Black Women Leaders, Screenings, 'The Perfect Neighbor'

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 13, 2026

Black Women Leaders Host Nationwide Screenings And Conversations Around ‘The Perfect Neighbor’

Black women leaders have hosted 100 watch parties for the Oscar-nominated documentary.

Black women leaders have mobilized ahead of the 97th Academy Awards by organizing community screenings and discussions around the Oscar-nominated documentary The Perfect Neighbor.

Led by Win With Black Women (WWBW), in partnership with the Standing in the Gap Fund, the initiative highlights the ongoing call for justice for Ajike “AJ” Owens, the subject of the documentary.

Using real footage, the film revisits the fatal June 2, 2023, shooting in Ocala, Florida, where Susan Louise Lorincz, a white neighbor, shot and killed Owens. The nationwide screenings and open discussions aim to spark conversations about racial violence, community safety, voter engagement, and laws such as Stand Your Ground.

“Black women have always organized in moments when the nation’s conscience is being tested. These community screenings are about more than a documentary,” said Jotaka Eaddy, founder of Win With Black Women and a 2026 Women of Power Luminary Award recipient. “They are about remembrance, about justice for AJ, and about making sure that our communities are informed, engaged, and prepared to take action—from voting to policy change. When Black women gather, conversation becomes a movement.”

The organization recently celebrated hosting 100 community watch parties centered around the film.

“Since the tragic murder of Ajike “AJ” Owens, Win With Black Women has stood with AJ’s family—lifting her name, advocating for justice, and organizing our communities,” WWBW shared in an Instagram announcement.

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A post shared by Win With Black Women (@winwithblackwomen)

“This moment is about more than awards. It’s about amplification, narrative power, and justice for AJ,” the organization added.

The grassroots watch gatherings range from small living room discussions among friends and family to larger events hosted by community leaders, churches, and civic groups. The film, now streaming on Netflix, is directed by Geeta Gandbhir and produced by Black women, including Alisa Payne and Takema Robinson.

It has earned more than 24 award nominations, including the aforementioned Oscar.

Since Owens’ murder in 2023, Win With Black Women—an intergenerational network of hundreds of thousands of Black women leaders across business, politics, culture, and advocacy—has used its platform to push for justice, support Owens’ family, and keep attention on the broader issues her story highlights.

The Standing in the Gap Fund, founded in 2023 in honor of Owens and others lost to racial violence, was created before The Perfect Neighbor became widely known and now leads the film’s impact campaign.

“Every time people gather to watch this film and talk about Ajike, they are honoring her life and helping ensure her story continues to matter,” said Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias. “My hope is that people leave these conversations not just moved, but committed—to voting, to speaking up, and to making sure other families never have to experience what ours has.”

10-Year-Old Sacramento Boy, Sacramento Boy, Indiana, Jarrell Pryor, Alexis Hawkins, Brian Winston, Jr. instagram, father, 26-year-old

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 13, 2026

TRIGGER WARNING: Black Man Shot By Police in Connecticut Died After Officer With ‘Mild Anxiety Attack’ Took First Ambulance

Dyshan Best's family is demanding answers after learning he waited 10 minutes for an ambulance after an officer with a “mild anxiety attack” took the first one.

Police in Bridgeport, Connecticut, are facing backlash after newly released reports revealed that a Black man shot by officers who later died had to wait an additional 10 minutes for an ambulance because an officer experiencing a “mild anxiety attack” took the first one that arrived at the scene.

Dyshan Best, 39, was shot in the back by Officer Yoon Heo in March 2025 while fleeing from officers, The Guardian reported. A report released on March 9 by the state’s inspector general concluded the shooting was justified because Best was holding a gun, and Heo feared for his safety.

Controversy has centered on what happened afterward. The first ambulance dispatched to take Best to the hospital arrived at 6:02 p.m., about 14 minutes after the March 31 shooting. But at the urging of other officers, that ambulance transported a white officer, Erin Perrotta, who had taken part in the foot chase and was experiencing what was described as a “mild anxiety attack.”

Paramedics later reported that Perrotta declined treatment while inside the ambulance. (Note: the video below contains violent content.)

