RASHEEDA’S FREEDOM DAY

Freedom comes from being known and loved.

“I’ll tell the story until we’re free—all of us. And none of us are free until we’re all free.”  JoAnna LeNoir, Greatriarch

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 Indianapolis resident and Greatriarch Ms. JoAnna LeNoir. She has spent her life learning that her story is worth sharing and now she’s 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, they have invited their family, friends, and neighbors on Columbia Street to celebrate “Rasheeda’s Freedom Day” on the anniversary of their escape. As the film shows, a healthy community gives us the courage to share our stories with our neighbors so we can be known and loved. 

This film was produced in 2021 and premiered on November 14th, 2021 at the Toby Theater in Newfields. It is being submitted to film festivals with hopes to stream publicly in late 2022. Please email info@harrisoncenter.org for more information or to request a screening.

Run time is approximately 35 minutes. The suggested rating is PG13: some adult themes, brief violence.

WATCH RASHEEDA’S FREEDOM DAY

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 

With Support From

Herbert Simon Family Foundation

Avis Foundation, Inc

Indiana Humanities