Michelle Parkerson

Directing

Michelle Parkerson

Michelle Parkerson is an American filmmaker and academic. She is an assistant professor in Film and Media Arts at Temple University and has been an independent film/video maker since the 1980s, focusing particularly on feminist, LGBT and political activism and issues.

Known For

Gotta Make This Journey: Sweet Honey in The RockGotta Make This Journey: Sweet Honey in The Rock · 1983
Gotta Make This Journey: Sweet Honey in The Rock
1983
MovieDocumentary
This vibrant and engaging video profiles the a capella activist group, Sweet Honey in the Rock. Singing to end the oppression of Black people world wide, SWEET HONEY embraces musical styles from spirituals and blues to calypso, and concerns ranging from feminism to ecology, peace and justice. This dynamic video features individual portraits, powerful concert footage and commentary by Angela Davis, Alice Walker and Holly Near.
Stormé: Lady of the Jewel BoxStormé: Lady of the Jewel Box · 1991
Stormé: Lady of the Jewel Box
★ 5.21991
MovieDocumentary
“It ain’t easy…being green” is the favorite expression of Stormé DeLarverie, a woman whose life flouted prescriptions of gender and race. During the 1950s and '60s she toured the black theater circuit as a mistress of ceremonies and the sole male impersonator of the legendary Jewel Box Revue, America’s first integrated female impersonation show and forerunner of La Cage aux Folles.
Greetings from Washington, D.C.Greetings from Washington, D.C. · 1981
Greetings from Washington, D.C.
★ 9.01981
MovieDocumentary
A short documentary about the First National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which took place on Sunday, October 14th 1979.
A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre LordeA Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde · 1995
A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde
★ 10.01995
MovieDocumentary
The career of iconic and influential poet and writer Audre Lorde is seen up until death.
Camille A. Brown: Giant StepsCamille A. Brown: Giant Steps · 2024
Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps
2024
MovieDocumentary
Choreographer, director, and educator Camille A. Brown affirms her community with bold explorations of everyday movement and African Diasporic dance.
Fierceness Served! The ENIKAlley CoffeehouseFierceness Served! The ENIKAlley Coffeehouse · 2022
Fierceness Served! The ENIKAlley Coffeehouse
2022
Movie
A short film that focuses on the Washington DC history of The Coffeehouse, which served as a performance venue, rehearsal space, and meeting place for Black LGBTQ artists and political organizations in the 1980s. It hosted such luminaries as poet Audre Lorde and cultivated the early development of prominent black feminists and queer artists, including filmmaker Michelle Parkerson, photographer Sharon Farmer, poet Essex Hemphill. This documentary highlights the work of the Coffeehouse creatives and activist by using archival footage, audio clips, publicity materials, academic articles, and reviews. Interviews with surviving members of the community, as well as people who attended and supported this thriving arts community, are also included.

Filmography

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Fierceness Served! The ENIKAlley CoffeehouseFierceness Served! The ENIKAlley Coffeehouse · 2022
Fierceness Served! The ENIKAlley Coffeehouse
2022
Movie
A short film that focuses on the Washington DC history of The Coffeehouse, which served as a performance venue, rehearsal space, and meeting place for Black LGBTQ artists and political organizations in the 1980s. It hosted such luminaries as poet Audre Lorde and cultivated the early development of prominent black feminists and queer artists, including filmmaker Michelle Parkerson, photographer Sharon Farmer, poet Essex Hemphill. This documentary highlights the work of the Coffeehouse creatives and activist by using archival footage, audio clips, publicity materials, academic articles, and reviews. Interviews with surviving members of the community, as well as people who attended and supported this thriving arts community, are also included.

Director