#Bridgeport #CT
*potentially disturbing*
‘Bodycam video has been released showing the fatal police shooting of Dyshan Best as the 38-year-old ran up a driveway on Kossuth Street holding what appeared to be a gun in his right hand.’ pic.twitter.com/PESwijMMaw
— Shane B. Murphy (@shanermurph) April 5, 2025

“I’m fine, I just needed to get out of here,” Perrota said, according to the report.

Another officer described Perrotta at the time as “visibly hysterical, crying and breathing rapidly, with blood all over her uniform,” the report noted.

A second ambulance arrived around 6:12 p.m. Hospital records show Best was admitted for treatment at 6:22 p.m., about 14 minutes after Perrotta arrived at the hospital, the report states. He died at 7:41 p.m. while being treated for a gunshot wound that had damaged his liver and right kidney. The report from Connecticut Inspector General Eliot Prescott did not determine whether the delay in waiting for a second ambulance contributed to Best’s death.

On March 10, department spokesperson Shawnna White confirmed that Perrotta has been placed on administrative leave. White also said the March 31, 2025, incident surrounding the death of Best will now be reviewed by the city’s internal affairs office following the conclusion of the state inspector general’s nearly yearlong independent investigation.

“The report and all of the information from the IG’s office is being transmitted and sent over to the city,” White said.

The city did not release further details, including how long Perrotta has been off duty or the specific reasons for the review.

The report’s findings have angered Best’s family. His niece, Tatiana Barrett, told reporters they believe he might have survived if he had been transported to the hospital in the first ambulance.

“Honestly, it’s heartbreaking hearing all these details,” she said. “We were looking for justice. In our community, we don’t know what justice looks like. We want justice for my uncle. We truly believe he was murdered.”

White reportedly declined to comment on Perrotta taking the first ambulance, saying in an email that the police department’s internal affairs division will conduct its own investigation.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 13, 2026

NFL Hall of Famer Tony Dungy Confirms Being Ousted From NBC

After 17 years, the Hall of Fame coach is out at NBC.

In a social media post this week, football analyst Tony Dungy confirmed the rumors that he would no longer be involved in the pregame show of NBC’s Football Night in America.

“It’s disappointing news but I want to thank my NBC family for making the last 17 years so special,” Dungy, 70, wrote on X. “I’ll have lasting memories of my time there, especially with Rodney Harrison who has become a tremendous friend.”

I have been informed by NBC that I won’t be back with FNIA this fall and it has given me time to reflect and also to look ahead.

It’s disappointing news but I want to thank my NBC family for making the last 17 years so special. I’ll have lasting memories of my time there,… pic.twitter.com/Q01cHIjkjm
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) March 12, 2026

The Athletic previously reported that the network had plans to shake up the show, which included Dungy not being in the lineup for the 2026 NFL season.

Dungy has been involved in pro football for most of his life. He played college football at Minnesota (1973–1976) before playing in the NFL for three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Giants. He won a Super Bowl in 1973 with the Steelers.

Though Dungy’s playing days were forgettable, he really made his mark as a coach. He was a longtime assistant with several teams (including the Kansas City Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings) before becoming hired as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1996, turning around a struggling franchise. In 2002, he began a tremendously successful stint as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, where he won a Super Bowl in the 2006 season.

That Super Bowl, agains the Chicago Bears, was historic. It marked the first time that two Black head coaches had faced each other in the NFL’s biggest game. (Lovie Smith was Dungy’s opponent.) Dungy retired from coaching after the 2008 season, having never won fewer than 10 games as season in Indianapolis). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 13, 2026

Dwight Howard Announces Retirement From Basketball

'Now I'm taking off the cape and retiring from all basketball to pour into my family and give back to communities worldwide'

After recent drug allegations and a divorce filing, Hall of Famer Dwight Howard has ended his NBA career by announcing his retirement.

In a social media post, Howard, whose last NBA team was the Los Angeles Lakers (2021-2022), made it official by telling sports fans that he never retired; instead, the NBA retired him. So, now he is announcing that he is done. This takes place after his induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame, recognizing his career on the hardwood.

“Now, I’m taking off the cape and retiring from all basketball to pour into my family and give back to communities worldwide. I know some of you might think I thought he already “retired,” but I didn’t… the game retired me! I still had more left to give! Yeah, I did play professionally for 20 years, and I’m grateful to be able to say that, but I can’t lie, seeing these other players still going at it at age 40 inspired me to want to keep trying, but now I believe my duty will be to pass it down to the next generation.”

