BE-IMAGINATIVE

We are a collection of artists, healers, and activists dedicated to healing black and brown communities through multidimensional storytelling. We aim to #DisruptHopelessness.

 

FILM

 
 

DEAR BELOVED: MUSIC & STORYTELLING W/ SOL DEVELOPMENT & BE-IMAGINATIVE

This Emmy-award winning KQED film marks the collaborative work and music of hip-hop ensemble SOL Development (Karega Bailey, Felicia Gangloff-Bailey, Lauren Adams, and Brittany Tanner) and BE-IMAGINATIVE, who use their artistry and lived experience to disrupt cycles of trauma and violence in their community.

Hosted by KQED’s Pendarvis Harshaw and filmed at West Oakland’s historic 16th Street Train Station, a hub for the Great Migration of African Americans from Southern states to the Bay Area during the 20th century, we invite you to bear witness to the healing power of telling one’s own story.

Three mothers who honor their angel children by reciting poignant letters written for their loved ones who've transitioned by way of gun violence. Tonya Lancaster, Annette Miller and Myra Jones of the BE-IMAGINATIVE collective share their stories of loss and summon restorative care and resilience. Their stories are accompanied by new music from members of hip-hop ensemble SOL Development including "I'm Alive" and "Her Pain" at 25th Street Recording Studio.

WHEN THE WATERS GET DEEP

KQED’s When the Waters Get Deep is an Emmy-nominated documentary created in partnership with SOL Development & BE-IMAGINATIVE. Filmed by directed Kelly Whalen, co-produced by Benjamin “BJ” McBride, and written by Karega Bailey, this is a short documentary conceived as a tool to support Black and Brown communities to tend to their grief brought on by gun violence and loss. The film centers on the community-based healing practices of Oakland-based hip-hop, soul and jazz ensemble SOL Development and the collective BE-IMAGINATIVE.

Turning to his faith, family and writing, Karega Bailey finds his voice and purpose again. With BE-IMAGINATIVE, he and the members of SOL Development lead healing circles and musical experiences for families who have lost their children to gun violence. When Bailey and his wife, Felicia, experience the sudden transition of their baby daughter, they find support in the tight-knit community of artists and survivors. This film is about the work of SOL Development and BE-IMAGINATIVE and how we harness the power of their ancestors to transform their greatest pain into their greatest gifts. Check out our award-winning watch guide to support viewers on the film’s journey.

With your support BE-IMAGINATIVE thrives as a collective of artists, healers and community leaders who are dedicated to healing black and brown communities through creative storytelling. Together we can #DISRUPTHOPELESSNESS.