On August 10, Berean Baptist Church in Brooklyn marked its 175th anniversary with the debut of a six-part documentary series titled The Audacity of Faith: Freedom From, Freedom To. The series, shown during Sunday worship, showcases the church’s history as a sanctuary for free Black Americans and white abolitionists since its founding in 1850.
Filmmaker Jahleel Hills Leads Intergenerational Project
Jahleel Hills, a sixth-generation Berean member and professional filmmaker, directed the series. Known for his work on Amazon Prime and with emerging musicians, Hills partnered with church elders to bring the project to life. “It didn’t feel like a gig,” Hills said. “It’s about honoring legacy.”
The idea for the documentary came from 69-year-old deacon Antionette Nelson, a member of the church’s history committee. She enlisted Hills to lead the project, recognizing his industry experience and personal connection to Berean.
A Multimedia Approach to History
The short documentary episodes, each running between 2 and 5 minutes, utilize archival images, animation, and music. They highlight Berean’s pivotal moments — including its role in the Underground Railroad, the founding of a credit union in 1950, and the creation of affordable housing in recent decades.
Nelson emphasized the need for accessibility, citing literacy statistics that show over half of U.S. adults read at a level below sixth grade. “We have to do something different,” she said. “Not everyone reads books — but they watch videos.”
Aiming to Reconnect with a Younger Generation
The project is part of a broader effort to engage younger members, whose church attendance has sharply declined. A 2021 Pew study showed nearly half of Black Millennials and Gen Zers rarely attend services. Berean’s membership now averages 100–150 attendees, down from hundreds in the 1960s.
Rev. Arlee Arkofa, Berean’s pastor of 36 years, sees the docuseries as a step toward revitalization. “We’re supporting young people like Jahleel who bring their talents back to Brooklyn,” he said.
Supporters hail the film as a model for intergenerational collaboration. Critics, however, caution that digital storytelling alone may not adequately address the deeper challenges surrounding religious engagement and urban displacement.
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At 175, a Brooklyn church turns to film to preserve its legacy for a new generation
Photo by Howie Mapson on Unsplash
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