A video accompanied the announcement.

Woke up today on the 12th of this month and I figured it’s time to move on from Superman! Im no super human… I cry ! I struggle! I feel like everyone else. Through the lies, the media and the hate I still show love and Smile Through The Storm.

But now Im taking off the cape and… pic.twitter.com/SyZQAcAeLq
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) March 12, 2026

The man who used the moniker “Superman” was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. Earlier in the year, he was also inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame for his contributions while with the Magic.

After being drafted by the Orlando Magic, Howard, during his nearly 20-year career in the NBA, played for the Lakers (3 times), the Houston Rockets, the Atlanta Hawks, the Charlotte Hornets, the Washington Wizards, and the Philadelphia 76ers. He averaged 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game.

He also played in the Taiwanese basketball league, with the Taoyuan Leopards from 2022 to 2023. He recently played in the Ice Cube-helmed BIG3 league last summer.

by Keka Araújo

March 13, 2026

Organizers Claim Target Boycott Continues Despite Claims It Ended, Pastor Jamal Bryant To Address Backlash

Organizers say they will maintain the boycott until Target restores and strengthens its commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Organizers behind the national boycott of Target Corporation say the protest remains active nationwide, pushing back on reports that the consumer campaign ended after more than a year.

The clarification comes after Atlanta pastor Jamal Bryant concluded a previously announced 40-day fast in connection with the protest movement. Bryant recently indicated the boycott had ended, though Target has not reversed its rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The prominent pastor faced swift backlash.

But the boycott’s founders say the grassroots effort continues, according to a statement shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

At a March 11 press conference outside Target’s Minneapolis headquarters, organizers said the movement remains in place until the retailer restores its diversity commitments.

“Let’s be clear: the Target boycott is not over,” said Nekima Levy Armstrong, one of the boycott’s founders. “This is a grassroots movement led by communities demanding corporate accountability, and we will not stop until Target reverses its retreat from diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

The boycott launched Feb. 1, 2025, following weeks of organizing by Minnesota community leaders, including Armstrong, Jaylani Hussein and Monique Cullars-Doty. Organizers urged consumers and institutions nationwide to stop shopping at Target until the retailer restored its DEI commitments.

“The facts are simple: Target has not reversed its decisions, it has not met the demands of the boycott, and therefore the boycott continues,” Hussein said. “Communities across the country are still choosing not to shop at Target.”

The campaign’s leaders say the protest has already had measurable effects on the company, pointing to declining revenue, reduced store foot traffic, a multibillion-dollar drop in market valuation and layoffs affecting more than 2,000 employees. Organizers also cited leadership upheaval, including the departure of the company’s chief executive.

Target has not publicly indicated plans to reinstate its previous diversity policies.

On March 13, Bryant announced via Threads that he was holding a press conference at noon to address speculation that he now supports Target.

“Going live at noon to discuss clarity around target on the Jamal Bryant podcast YouTube page… there’s a lot of misinformation that needs clearing,” the Atlanta-based pastor penned on Threads.

Cullars-Doty said the movement’s momentum lies with consumers who have chosen to keep pressure on the retailer.

“The power of this movement is in everyday consumers who are refusing to support a company that walked away from its commitments to equity,” she said. “Until those commitments are restored, the boycott continues.”

Organizers say they will maintain the boycott until Target restores and strengthens its commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion.

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 13, 2026

At 85, Rep. Jim Clyburn Seeks Reelection—And Social Media Has Indifferent Feelings

As the first Black congressman to represent South Carolina in roughly 100 years, Clyburn is known for his work on civil rights issues, serving as a pivotal go to leader for former President Joe Biden, who helped him win the state’s election in 2020.

After more than 30 years in Congress, South Carolina Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn put all rumors of retirement to rest after his March 12 reelection announcement, HuffPost reported.

At 85 years young, Clyburn has been serving the Palmetto State’s 6th Congressional District in Congress since 1993. His time on Capitol Hill has been well spent in party leadership, serving as Majority Whip with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.). As the first Black congressman to represent South Carolina in roughly 100 years, Clyburn is known for his work on civil rights issues and for serving as a pivotal go-to leader for former President Joe Biden, who helped him win the state’s 2020 election.

