photographs, and insights from historians and descendants to highlight these often-overlooked narratives.
Who are the filmmakers behind “RISE”?
“RISE” was created by native Austinites Funmi Ogunro and Stephanie Lang, who are dedicated to uncovering and preserving the history of Austin’s Black freedom communities. Their work reflects a commitment to historical accuracy and community storytelling.
How can I access the “RISE” documentary?
“RISE” has been featured at local screenings and recognized with a Telly Award for excellence in documentary storytelling. The film has also been used in classrooms across Central Texas, serving as an educational resource to engage students with the rich history of Austin’s Black freedom communities.
How can I support the “RISE” project?
As an independent project, “RISE” relies on community generosity through donations, grants, and merchandise sales. Contributions are vital for expanding the archive, creating educational materials, and preserving important history for future generations.
Where can I find more resources on Austin’s Black history?
For those interested in learning more about Austin’s Black history, “RISE” provides a visual archive showcasing images from the city’s Black freedom communities. These photographs, many from the Austin History Center, offer a glimpse into daily life, church gatherings, and community landmarks, with each photo captioned for historical accuracy.
Key Features of the “RISE” Documentary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Focus | Uncovers the hidden history of Austin’s Black freedom communities, including Clarksville, Gregorytown, Masontown, and Red River. |
| Filmmakers | Created by native Austinites Funmi Ogunro and Stephanie Lang. |
| Awards | Recognized with a Telly Award for excellence in documentary storytelling. |
| Educational Resources | Provides an interactive directory and educational lesson plan for middle school, high school, and college-level instruction. |
| Support | Relies on community generosity through donations, grants, and merchandise sales. |
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