(NEW YORK CITY – June 2025) — In celebration of Father’s Day, Juneteenth, Pride Month, and Men’s Health Month, Judson Memorial Church, Brooklyn Diego, and the New York City Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) present a special screening of the acclaimed new documentary WHEN WE FREE THE WORLD, followed by a powerful community conversation with producers Kevin Powell and Evangeline Lawson.
The free event takes place on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square South, directly across from Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village.
The accessible entrance is 243 Thompson Street, just around the corner from the main entrance. Ring the bell to be buzzed in. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. The film screening begins promptly at 2:00 p.m. To RSVP, email rsvp@whenwefreetheworld.com. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.
WHEN WE FREE THE WORLD is a deeply personal and timely film exploring themes of manhood, fatherhood, and identity in America. Through authentic storytelling and lived experience, the film confronts tough questions around manhood, healing, and community, offering space for reflection and hope.
Powell is excited to screen the documentary at Judson Memorial Church. “This film is a necessary conversation about what it is to be a man—father or not—in these troubled times,” Powell says. “That’s why I’m proud to return to Judson Memorial Church, one of the most progressive and inclusive spiritual communities in the country. Our film welcomes men of all identities—as we all should be inclusive of all human beings in all aspects of our lives.”
Rev. Micah Busey, Senior Pastor, Judson Memorial Church, is honored to host this important dialogue about manhood. “In a time when gender, sexuality, and race are in the crosshairs of so much of our public discourse, Judson is honored to host Kevin Powell and WHEN WE FREE THE WORLD to add a vibrant layer to our conversations about the many types of masculinities and how we manifest the future we all need,” Rev. Busey says.
Mike Bobbitt, Deputy Commissioner, Community Development, NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, says the event supports the department’s efforts of the Fatherhood Initiative. “The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) has led the Fatherhood Initiative for more than two decades, encouraging fathers to become personally involved with their children, to relate to their co-parents, and to create a healthier family dynamic,” Bottitt says. “With historic city investments to serve twice as many dads, DYCD is excited to celebrate Father’s Day with filmmakers Kevin Powell and Evangeline Lawson at this important screening. Their documentary WHEN WE FREE THE WORLD is inspiring a national conversation around manhood, fatherhood, and how we all can create healthier families and communities. Taking that conversation to our NYC dads gives them an opportunity to learn from their peers, and help build an even more father-friendly city.”
This event is presented in partnership with organizations committed to equity, mental wellness, and inclusive dialogue.
