Documentary Film Premiere |
The Search for Anna & Levi: A Lost History of Black Homesteaders in Leelanau County.
Saturday, May 31 | 4:00 PM (Doors open at 3:30 PM)
Location: Leland Public School Performing Arts Center, 200 N Grand Ave, Leland, MI
This event is free and open to the public.
Seating is first-come, first-served; space is limited.
The Leelanau Historical Society proudly presents The Search for Anna & Levi: A Lost History of Black Homesteaders in Leelanau County. This powerful documentary brings to light an overlooked chapter of local history and the broader story of African American settlement in the Midwest. After its sold-out preview screening in February, the film earned enthusiastic praise from the audience for its emotional depth and historical insight.
Directed by Joe VanderMeulen, the documentary features interviews with descendants, regional historians, and local experts, offering a rich, personal view of the legacy left by Black homesteaders in Leelanau County.
View The Trailer:
The Inspiration Behind the Project:
The film was inspired by the research of Kevin Brooks, recipient of the 2023 Leelanau Press Research Fellowship. While exploring his own family’s Leelanau roots, Kevin discovered a connection to the Johnson family—Anna and Levi Johnson, early African American settlers in the region. What began as a personal investigation evolved into a collaborative research effort that uncovered a long-forgotten history and reconnected today’s descendants with their powerful heritage.
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