Hazelwood native creates short film series around self-help themes | The Homepage

By Juliet Martinez

Brashear alum and former NFL tight end Manasseh Garner in “It’s in You.” The premier will take place Thursday, July 13, 6:30 - 9 p.m. in the 38a Art Gallery at Social Status, 5929 Penn Avenue. Used with permission

Filmmaker Jibril Washington’s new short film collection explores personal growth through the stories of three Pittsburgh-based Black creatives and athletes. Premiering in July, the series “It’s in You” ties together athletics and the arts with Black masculinity and self-development.

The series’ three subjects are soul singer Kenny Stockard, Brashear high school alum and former NFL tight end Manasseh Garner, and sports trainer DeWayne Brown, founder of the youth-oriented athletics nonprofit 2Tenths Speed & Agility.

Mr. Washington said he felt the impact of storytelling growing up in Hazelwood and Northview Heights. He graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School, studied journalism as a student-athlete at Penn State, and went on to work for the NBA in New York City before moving back to Pittsburgh during the pandemic. His mission: to create freely and tell stories in a way that serves his communities close to home.

“I needed other people’s stories when I was growing up to let me know, to show me, to remind me that what I believed or saw for myself and those around me was possible,” Mr. Washington said. “I don’t know if I could make it without stories that resonate with me and the people around me.”

A panel discussion with the films’ subjects and free refreshments will follow the premiere of “It’s in You” on Thursday, July 13, 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the 38a Art Gallery at Social Status, 5929 Penn Ave.

Juliet Martinez is the managing editor of The Homepage.