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CIFF: They Ain't Ready for Me

  • Tower City Cinemas 230 West Huron Road Cleveland, OH, 44113 United States (map)

In Chicago neighborhoods crippled by gun violence, community members stay indoors, fearful for their safety. Tamar Manasseh has had enough. Driven to bring joy back to summer, Manasseh makes it her mission to provide a haven in Chicago’s most crime-riddled neighborhoods. She forms the organization MASK (Mothers/Men Against Senseless Killings). Armed with the belief that nobody wants to kill anyone’s mother, she seeks areas with the worst gang violence and sets up camp. Manasseh and her volunteers sit on the corner of 75th and Stewart from the first day of summer break to the last. They provide a safe place to congregate from 4 AM to 8 PM as well as free dinners. After three years of summer occupation, there hasn’t been a single shooting at the formerly dangerous intersection. The documentary THEY AIN’T READY FOR ME profiles a one-woman movement who is using her grassroots organization to change her community one block at a time. It’s an inspiring example of the impact a single human can have on others when they lead with their heart. 

Earlier Event: February 29
ViewPoints: Case Bargé
Later Event: March 27
CIFF: They Ain't Ready for Me