Scripted in Black partners with The Neon to spotlight classic movies in Black community

“I want (Black and Brown communities) to feel like they have hope in our social landscape when it comes to arts and entertainment,” said Dana Graham, founder of Scripted in Black (SIB). “I want them to know we have them first in mind when it comes to curating these experiences to make them feel seen and heard so it can be something entertaining that they can enjoy.”

Graham graduated from Stivers School for the Arts and received her bachelor’s degree in theater studies from Wright State University with a concentration in directing in 2015.

However, she explained it wasn’t until she attended an artistic administration internship in New York that she realized what she wanted her avenue to look like in the theater industry. The internship also provided clarity on what she felt was missing from the industry, primarily the absence of representation and community engagement.

In 2016 Graham returned to Dayton where she eventually began the journey of SIB. The organization officially started in 2018.

She seeks to provide entertainment, cultural and arts-based experiences for Blacks outside traditional spaces of theaters or museums.

“I want to bring these creative experiences to them in a way that speaks our language, our culture and our traditions in the way we show up socially in our community,” Graham said.

SIB is geared toward Black millennials, but Graham notes Blacks of all ages have supported the organization. Past events have included Live Lyrics featuring guided conversations about a Black icon as well as a look at the artistry of wine making from a local Black wine shop.

In partnership with The Neon, SIB’s summer film series will continue with 1997′s “B*A*P*S” in August and 1991′s “New Jack City” in September.

Click here to purchase your ticket for “Love Jones.” Prior to Sunday’s screening there will be a social hour from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. that will include cocktails, spoken word and photography.

If you want to stay updated with SIB’s latest events, follow them on Instagram @scriptedinblack or on Scripted in Black on Facebook.

In the future Graham hopes to see Scripted in Black eventually have a brick-and-mortar space in the Dayton area and expand to other cities in underserved communities.

The Neon is located at 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton. For more information, visit The Neon.