Tropic Cinema Supports local organizations during Black History Month with Special Film Series

Tropic Cinema celebrates Black History Month with a special spotlight series proudly underwritten by the Florida Council of the Arts, and the Monroe County Tourism Council helping shine a light on stories that matter.

The February Spotlight Series celebrates Black History Month by pairing film with community impact. Each week, a Black-led organization is featured before the screening to share their mission, the work they do, and how the donation from that week’s ticket sales will support their efforts.
The first organization featured as part of the spotlight series the William Weech American Legion Post 168, continuing a powerful tradition of service, community, and advocacy. The film Deacons for Defense tells the true story of a group of ordinary Black men in the 1960s South who did something extraordinary: they organized, armed themselves, and stood guard to protect their communities and civil rights activists when the law wouldn’t. What begins as neighbors watching out for one another becomes a bold, strategic movement that helped the Civil Rights Movement survive some of its most dangerous moments. Part history lesson, part edge-of-your-seat story, this film proves that sometimes defending peace takes real backbone.
Each organization has selected a film that resonates with their values and history. Local leaders will introduce the films, providing unique insight and discussion on their themes. Tropic Cinema will donate ticket sale profits to each organization, directly benefiting their important work in the community. Each event will be on Sunday afternoon at 2 PM.  After the Sunday event, there will be additional screenings of the films throughout the following week. 
Sunday, February 1 – Deacons of Defense (2003), Hosted by William Weech American Legion Post 168.
Sunday, February 8 – Ain’t no back to a Merry Go Round (2024), Hosted by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration and Scholarship Committee
Sunday, February 15 – Sarah’s Oil (2025), Hosted by Coral Elks Club #610.
Sunday, February  22– 42 (2013), Hosted by Unkon Lodge #47 P.H.A.
For more information about this and other events at Tropic Cinema, please check the website at www.tropicicinema.com

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