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Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Riverside Epicenter Black History Month Video – A Tribute to Resilience and Unity

Written by Brooke Jarrett | Feb 21, 2025 8:30:52 PM

At Riverside Epicenter, storytelling is at the heart of what we do. When producing our Black History Month introduction video, our in-house production team, RECLive!, knew we had to craft something meaningful—something that honored African American heritage while inspiring our community to celebrate resilience, triumph, and unity.

The Creative Vision

From concept to completion, every frame of this project was intentional. Executive Producer Davone Bonneau envisioned a video that blended poetry, performance, and powerful visuals to create a lasting impact. He ensured our employees delivered the spoken-word performances—because they are the ones who uphold our reputation of excellence every day.

The video opens with a single stool under a spotlight, symbolizing the voices of history, the stories passed down, and the strength of those who came before us. The spoken-word script, performed by employees, weaves together themes of legacy, perseverance, and empowerment, reflecting the enduring spirit of Black history.

Davone, who also served as the Director of Photography, captured stunning visuals using dynamic lighting and cinematic angles to emphasize the emotion behind each performance. Our Lighting Director, Zackary Pettway, created a simple yet dramatic atmosphere by pairing haze with the spotlight, enhancing the visual depth.

Production Manager Chibale Wiggins, who also served as our Audio Engineer, ensured that every word was crisp, clear, and resonant—because in a piece like this, sound carries the weight of the message.

Bringing the Story to Life

Producer Brooke Jarrett worked closely with the team, coordinating everything from casting talent to overseeing production.

“The casting was very intentional,” Brooke shares. “Davone and I wanted to showcase employees who often go overlooked but play an essential role in our success. Not often do you see highly skilled professionals who reflect our community working under one roof. As one of Metro Atlanta's premier event facilities, we take pride in serving our community and honoring the legacy of those who paved the way.”

During post-production, Editor David Dennis-Morgan refined the footage, weaving it into a powerful work of art. The pacing of the edit, the blend of music and visuals, and the seamless transitions all contributed to the emotional depth of the final piece.

David carefully selected b-roll footage to bring the story to life—featuring individuals standing in unity, symbolic imagery representing justice, leadership, and triumph, and showcasing pioneers like Maya Angelou, Barack Obama, and the Epicenter’s owner, Bishop Bronner.

Every detail mattered—the spotlight on the stool, the spoken word, and the carefully curated casting of employees. Each element was meticulously planned to immerse viewers in the story of Black excellence and perseverance at Riverside Epicenter.

Said Estrada also played a key role, capturing behind-the-scenes moments of the team working together, showcasing the dedication behind this 90-second tribute to Black history.

“We truly appreciate when Said captures BTS because it tells a story of its own, highlighting how our small team comes together to create magic. It’s incredible to see what we can accomplish when we put our hearts and minds into it—and it’s even more meaningful to do this for a Black-owned business that equips us with the tools and resources to succeed. Coming to work every day truly feels like a dream!” said Davone.

 

 

A Celebration of Heritage

This video is more than just a project; it’s a statement of who we are at Riverside Epicenter—a community that values diversity, education, and the power of storytelling.

We invite you to watch, reflect, and celebrate Black History Month with us. Because together, we thrive—united and strong.

Follow us on Instagram @riversideepicenter for the latest updates on events and community initiatives.