The Sun Rises in the East  by Tayo Giwa is a rich and heart-felt film about how the black community in Bedford-Stuyvesant (Brooklyn, New York) created the most incredible haven for self-expression, education, and additional provision called The East. The story of The East starts with the beginning of integration in Bed-Stuy after Brown v. Board of Education was passed in 1954. Despite the ruling, unfair conditions persisted for black youth and community members recognized a dire need for more enrichment. Jitu Weusi, Al Vann, and other pivotal members of the community proposed having a hub for creativity and education where needs and resources to excel in every aspect of life would be created. This institution would also celebrate the entire African diaspora and different African cultures within the continent. The Sun Rises in the East is a wonderfully enriching experience that truly magnifies what happens when great care is married with fantastic ideas to make a utopia that fostered the prosperity of an entire generation. 

The film begins with describing how the racial tension of Bed-Stuy after Brown v. Board rocked the neighborhood in more ways than one. As a result of the ruling, a massive chunk of Bed-Stuy’s teachers walked out from teaching in protest. The United Federation of Teachers, the labor union for New York teachers, vocalized its hate for the integration of black children in predominantly white schools. On top of the blatant racism from the union, integrated schools remained segregated within themselves. With this internal segregation, prejudice continued to fester without break. The film answers those foundational issues with a pressing question: what can the black community do to thrive? The answer came in the fall of 1969, when community leaders Jitu Weusi and Al Vann actualized a cultural and educational safe haven for black youth to flourish in ways they were limited by current circumstances. It was called The East: a separation from western limits. 

The East began with Uhuru Sasa schools which, along with a standard curriculum, taught black youth their African heritage, African languages, cultural customs, and offered a plethora of extracurriculars. It’s evident that they did not get these means from the government as public schools do. They admirably solely relied on community to create these schools. The way they abandoned reliance on old systems was incredibly bold and the result was indescribably impressive. In 1978, members of The East took it upon themselves to have various night classes such as dance or sewing classes in Junior High School 271. The East also offered jazz and poetry sessions, making it an artistic dreamscape. This film shines a spotlight on one of the most unique and magnetic parts of the musical experience: the audience could participate. Freedom of expression was not only welcomed but encouraged. The audience could play any instrument they liked along with the performers. Later, The East would sign artists with its own record company. 

In addition, The East provided a black magazine, which highlighted stories pertaining to the black community that normally would not make regular news. It also produced a publishing company, bookstore, child development center, clothing store, food store, radio program, and annual African street festival. The dreams of any member could come to fruition through The East itself. This fast track towards stardom birthed many talents and continued to do so for decades. This film describes a familial energy that radiates just as brightly in entrepreneurship. Such a balance is incredibly rare, and it was moving to see it in each one of The East’s businesses. As it became more renowned, visitors who were cultural icons such as Nina Simone would spend time there, socializing and bonding with everyone. Harmony is another word that comes to mind when watching this film. Every opportunity there was to come together was answered and vibrant colors were the result. 

The Sun Rises in the East is enthralling and incredibly captivating in its storytelling. The East’s embrace and celebration of African cultures and tradition was beautiful to witness. On top of this, the fond memories of community members remind us that The East was foremost family. The documentary has no shortage of perseverance and courageous endeavors that go on to bless immeasurable amounts of people. With time, the program evolved into one of Bed-Stuy’s most impactful cultural landmarks. 

The Sun Rises in The East screens at the New Jersey Film Festival on Friday, September 9th. The film will be Online for 24 Hours and In-Person at 7PM! Director Tayo Giwa will be doing a Q+A after the in-person screening. Go here for tickets to this screening. For general info on the Film Festival go here: https://watch.eventive.org/newjerseyfilmfestivalfall2022