THE BLACK STARS, from the Rose City to the Gold Coast, is the coming-of-age story of eight young Black men from Portland, OR, who travel to Ghana for a two-week leadership expedition led by the non-profit, Word is Bond, to reconnect with their ancestral roots for the very first time.
The young men travel across the West African nation, touring historical sites of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, meeting with ministers of the Ghanaian government, visiting students in urban and rural communities, and immersing themselves in local culture. While part of a team that must work together to achieve their goals, each ambassador of the expedition has their own narrative, unique challenges, and dreams for their future that are revealed throughout the film.
Black men are among the most misunderstood figures in modern society. This documentary sheds light on the experiences of young Black men growing up in the Pacific Northwest, as well as the importance of returning to Africa as a means of reconciling the complex nuances of the African American experience. It is a journey of hope, leadership, and brotherhood that invites viewers to find out what it means to be a Black Star.
Word is Bond, a 501c3 nonprofit, is a leadership incubator for young Black men. Based out of Portland Oregon, Word is Bond provides year-round leadership development programming for young Black men ages 15-20 years old. Learn more at https://www.mywordisbond.org.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Student/Senior: $20.00. Doors open at 5:30. Please bring a valid high school or college ID. Middle schoolers and below don't need an ID. Senior tickets are $65+, please bring an ID.
General Admission: $35.00. Doors open at 5:30.
Pay It Forward ticket: $35.00. Purchase a ticket for someone in need. Tickets will be given to individuals in need.
VIP: $50. Join us as a VIP ticket holder! VIP tickets include early admission meet-and-greet with ambassadors, film director, and host, a signed Black Stars calendar, and a wine pop-up with our friends from Abbey Creek Winery.
Black Star Champion: $250.00. Our Black Star Champions are our special agents of change. Black Star champions enjoy seating in the first two rows of the theatre, right in front of the stage. Tickets include a meet and greet with the ambassadors, film director, and host, a signed Black Stars calendar, a wine pop-up with our friends from Abbey Creek Winery, as well as a name of your choice on screen, and a special acknowledgment by host Ken Boddie at the beginning of the program.
Corporate Ticket Package: $1000.00. Bring your staff team, organization, or social club to the premiere! The Company Ticket package includes eight tickets, an early admission meet and greet with ambassadors, film director, and host, eight signed calendars, a wine pop-up with our friends from Abbey Creek Winery, and your company name listed on screen before the premiere.