NO! The Rape Documentary by Aishah Shahidah Simmons

I want to thank Kenyon Farrow for alerting me to this film, No! The Rape Documentary, produced by Aishah Shahidah Simmons.

NO! specifically focuses on the issue of rape and sexual assault within the African American community.

This is yet another topic that seems to receive the silent treatment with the community, so I'm glad a filmmaker has decided to tackle and bring voice to the topic for the community.

It'll be screened during the upcoming Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, which runs February 9 - 20, 2006. NO! specifically will show on February 14 at 1 pm and February 16 at 7:30 pm. It has had several screenings while "in progress" prior to the upcoming PAFF screening.

Even if you're not in L.A. for the film festival, you can still bring this film to your organization or school. Check out the NO! website and contact the filmmaker.

And like I mentioned way back in the day (Color By Numbers), please don't just wait for Black History Month to plan or attend "black" events... and don't just wait for Sexual Assault Awareness Week to plan or attend events raising awareness of sexual assault. These issues are important ALL year long, the artists and writers and speakers need work ALL year long... and to only support them during the set-aside months/weeks doesn't do any justice to anybody.

NO! has received endorsements from Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, Spelman College President emerita, and Kevin Powell of the 1st MTV Real World. Hopefully these endorsements will help this film's momentum.
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