During a press conference at the South Carolina Democratic Party headquarters in Columbia, Clyburn announced that his work isn’t done and that he’s seeking an 18th term. “In a few minutes, I am going to sign the paperwork that’s necessary in order to qualify for the Democratic nomination to run again,” he said, met with applause from attendees.

“I have served in public life all of my life.”

But on social media, different feelings started to flood in, projecting narratives of both ageism and praise. “I’m sick of America being a gerontocracy. Clyburn hasn’t mentored ANYONE that is capable of succeeding him in 30 years?! Both Boomer Democrats AND Republicans would rather hold on to power. Serving in Congress w/ 1 foot in the grave. Age max & term limits for elected officials,” @ABitOfKwansLife wrote on X.

https://twitter.com/ABitOfKwansLife/status/2032143751263478156

“Black boomers hate the younger generations and do nothing to pass the torch. These congressional seats have become lifetime appointments for the majority of them,” @Stormborn_Bk said.

Black boomers hate the younger generations and do nothing to pass the torch. These congressional seats have become lifetime appointments for the majority of them
— Azor Ahai of BK (@Stormborn_Bk) March 12, 2026

However, not everyone feels that way. Former chair of the Democratic National Committee, Jamie Harrison, came to Clyburn’s defense. As a frequent collaborator and friend to the senior congressman, Harrison highlighted some of the many things Clyburn has done during his time in office and why South Carolina would benefit from re-electing him. “I am one of Jim Clyburn’s constituents. My family is his constituents. This man has delivered for our communities for decades,” the At Our Table Podcast host wrote.

“From expanding broadband access to rural communities, to the Rural Energy Savings Program lowering energy bills, to the 10-20-30 initiative directing federal investment into persistently poor counties, to expanding community health centers in underserved areas. I don’t care how damn old he is. I care whether he actually delivers.”

https://twitter.com/harrisonjaime/status/2032189254126678296

The conversation about term limits has come up numerous times, pushing back against the number of senior leaders who are pushing for reelection or still in office, like Sen. Bernie Sanders at 84 and Sen. Elizabeth Warren at 76. Clyburn has even served with Pelosi and Hoyer for almost 20 years, according to The Hill. But there is still hope for the salt-and-pepper leaders.

Recently, Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson secured the Democratic primary at 78 years old. “Seniority is how you get things done in Washington,” the senior congressman said after his victory.

by Sidnee Michelle Douyon

March 13, 2026

The 2026 Women Of Power Legacy Awards Gala Kicked Off The Week With Elegance, Inspiration, And Sisterhood

Held as one of the signature events of the multi-day summit, the Legacy Awards Gala serves as a cornerstone moment where excellence, influence, and leadership take center stage.

The annual Legacy Awards Gala at the BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit once again delivered a powerful night of celebration, inspiration, and recognition as leaders across industries gathered to honor extraordinary Black women whose impact continues to shape culture, business, and community.

Held as one of the signature events of the multi-day summit, the Legacy Awards Gala serves as a cornerstone moment where excellence, influence, and leadership take center stage. The ceremony celebrates women who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations, recognizing their achievements across business, entertainment, public service, finance, and philanthropy.

This year’s honorees include Shellye Archambeau, Roz Brewer, Carla Harris, Angela Bassett, and Benaree Pratt Wiley, who were all recognized for their remarkable contributions and decades of leadership that have not only elevated their respective fields but also expanded opportunities for others. The Legacy Awards are reserved for women who demonstrate resilience, innovation, and a commitment to uplifting their communities while inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Throughout the evening, the room was filled with moments of reflection, celebration, and gratitude as each honoree took the stage to share insights from their journeys. BE’s own Alisa Gumbs opened the evening with grace & dropping a gem of inspiration.

“You don’t have to go all the way back to the ancestors to be someone’s wildest dream. You are your own dream come true.”

Honoree Shellye Archambeau spoke next about timing and how it relates to our career decisions, saying, “Stop waiting for someone to tap your shoulder and tell you it’s your time. Decide what you want to do, whatever you want to do, put a plan in place.”

Source: **The Tyler Twins for Black Enterprise Women Of Power 2026**

Honoree Carla Harris reflected on life lessons she’s learned throughout her iconic journey.

