I:RL
through autonomous fellow, thorne’s eye
i:RL was imagined as the neighborhood kickback—a space to center connection, creativity, and conversation. With you, that vision continues to come to life.
Captured by Bizzie RIn the midst of what has already been a long year for many of us, it was an honor to gather for an intentional moment of rest and connection at i:RL on August 24th, 2025. With sounds of Thelonius Monk and Roberta Flack filling the air as we filled our bellies, friends, new and old alike, gathered in 12 Charter Oak Pl’s beautiful dining room before the film and there was a sense of calm lingering in the Sunday afternoon light.
The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 provided us with a glimpse into the Black Power movement, featuring commentary from influential Black artists and intellectuals. These Swiss filmmakers’ perspective on this critical moment in history gave me a gentle reminder on the importance of raw and authentic art in preserving our history. The film gave insight on how narratives are shaped around the world and how the powers that be work actively to discredit, if not jail or kill, radical thinkers and leaders as a means to control and subjugate movements and people. The parallels between then and now, with media outlet CEOs buying their say in government affairs and the US Government militarizing against citizens fighting for their rights, left us all questioning,
“Who can we count on to do this work now?”
It’s up to us.
Your story matters.
In the midst of lies from above about the War on Immigrants in the US, the multiple ongoing genocides around the world, and plenty more, there is the lie that we have no power. By sharing our stories —whether through film, zines, music, poetry, newsletters, etc.— we keep the truth alive and in circulation.
The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 showed me that the truth will stand the test of time and inspired me to put more intention into not only writing my story down, but sharing it with others. My story included watching this film and I wanted to share that. In discussion after the screening, I felt revitalized in hearing and sharing thoughts in the community and was reminded I am not alone on this journey.
