Recap of Live Q&A (Judas and The Black Messiah)

Summary:

The Geena Davis Institute hosted a panel discussion with the cast and crew from Judas and the Black Messiah including Dominique Fishback ("Deborah Johnson"), Dominique Thorne ("Judy Harmon"), Charlese Jones (Costume Designer), and Tiara Thomas (Songwriter). The panelists shared their thought processes and experiences in bringing the legacy of the Illinois Black Panther Party and commemorating the story of Fred Hampton.

Recap:

Dominique Fishback explained the beginning process of visiting Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. and his mother, Akua Njeri. Fred Hampton Jr. asked the film crew what their purpose for telling the story of his father means to them and after seven hours of discussion, gave their blessing for the production of the film.

Akua Njeri made it clear to Dominuque Fishback that some of the things written for what her character says in the script (draft) were not realistic because discipline was vital to the Black Panther Party. It was also important for Akua to voice that she did not cry when Fred Hampton was shot multiple times, which they respected in the film. The film showcased Akua Njeri as a poet (she actually did ask Fred Hampton if he was a poet in real life) and it was interesting to learn that Dominque Fishback actually wrote the poem about motherhood in the film. Although Dominque said Akua never read any of her poetry out loud, both women felt it was important to represent her creativity in the film. Dominique said,

"Mama Akua really appreicated that the poetry was heard in the film because so many of the female Black Panther members were poets as well."

Overall, it is comforting to learn that the family had power over specific scenes and were heavily involved.