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This weekend in honor of Juneteenth, Color Farm Media along with Erika Alexander (of Living Single and Get Out) and sponsored by Ben & Jerry’s, showcased a free screening of new documentary “The Big Payback” at the world-famous Apollo Theater for Harlem. Directed by Whitney Dow and the iconic Alexander, the film follows the real-life fight to pass HR-40, a bill to establish the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. Erika shared she chose to host a free community screening (with yummy drinks provided by Ben & Jerry’s) at Apollo because she really wanted to “give homage to Harlem and the Renaissance and resurrection of not only black people, but the discussion of reparations as a tool for remedy and restitution.”

The touching and soul-stirring documentary highlights the singular fight for reparations in Evanston, Illinois during a tumultuous time in US history with the COVID pandemic and racial reckoning of 2020. It also serves as an inspiring profile of reparations’ torch carrier and Evanston’s Alderwoman, Robin Rue Simmons, whose genuine heart, and concern for people shines throughout the film.

If you get an opportunity to check out “The Big Payback”, please do! It is a touching, informative, thought-provoking film for all races, ages, and parties. Erika Alexander – it’s my directorial debut, we had our debut and premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, which just ended yesterday. You can catch Erika in a myriad of shows and even podcasts including “Finding Tamika” on Audible, “Shining Girls” on Apple TV+, “Swimming with Sharks” on Roku, Wu-Tang: An American Saga on Hulu, and “Run the World” on Starz.

Follow both Erika Alexander and Robin Rue Simmons on Instagram @erikaalexanderthegreat and @robin_5th_ward