“Three things that impacted me and the woman I am today. One, winners never quit & quitters never win. Two, be so outstanding that there is no debate. Three, never underestimate the power of choice.”

Rosalind Brewer spoke passionately about a legacy that extends beyond one’s person.

“Legacy is not about what you accomplish. It’s about what you made possible for the person who came after you.”

Benaree Pratt Wiley concluded the evening by accepting the Barbara Graves Torchbearer Award and spoke about how special it was to receive this monumental award named after the birthplace of the Women of Power Summit.

“I remember how excited and optimistic Barbara Graves was 20 years ago with the launch of the Women of Power Summit. She believed in the power of community, and that when Black women gather with intention and purpose, there’s nothing beyond our reach. Barbara and I share the commitment to the advancement of Black people.”

In addition to honoring this year’s trailblazers, the evening paid tribute to the summit’s legacy—an event that has become one of the premier gatherings for professional Black women.

The Legacy Awards Gala also serves as a reminder of the lasting influence of the women who continue to redefine leadership across industries. From boardrooms to stages, classrooms to communities, their work demonstrates the power of vision, courage, and collaboration.

As the night concluded, attendees left inspired by the stories shared and the legacy being built in real time—proof that the next generation of women of power is already rising.

With another unforgettable celebration in the books, the Legacy Awards continue to stand as a testament to the extraordinary impact of Black women whose leadership is shaping the future.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 13, 2026

Young Dolph’s Killer’s Conviction Stands After Appeal Denial

His life sentence stands after the ruling

Justin Johnson, who was convicted of killing Memphis rapper Young Dolph in 2021, appealed the ruling, and the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals recently upheld the conviction, which means his life sentence stands.

According to Fox 13 Memphis, Johnson, who used the moniker Straight Drop, sought a new trial, citing four issues from the trial, but the court denied all four. Johnson was given a life sentence for his role in the rapper’s killing. He was convicted after being charged with premeditated first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

The first thing Johnson brought to the court’s attention was that there was insufficient evidence for the jury to convict him. The appeals court disagreed, saying that the video of Young Dolph’s murder, cell phone records, and surveillance video showed Johnson’s movements before and after the shooting. They also cited his accomplice in the murder, Cornelius Smith’s testimony at trial.

Johnson’s attorney appealed the trial judge’s decision to allow jurors to see two photos of the rapper’s corpse, saying that showing them the pictures prejudiced the jury. However, the appeals court ruled that both photos were admissible and did not prejudice the jury because of their graphic imagery.

The defendant felt that he should have been allowed to sit at his attorney’s table instead of behind them, but the court did not agree, citing that it was done for security reasons based on the case involving gang members and murder-for-hire.

Johnson raised the issue of a prosecutor’s comment during closing arguments about the decision not to allow a witness to testify. The appeals court said that his attorneys did not object to the statement during the trial, only after the fact. The court of appeals opinion states, “the evidence of defendant’s guilt was overwhelming, and the prosecutor’s comments were brief.”

The rapper, born Adolph Robert Thornton, Jr., was shot to death while reportedly buying cookies at a local shop, Makeda’s Butter Cookies, on Nov. 17, 2021.

by Mitti Hicks

March 13, 2026

The Veterans Administration’s ‘Inventing New Reasons’ To Deny GI Bill Benefits, Lawsuit Claims

The lawsuit claims that the VA has blocked eligible veterans from receiving benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill for undergraduate and graduate degrees.

A lawsuit filed by veterans, advocacy groups, and the State of Virginia says the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is “inventing new reasons” to deny former service members access to education benefits they qualify for. The lawsuit claims that the VA has blocked eligible veterans from receiving benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill for undergraduate and graduate degrees.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, or the GI Bill, in 1944 to help returning World War II veterans transition back into civilian life. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers full in-state tuition and fees at public schools, a monthly housing allowance, and up to $1,000 for books, supplies, and money for tutoring and testing.

The Montgomery GI Bill covers military service between 1985 and 2030 and provides veterans $2,518 month in direct payments. The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act covers veterans who joined after Sept. 11, 2001. Benefits can be applied to cover full tuition and monthly rent.

