Inspired By Displacement in Portland, “Black Genius” Looks for Alternatives to Gentrification in Memphis
Abioto’s film is full of people who want to do something different. Rapper and high school football coach Jason “Da Hater” Harris wants the city’s musicians to get more national attention. Singer and actress Cequita Monique talks about growing literal and intellectual gardens. In the beginning of the film, Abioto talks to Aaron Snowden, an Air Force veteran who bought a house in south Memphis to host artists’ residencies and community gatherings. The day before Abioto interviewed Snowden, he also opened a neighborhood dog park. “That’s a milestone, believe it or not,” he says as he looks away from the camera with a slight smile.