Black Public Media (BPM) is redefining storytelling, offering authentic narratives and documentaries through its acclaimed AfroPoP Digital Shorts series. Every other month, BPM delivers thought-provoking films on its YouTube channel, shining a light on untold Black experiences—for free. And just in time for the holiday season, the latest offering, Spare Me, directed by Wilderley Mauricette, promises to take viewers on a haunting journey into America’s unsettling past, while sounding alarms about its echoes in the present.

From Sundown Roads to 'Spare Me': A Tale of Fear and Resilience

Fresh off October’s chilling Sundown Road by M. Asli Dukan—a horror-infused exploration of the dangers of traveling while Black in present-day sundown towns—BPM’s December release shifts gears with a historical lens. Spare Me, Mauricette’s evocative short film, revisits the grim reality of sundown towns in a bygone era, where the stakes of being stranded after sunset could turn life-threatening.

Mauricette, a Sarasota-based Haitian-born filmmaker and graduate of the prestigious Ringling College of Art and Design, draws from Sarasota’s dark history as a sundown town to craft his narrative. The film tells the harrowing tale of a Black traveler whose car breakdown leads to a perilous fight for survival in a town where the setting sun marked a countdown to danger.

Did You Know? During segregation, Black travelers depended on guides like the Negro Motorist Green Book to navigate safely through America. Though rooted in the past, Mauricette asserts that sundown towns remain a modern-day threat—a chilling reality that his work aims to expose.

 A screenshot from Spare Me by Wilderley Mauricette
 

A Festival Darling with a Powerful Message

Spare Me has already captured attention, screening at over 20 film festivals nationwide. On December 16, it takes center stage on Black Public Media’s YouTube channel, making its digital debut accessible to audiences everywhere. The film is more than a historical reflection; it’s a call to action, urging society to confront lingering racial injustices and ensure no traveler’s journey ends in fear.

Black Public Media: A Beacon of Black Narratives

Headquartered in Harlem, BPM has been a cornerstone of Black storytelling since 1979. As a national nonprofit, its mission is clear: to fund and amplify films that explore the vast spectrum of Black experiences. AfroPoP Digital Shorts is a testament to this vision, blending established filmmakers with fresh voices to deliver compelling content.

The organization’s commitment to empowering creators shines in projects like Spare Me, which not only spotlights the talents of Mauricette but also educates viewers on the unspoken struggles of the past and present.

Why Houston Should Tune In

For Houston audiences, a city enriched by its diversity yet marked by its own historical complexities, Spare Me is both a mirror and a window. It invites reflection on how far we’ve come while challenging us to dismantle the remnants of racial discrimination.

As Houston Style Magazine readers, we know the power of stories to ignite change. Let Spare Me be your reminder to stay vigilant, informed, and inspired to drive equity forward.

Mark Your Calendars!

Don’t miss the premiere of Spare Me on December 16, streaming exclusively on Black Public Media’s YouTube channel. Experience the trailer here.

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