According to Task and Purpose, veterans accuse the VA of requiring a formal “break in service” at some point in their careers to be eligible for both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, despite a Supreme Court ruling that such a break is not required.

“The VA imposed rules that, among other things, create a break-in-service requirement for veterans to obtain benefits under both GI Bills,” the lawsuit says. “That is, the VA’s position is that a veteran needs a distinct ‘period of service’ — separated by a break — to establish eligibility under each benefit program. This contrived requirement has no basis in the U.S. Code, [the Supreme Court ruling for] Rudisill, or common sense.”

According to the VA’s own data that is included in the lawsuit, the agency has denied more than 1,039,000 claims. Veterans are hoping that the U.S. Court of Appeals will strike down the VA’s rule, which they say “illogically denies full benefits to many of the Nation’s longest-serving veterans simply because they chose to serve continuously.”

In a statement to Task and Purpose, a spokesperson for the VA said it “can’t comment on pending litigation.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 13, 2026

Documentary Examines The Sale Of 272 Enslaved People To Save Georgetown University

A new documentary explores the 272 enslaved people who were sold to save Georgetown University from financial ruin.

A new documentary revisits the story of 272 enslaved people who were sold in New Orleans in 1838 by Jesuit priests in an effort to rescue Georgetown University from financial ruin.

Titled The Georgetown 272: The Journey, the new film, which held its first public screening during Black History Month at Loyola University, the Jesuit institution in New Orleans, follows the lives of the men, women, and children who were sold from Jesuit plantations in Maryland and transported to Louisiana, where they were forced to work on sugar plantations, WWLTV reported.

The story of the so-called “Georgetown 272” remained largely unknown — even to the film’s director, New Orleans filmmaker Al Moten Jr. — until about a decade ago, when Georgetown University formally acknowledged it. The revelation sparked widespread media coverage, prompted reconciliation efforts by the university, and drew attention to a concentration of descendants in the central Louisiana town of Maringouin.

“That’s the whole goal of this documentary — to bring it out to heal it,” Moten said. “Just like a wound, you can’t keep the wound closed. The wound has to get air.”

Moten said he first learned about the “Georgetown 272” during the pandemic after a friend called and asked if he had heard of the story, which he hadn’t. That conversation prompted him to begin researching the sale of the enslaved people and its lasting impact on generations of their descendants.

Historians say the people sold in 1838 endured a brutal journey to Louisiana that mirrored the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. After arriving, they were separated and sold.

“The enslaved people who left Georgetown endured a Middle Passage,” said Dr. Sharlene Sinegal-Decuir, chair of African American Studies at Xavier University and a participant in the documentary. “Getting on a ship and surviving a month-long trip from Maryland all the way to the deep South, the port of New Orleans.”

Once in Louisiana, the enslaved people faced what Sinegal-Decuir described as “a death sentence” at the time.

The documentary explores how the stories of the Georgetown 272 were erased. In the film, Richard Cellini, founder of the Georgetown Memory Project, recalls asking a university official what happened to the enslaved people after the sale. According to Cellini, the official said the university believed they had all died shortly after arriving in Louisiana and left no descendants.

His research later uncovered records showing many of the enslaved people did survive and that roughly 4,000 of their direct descendants are alive today.

In 2019, a student referendum prompted Georgetown to pledge annual contributions of up to $400,000 to support community projects for descendants. The university later launched a five-year partnership with the Southern University system in 2022 and, in 2023, Georgetown and the Jesuits pledged a combined $42 million to the Descendants Truth and Reconciliation Foundation.

However, some descendants say the university has not fully followed through. Matthew Mims of Maringouin, west of Baton Rouge, said communication with Georgetown about its commitments eventually stopped after a series of emails.

“Georgetown and the Jesuits have responded to this history,” Cellini says in the film. “It’s not that their response isn’t good — it’s just not good enough.”

A university spokesperson said in a statement that the school remains committed to addressing and repairing the harms tied to its involvement in the slave trade.

“Georgetown is engaged in a long-term and ongoing process to more deeply understand and respond to the university’s role in the injustice of slavery and the legacies of enslavement and segregation in our nation,” the spokesperson said. “Through engagement with the members of the Descendant community, collaborative projects and new initiatives and learning and research, the university pursues a path of memorialization and reconciliation in our present day.”