Join us December 2nd for the Baltimore premiere of Strive, the award-winning film launching this winter on UMC (UMC.tv), AMC Networks’ online tv service, streaming quality storytelling about African American and urban life. Strive tells the story of Kalani Johnson (JoiStaRR), a high school student who must overcome the challenges of growing up in the projects to fulfill her dream of getting into Yale. Danny Glover, the renowned actor, activist, and board member of our neighbors, The Real News Network (TRNN), plays her college counselor. TRNN is generously lending their support as media partners for the event.

Also debuting December 2 is “By Any Means Necessary: Stories of Survival,” a short documentary co-produced by the Baltimore National Heritage Area (BHNA); Tony Mendez and El Mar Y EL, LLC; Myles Banks and Stunt 311; Arch Social Community Network; and Noel Anton of TenderBridge, Inc. BHNA’s mission is to promote and preserve the history and culture of Baltimore’s diverse people, including a controversial group referred to as the “Squeegee Kids.” While some may consider them disruptive, they see themselves as entrepreneurs, striving to make a better life for themselves and their families in the absence of better job opportunities for youth. Whatever your opinion, the Squeegee Kids are a fixture on Baltimore streets, and BHNA has given them the opportunity to tell their compelling stories in this mini-documentary. "By Any Means Necessary" is co-produced by the Baltimore National Heritage Area (BHNA); Tony Mendez and El Mar Y EL, LLC; Myles Banks and Stunt 311; Arch Social Community Network; and Noel Anton of TenderBridge, Inc. with support from the Peale Center.

The Peale, which served as Baltimore’s first public high school for people of color (1882-1888), is honored to help share these stories in Baltimore, a city teeming with young people who are striving against the odds to earn an education and build a future.

VIP RECEPTION:

5:30pm Doors open for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and “artisanal selfies” – your silhouette cut freehand in the historical style by Lauren Muney.

7:30pm Debut of the short documentary about Baltimore’s “squeegee kids” and Strive film screening.