Part I: We Are Penn Branch

The first installment, We Are Penn Branch, captures the rich oral histories of African Americans who integrated the Penn Branch neighborhood in Southeast Washington, D.C. (Ward 7). It spotlights the transformation of the neighborhood from an all-white enclave in the early 1960s to a thriving community of Black professionals by the late 1970s. Covering the years 1960 to 1971, the film features heartfelt interviews conducted between 2016 and 2021, sharing themes of education, love, marriage, and aging in place. This documentary offers a rare glimpse into middle-class life in Washington, D.C., near the twilight of the city’s “Chocolate City” era.

Part II: SEVEN RISING

The second film, SEVEN RISING: An Oral History of the 2024 Ward 7 D.C. Council Primary, dives into a pivotal generational moment in local political leadership. It chronicles the 2024 D.C. Council primary in Ward 7, where ten candidates competed to fill an open seat left by former Mayor Vincent Gray. Highlighting key interviews conducted during the final 30 days of the contentious primary, the film examines issues such as community disconnection, voter apathy, and political disillusionment. These themes reflect broader challenges found in national politics today.

Through these films, the “East of the River Series” not only preserves vital oral histories but also explores the deep social and political dynamics within Ward 7’s neighborhoods over the decades. Both Part I and II are eagerly anticipated for their rich storytelling and insightful perspectives