Fierceness Served! The ENIKAlley Coffeehouse

Directed by Michelle Parkerson

A short film that focuses on the Washington DC history of The Coffeehouse, which served as a performance venue, rehearsal space, and meeting place for Black LGBTQ artists and political organizations in the 1980s. It hosted such luminaries as poet Audre Lorde and cultivated the early development of prominent black feminists and queer artists, including filmmaker Michelle Parkerson, photographer Sharon Farmer, poet Essex Hemphill. This documentary highlights the work of the Coffeehouse creatives and activist by using archival footage, audio clips, publicity materials, academic articles, and reviews. Interviews with surviving members of the community, as well as people who attended and supported this thriving arts community, are also included.