American Violet -- True and Traumatic Story of a Black Woman

Adrianne George is an award-winning blogger and one of my kinfolk in the AfroSpear. She reached out to me about a film that impacts all of us in the African American community. Here is what she shared with me:

Be on the look out for AMERICAN VIOLET--a dramatic and troubling new film produced by Samuel Goldwyn Films. It is an excellent film that opens in many cities on April 17th. This is not a comedy about a Black Woman going to jail--it is a REAL STORY about a REAL BLACK WOMAN--Regina Kelly (shown in photo)

If you are interested in hosting a screening in your City call Goldwyn Films and ask for Winnie or Liza @ (212) 367-9435.

Based on true events during the 2000 election, AMERICAN VIOLET tells the astonishing story of Dee Roberts (critically hailed newcomer Nicole Beharie), a 24 year-old African American single mother of four young girls living in a small Texas town public housing project, who is barely able to make ends meet. (Dee Roberts's story is a fictionalized version of Regina Kelly's true story)

While police drag Dee (Regina) from work in handcuffs, dumping her in the squalor of the women’s county prison, the powerful local district attorney (Academy Award® nominee Michael O’Keefe) leads an extensive drug bust, sweeping her housing project with military precision. After 17 hours in jail, Dee learns she has been charged as a drug dealer.

Even though Dee has no prior drug record and no drugs were found on her in the raid, she is offered a hellish choice: plead guilty and go home as a convicted felon or remain in prison, jeopardizing her custody and risking a long prison sentence. Her choice is even more difficult since the father of her girls is living with a woman who is a convicted child molester.

Everyone should see this film. It helps explains why millions of citizens from our community are in prison and why people who plea bargain and lose their rights are ending up on the streets.

Regina Kelly, mother of 4 girls who is the true woman behind this story, is a brave sister and deserving of our support. She survived years of harrassment from the District Attorney for having the audacity to sue him and win. She is a public speaker--please keep her in mind if you have conferences and need a speaker.

LET'S PROMOTE THIS FILM, REGINA AND THE NEW ACTRESS NICOLE BEHARIE! YES WE CAN AND YES THEY DID

Well, villagers ... the next step is yours. Will you make effort to support this film in your community?