DAVENPORT, IOWA (March 21, 2025) — Azubuike African American Council for the Arts, in collaboration with the Davenport Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc and the Figge Art Museum, proudly presents a special screening of Keepers of the Flame, a powerful short film that explores the historical contributions of Black women to the Women’s Suffrage Movement.
This free, public event, to be held Sunday, March 30, at the Figge Art Museum, will begin with a tea-party meet-and-greet reception at 2:30PM, followed by a screening of Keepers of the Flame (with introduction) at 3:15PM, and concluding with a post-screening discussion with Director Shari Lynette Carpenter and Executive Producer Messeret Stroman Wheeler, offering attendees an exclusive opportunity to engage with the filmmakers, 4-4:45PM.
This inspiring film was recognized as the Best Inspirational Film at the 2024 Pulling Focus African American Film Festival, and we are honored to re-share it with our community.
Keepers of the Flame highlights the pivotal role of Mary Church Terrell and the courageous efforts of African American sorority leaders who confronted suffrage leader Alice Paul on the eve of the 1913 Women’s Suffrage Parade, challenging the exclusionary practices of the white suffragette movement.
Directed by Shari Lynette Carpenter and executive-produced by Messeret Stroman Wheeler, the film captures the resilience and leadership of the first official line of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc at Howard University. This event offers a unique intergenerational experience, inviting Black women of all ages — especially young girls — and the broader community to engage in an important conversation about the legacy of Black women in the fight for equality.
A special thank you to the Doris and Victor Day Foundation for their generous support. And also to the Putnam Museum for their continuing support.
