In March 2006, Sojourners editorial projects intern Celeste Kennel-Shank wrote a great feature article for us titled "Green Hair, Grey Hair" about the D.C.-based project "We Are Family" started by Mark Anderson. Now, for the first time on the independent screen, one of our articles has inspired a movie! Read the description below about the new film directed by Katrina Taylor and produced by Rachell Williams:
What do punk rockers and senior citizens have in common? As Washington D.C. rapidly gentrifies, a low income African American community is threatened. The documentary "Green Hair, Grey Hair," takes a look at the struggles of living in a city in the midst of change, and the unique relationships that can develop. Mark Anderson, a writer, activist and punk rocker, created "We Are Family" to provide an outreach network to a group of senior citizen. Through an existing group he worked with - punk rockers - he used similar DIY and punk rock ethics, to bring the two together. Through grocery deliveries, advocacy about the neighborhood, and visiting, "We Are Family" provides a unique model for changing the way we look at old age. Very punk rock.
Celeste (who is the daughter of Sojourners Senior Policy Adviser Duane Shank) is a 2004 graduate of Goshen (Ind.) College with a degree in environmental studies and completed her master's degree at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism in Evanston, Ill. She now works for the Mennonite Weekly Review and is based in Chicago.
Rose Marie Berger, a Sojourners associate editor, is a Catholic peace activist and poet.
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