ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. – The Center for Folklife Studies at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and St. George’s Episcopal Church will present “Shall We Gather,” a new documentary and musical arts film, on Saturday, March 7, at 2 p.m.
The showing will take place in the Cole Cinema in the Campus Center at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
During the winter and spring of 2025, members of two historic Southern Maryland communities — one traditionally Black, the other traditionally White — came together for the first time to share stories, seek mutual understanding, extend the hand of reconciliation and friendship, and express their hopes for the future.
“Shall We Gather,” a professional film about these gatherings shot in Valley Lee, Maryland, includes historical documentary, interviews, storytelling and musical arts elements. Directed by Emmy-nominated Naeem Cobb of Forever Media, it tells the story of Bethesda United Methodist and St. George’s Episcopal, two historic churches in Valley Lee, their shared history of slavery and segregation, and how their stories echo throughout society in Southern Maryland and the nation today. Eliza Garth is the executive producer.
More information about the film project is available at www.we-shall.com.
Admission is free of charge, but reservations are required. Attendees can reserve a seat at www.we-shall.com.
“Shall We Gather” is financially supported by the generosity of The St. Mary’s County Arts Council, The Maryland State Arts Council, The Leonardtown Rotary Club, The Southern Maryland Folklife Center at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and individual donors.