UPDATE: On August 10, 2023, the congregation of Berean Baptist Church in Brooklyn celebrated its historic 175th anniversary by launching a groundbreaking six-part documentary series titled “The Audacity of Faith: Freedom From, Freedom To.” This innovative initiative aims to preserve the church’s rich legacy and engage a new generation, showcasing pivotal moments in its history from the Underground Railroad to modern community services.
The event was marked by a special screening attended by church members dressed in white. With the first episode unveiled on large screens flanking the altar, filmmaker Jahleel Hills, a sixth-generation member of the church, kicked off the series with a vibrant mix of archival photographs and animations. “It didn’t feel like a gig at all,” Hills stated, emphasizing his deep connection to the church’s history.
Antionette Nelson, a deacon and co-founder of the independent music label 1990 Records, spearheaded the documentary project. Recognizing the need to commemorate the church’s legacy for its anniversary, she collaborated with the history committee to create a script that captures the essence of Berean Baptist Church. “We realized that in order to be relevant and capture people’s attention, we have to do something a little bit different,” Nelson said, highlighting the importance of visual storytelling in reaching today’s audiences.
Each episode of the series, running between two to five minutes, will be released monthly over the next six months, ensuring that the church’s narrative resonates beyond its walls. Nelson aims to leverage social media and local cultural centers to broaden the documentary’s reach, given that 54% of adults aged 16 to 74 read below a sixth-grade level, underscoring the necessity of accessible content.
Hills expressed a commitment to uplifting his community through his artistic talents, stating, “I think it’s important to keep telling and retelling these stories.” The church, which has seen its attendance decline from hundreds in the 1960s to about 100-150 today, hopes this project will reignite interest among younger generations. Rev. Arlee Arkofa, who has led the church for 36 years, is optimistic that the docuseries can help reverse this trend, especially as many young adults are leaving New York City due to rising living costs.
The documentary will trace Berean Baptist Church’s journey from its founding in 1850 as a sanctuary for free Black Americans and white abolitionists to its modern-day initiatives, including a senior living center and affordable housing in Brooklyn. Nelson described the project as an “intergenerational collaboration,” with elders sharing their wisdom while younger members like Hills contribute technical expertise.
As the project unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the church’s enduring significance in the community. Nelson hopes the series will instill a sense of pride and connection among younger viewers, emphasizing, “If I can leave anything to the next generation, it’s that legacy, that this is who you are.”
Stay tuned for the first episode of this compelling docuseries as Berean Baptist Church embarks on a journey to honor its past while inspiring future generations.
