Rasheeda's Freedom Day is an original short film from the Harrison Center and Dija Henry of The Blue House that tells the true story of longtime Martindale Brightwood resident and Greatriarch Ms. JoAnna LeNoir. She spent her life learning that her story was worth sharing, and now she is sharing it with you. 

In 1962, Ms. JoAnna found the courage to take herself, her mother Rasheeda, and her siblings out of an abusive family situation to find freedom and community in Martindale-Brightwood. Every year since then until Miss JoAnna died in 2024, she invited their family, friends, and neighbors on Columbia Street to celebrate "Rasheeda’s Freedom Day" on the anniversary of their escape. We continue to honor this story that reminds us a healthy community gives us the courage to share our stories with our neighbors so we can be known and loved.

Freedom comes from being known and loved.

This film was produced in 2021 and premiered on November 14th, 2021, at the Toby Theater in Newfields.

The run time is approximately 35 minutes, and the suggested rating is PG13 due to some adult themes and brief violence. 

Please email info@harrisoncenter.org for more information or to request a screening.

Starring

Dija Henry as Rasheeda

Hadessa Henry as JoAnna

Journey Harrell as baby Rasheeda

Jalen Manney as Nathaniel

Daniel Martin as the Man

Directed by Dija Henry 

Written by Ruthie Buescher 

Produced by Harrison Center