"Close Ties: Tying On A New Tradition" Documentary Film Project

While doing my early morning blogging I came across a wonderful article about a new documentary project in New Orleans on NewBlackMan . (By the way you should definitely follow this blog Mark Anthony Neal is a true scholar and critical thinker!) For those that know me know that I am all about empowering the black youth of the community in creative ways. I truly believe in order to reach today's future we have to step outside the box!!

This post comes from KickStarter.com via Mark Anthony Neal's blog "New Black Man".



Close Ties: Tying On A New Tradition is a documentary project out of New Orleans, LA and sponsored by Park Triangle Productions.

So you ask what is this all about....Close Ties: Tying on a New Tradition provides an intimate look at a rites of passage ceremony that connects teenage boys with male role models. The "Tie Tying ceremony" held at New Orleans barbershop, "Mr. Chill's First Class Cuts", was created by Dr. Andre Perry and Wilbert “Chill” Wilson as a way to strengthen communities struggling with crime, poverty and alarming high school drop out rates. Cultural traditions have been the cornerstone of African American communities for centuries.

Close Ties examines the impact of this new tradition and shows us how tying a necktie --- an act associated with men who embody professionalism and prestige --- can inspire high school boys to commit to a life of achievement and success. 

During the event, the boys participate in a tie-tying demonstration, where role models from around the city instruct the youngsters on how to create distinguishing knots with their neckwear. Each of the boys also receives the opportunity to get professional grooming with a haircut and a shoe-shine. The final component of the event is one-on-one mentorship that each student receives from a male role model from the community. The youth participating in this tie-tying ceremony are boys selected from several schools in New Orleans.
Close Ties documents the mentors and the youth during and after the ceremony, where we see the men encourage and support the boys’ academic and career endeavors. The development of these mentoring relationships creates a lasting impact, one felt by students, parents, teachers and the community as a whole.

As you can see this is more than just showing a film its also about taking action towards eradicating the high school drop out rate for African American males. "We feel that Close Ties: Tying on a New Tradition is an essential tool for educators, community leaders, and to anyone with a vested interest in the potential of American youth." 

For more information on how you can take part and support go to KickStarter ! This truly touches the hear right here in so many ways, films and projects like this give you hope for what is to come in the future!!