Musa Jackson '79 Hosts Screening of "Summer of Soul" at MCS

On Sunday, December 5, MCS alumni, former staff, the Trowbridge family, and current parents gathered at MCS for a special screening of “Summer of Soul” with Musa Jackson ‘79. 

“Summer of Soul (...Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” is a feature documentary about the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival which celebrated African American music and culture, and promoted Black pride and unity. Directed by Questlove and starring MCS alum Musa Jackson, “Summer of Soul” has been praised by viewers and critics alike, receiving top honors at the Sundance Film Festival and winning five of the six critics choice awards for which it was nominated. But for those of us at MCS, the film's opening featuring Musa Jackson, is the best reward of all!  

Musa is the CEO and Editor In Chief of Ambassador Digital Magazine, a model, screenwriter, producer, and actor. You can read his full bio here. Following the screening, guests were treated to a Q & A moderated by Hellura Lyle ‘81, a documentary film programmer and producer. Read Hellura's bio here. Musa reflected on his time at Manhattan Country School and how the film aligned with the values instilled in him while here. 

“The film had all the same ideals that my mom fell in love with at MCS. It represented everything she wanted for her kids. It was a cross section of people. What we found here was a safe space, regardless of where you came from, or what you had in your pocketbook. We were all together in one idea of unity, peace, and love. That for me was magical,” Musa recalled. “When you look at that concert (the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival), that’s what I think we were trying to create for ourselves in Harlem. And then we also found that here, at MCS...Gus and Marty created something here that we all carry with us to this day.” 

 

Special thanks to Musa for sharing his childhood memories of the Harlem Cultural Festival and MCS and his experience with the film, and to Hellura who led the insightful conversation.