Malco Studio on the Square Features Hooks Institute’s Ida B. Wells Documentary on July 21 and July 28 at 7 p.m.

June 27, 2022 — “Facing Down Storms: Memphis and the Making of Ida B. Wells,” a production of the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis, will be shown on July 21 and July 28 at 7 p.m. at the Malco Studio on the Square, 2105 Court Ave., in Memphis. General Admission Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased by clicking here.

About Facing Down Storms

Memphis and the Making of Ida B. Wells The feature-length documentary explores how the unique cultural and social atmosphere of late 19th-century Memphis indelibly shaped Ida B. Wells as a journalist and activist. The 1892 lynching of three men in South Memphis fueled Wells’s zealous efforts to combat the widespread acceptance of the lynching of African Americans in the United States. Wells used the power of journalism to expose to international audiences the injustices of the rising practice of lynching — a form of extralegal execution often taking the form of mob violence against African Americans.

“Facing Down Storms: Memphis and the Making of Ida B. Wells” was produced by Daphene R. McFerren, Hooks Institute executive director; Nathaniel Ball, Hooks Institute assistant director of media initiatives and program support; and Fabian Matthews, founder and owner of Spotlight Productions, LLC. McFerren and Ball were also the film’s executive producers.

“Facing Down Storms” highlights Wells’ courageous and inspiring activism in the late 19th century and early 20th century while navigating the time's complicated race and gender issues. This documentary’s initial premiere was on April 19, 2022, at the Halloran Centre for the Performing Arts in Memphis.

“Facing Down Storms” contains disturbing and graphic images of lynching. Viewer discretion is advised.

About the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change

The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute implements its mission of teaching, studying and promoting civil rights and social change through research, education and direct intervention programs. Institute programs include community outreach; funding faculty research initiatives on community issues; implementing community service projects; hosting conferences, symposia and lectures; and promoting local and national scholarship on civil and human rights. The Hooks Institute is an interdisciplinary center at the University of Memphis. Contributed revenue for the Hooks Institute, including funding from individuals, corporations and foundations, is administered through the University of Memphis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. Visit memphis.edu/benhooks for more information.