Episode 212: Songs of Black Folk with Haley Watson & Justin Emeka

This episode of Across The Margin : The Podcast features an interview with the directors of Songs of Black Folk, Haley Watson & Justin Emeka. Songs of Black Folk is a documentary that explores the Pacific Northwest’s largest annual gathering of Black musical talent. At its heart is Ramón Bryant Braxton, who — alongside his uncle, Rev. Dr. Leslie Braxton — brings to life a powerful Juneteenth celebration that honors their family’s legacy. The film captures a vibrant, often-overlooked community and commemorates a pivotal chapter in American history. Songs of Black Folk reminds audiences of the vital role music plays in healing, uniting, and uplifting. By sharing this story, Haley and Justin aim to honor history, inspire pride, and ignite a deeper understanding of the enduring impact of Black artistry.

Haley Watson (director and producer) is known for films exploring human experience. Her storytelling prowess was exemplified when she pitched the original story for the Oscar-winner The Queen of Basketball. In June 2024 she debuted the short documentary she directed, Motorcycle Mary, at Tribeca Film Festival. The film was acquired by ESPN's 30 for 30 series. 

Justin Emeka (director) is an award-winning filmmaker from the Pacific Northwest with over 25 years of experience as a theater director. He is especially known for blending classical works with Black cultural expression. In 2022, he received a prestigious TV/Film Directing Fellowship from the Drama League of New York, expanding his creative vision into screen storytelling. His first two original short films, BIOLOGICAL and Six Winters Gone Still, have screened at festivals around the world, earning acclaim for their poetic visual language and emotional depth. He is a tenured professor of Theater and Africana Studies at Oberlin College, where he teaches directing, acting, and Capoeira.

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