“MEETING DAVID WILSON”

Even If We’re Not Related By Blood, We’re Related By History

A Lecture/Film program
www.meetingdavidwilson.com

David A. Wilson, a 28-year-old African-American journalist, travels deep into his family's past to find the answers to America's racial divide. David’s journey resulted in the feature length documentary “Meeting David Wilson”, which he wrote and co-directed. In researching the project, David learned of a plantation in North Carolina where his family was once enslaved, and subsequently discovered that the plantation is owned by a 62-year-old white man -- also named David Wilson -- who is a direct descendant of his family's slave Master. This discovery leads to a momentous encounter between these two men who share the same name, but whose ancestors were on the opposite sides of freedom.

In his interactive, multimedia lecture, David will display pivotal moments from the film, including his conversation with the white David Wilson, and he will initiate a discussion with the audience about a question that is prominently featured in the film: "What's Wrong With Black People?"  

As he does in the film, David will open up an honest dialogue with audiences, and will shed a light on the cultures of violence, drugs, imprisonment, and anti-intellectualism that are plaguing many Black youth.  Dave will also examine the role that media -- including the music industry -- plays in shaping the negative self-images of young Black Americans.

David reflects on how his journey altered his view of those who overcame slavery and discrimination, who went from victims to victors, and how this outlook can help reverse the downward spiral of the Black community.  While much of his presentation focuses on the racial dilemmas of today, David demonstrates how the
country's history played a role in creating the problem, and more importantly, how it is in the interest of America's future that we all play a part in the solution.

David has served as lead producer and oversaw newsroom operations for NNS (Network News Service) a national news gathering service and an ABC, CBS, and FOX News conglomerate.  He is a graduate of Rowan University with a BA in Communication Radio/TV/Film, and was born and raised in Newark, NJ.