At the recent screening of “Respect My Crown: The Rise of African American Women in California Politics,” an engaging panel discussion unfolded, spotlighting the untold stories of Black women who have shaped the state’s political landscape.
The event, held at the historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre on Oct. 13, was co-hosted by the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute and The Ebell of Los Angeles, drawing a crowd eager to hear from the filmmakers and political leaders featured in the documentary.
The panel, moderated by Kellie Todd Griffin, President and CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, featured Producer Alisa Covington and Producer/Director Pamela Bright-Moon. They were joined by Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who appears in the film. The discussion centered on the critical role Black women have played in California politics, their challenges, and the importance of mentorship and community support.
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Pamela Bright-Moon explained the inspiration behind the documentary, stating, “These stories have not been told, particularly about Black women and what it took to get them into office. We wanted to highlight the sacrifices and determination of these women who not only broke barriers but continue to uplift others as they navigate the political landscape.”
Mitchell, whose journey in public service is featured in the film, emphasized the significance of Black women’s presence in political spaces.
“If you are not in the room, your voice is not heard,” Mitchell said, recalling her own experiences as a trailblazer in the California State Legislature. She highlighted the critical need for Black women to occupy leadership roles, ensuring that policies reflect the needs of the communities they represent.
“We could never allow ourselves to be absent from these spaces again,” she added, noting how the absence of Black women in the legislature had a direct impact on policymaking.
Mitchell also touched on the importance of mentorship in her career, saying, “I am a beneficiary of Black female mentorship. These women were the firsts, and they pulled me into rooms where I could learn and grow.” Her reflections underscored the documentary’s theme of sisterhood and the importance of lifting each other up.
The panelists also discussed the historical context of the documentary, which chronicles 170 years of struggle by African American women in California for political representation. Covington pointed out that California was not always seen as a progressive state.
“It was a very conservative state with strict laws and redlining,” she said, adding that the women featured in the documentary fought against these barriers to create pathways for themselves and others.
Bright-Moon highlighted the ongoing efforts to preserve these stories for future generations. “We are in conversations to ensure that these interviews and stories are archived in the California archives and state libraries,” she said.
“It’s important that these women’s voices live on, inspiring young people to step into leadership roles.”
As the event concluded, the conversation turned toward the future of the documentary. “Respect My Crown” is set to make its mark at the 6th Annual Micheaux Film Festival, held at the Culver Theater in Culver City from October 21-27. The film’s selection for the prestigious festival marks an important milestone in amplifying the voices of Black women leaders in California.
The Micheaux Film Festival will feature a diverse lineup of over 300 projects, showcasing both in-person and online. As the festival celebrates its sixth year, “Respect My Crown” promises to continue inspiring audiences and shining a light on the powerful contributions of African American women in politics.
For more information on the Micheaux Film Festival and to view the film, visit the film’s feature at the festival: https://www.micheauxfilmfest.com/feature-respect-my-crown/
