To build a monument / a film by Laïssa Alexis ; director & producer, Laïssa Alexis.

Format:

Video

Contributor:

Alexis, Laïssa, director, producer.

Third World Newsreel (Firm), publisher.

Series:

Academic Video Online

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Gunn, Sakia, 1987-2003--Death and burial.

Gunn, Sakia.

Sexual minorities, Black--New Jersey--Newark.

Sexual minorities, Black.

Sexual minorities--New Jersey--Newark.

Sexual minorities.

Death--Psychological aspects.

Death.

Black queer people.

Genre:

Documentary films.

Short films.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (12 minutes)

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Third World Newsreel, 2023.

Language Note:

In English.

Original language in English.

System Details:

video file

Summary:

Inspired by the legacy of Sakia Gunn, a lesbian teen murdered in a hate crime in Newark, NJ in 2003, "To Build a Monument" meditates on grief, death, queerness, and ancestorhood. In many Black traditional religious practices, ancestor reverence is common. Practicioners thank and remember those who came before them and seek their guidance and answers when lost. For Black Queer folks, remembering the dead is also key to sustaining a spiritual life that follows the steps of those who also faced homophobia and racism in their own lives. This short film was made in honor of Sakia whose death opened a new chapter of Queer activism in the city of Newark. Three Black Queer individuals reflect on the connections to their ancestors through nature, art and community service, as well as ponder on the ways they are preparing for their ancestorhood. Ultimately the film meditates on what comes after the death of a loved one and how we choose to remember them.

Participant:

Anjali Benjamin-Webb, Kevin E. Taylor, Valencia Bailey.

Notes:

Title from title screen (viewed September 10, 2025).

OCLC:

1528325658