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ABOUT THE FILM
BOBBY'S KIDS is the story of how one man empowered a whole generation to see the possibility in going to college through music. Bobby L. Brown was the iconic band director of the Mackenzie High School "Band of Renown" of Detroit. Mr. Brown, a Southern University graduate and alumni of the famed band The "Human Jukebox" brought the HBCU Marching Band culture to Detroit in the 80's when drugs, murders, and crime were at an all-time high. Building a band from nothing, in just a few short years the band had raised to national acclaim and Brown had sent dozens of students on scholarships to Southern University and other HBCU's like Florida A&M, Jackson State, Tuskegee, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Delaware State, Alabama State - all on band scholarships. At one time Mr. Brown had nearly 40 students all from Mackenzie High School attending Southern University on band scholarships - a little known historic achievement.
It also covers the rise and fall of the Detroit Public School Systems band culture while bringing hope with the resurgence of Detroit's current bands and new roads to recruitment. Included in the film are exciting performances, the rich legacy of the Southern University "Human Jukebox", never before seen footage of Dr. Greggs, iconic leader of the band and interviews with current Human Jukebox visionary director Kedric Taylor as well as current members of the band from Detroit. Bobby L. Brown created a family of band students that spread across the globe and his legacy is present in current HBCU band programs which will be featured in the documentary. His story and impact had never been told until now. BOBBY'S KIDS is a story of tough love, drive, and demonstrates the spirit of Detroit which is fueled by the relentless spirit of the underdog. BOBBY'S KIDS has a universal message that all can understand - exposure is everything, therefore "What You Can See You Can Be" - which was the consistent element Brown engrained in his students.
THE CAST
FEATURED
INTERVIEWS
Jerome "The Bus" Bettis
Kedric Taylor
Dr. Richard Beckford
Dr. James Charles
LaShawn Gary
DWELE
Marc Croft
Brad Brown
Gloria Brown
Philander Asaka
Karen Valentine- Melton
Dr. Chris Rodgers
Sierra Tyus
Dennis Johnson
Prentis Davis
Caprice Varner
Calvin Boyd
Kyan Stanford
Kyan Stanford
Clyde T. Tyus
Sierra Tyus
Kory Mitchell
Brandi Mitchell
From the Producer of "Point And Drive" comes "BOBBY'S KIDS"
The Bobby's Kids Experience
This is NOT your ordinary movie, this is an experience! We're calling it our own Homecoming + Reunion + Exclusive Film Screening + Empowerment Event in One!
From the time you enter the venue, experience all the feels of nostalgia - for one moment be translated back to the 80's and early 90s when band was life - especially in Detroit and at an HBCU!
This will be an event the whole family can enjoy - young and seasoned!
We will also be honoring some special people, and have other surprises in store!
And this is BEFORE the movie!
Then sit back and relax as we watch Bobby's Kids together as one band, one sound!
You do not want to miss this once in a lifetime experience.
The OFFICIAL Bobby's Kids Film Gear
Wear what you love.
When you purchase a gift you help support the Bobby's Kids film and it's effort to carry this message across the globe. So grab some gear and know that not only are you repping the film and message, you are wearing gear that has mission and purpose.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR/PRODUCER
BRANDI MITCHELL
My name is BRANDI MITCHELL the producer & director and one of "Bobby's Kids"
I am committed to telling our stories. I truly believe we empower the future and create legacy by sharing our history. With that belief, I independently produce stories that are untainted by the Hollywood model and geared toward illuminating iconic people, entities, and fuel the band culture. I started filming "Bobby's Kids" in 2015 while I was filming my first documentary "Point And Drive". I knew then that I needed to tell Mr. Brown's story and that no matter what - the world needed to know what this man did to change so many young people's lives.
In 2022, Mr. Brown's son Brad presented me with Mr. Browns' collection of VHS tapes - inside was never before seen footage of our band The Mackenzie Band of Renown, performances, even footage of HBCU bands and band trips. As I watched the footage I made an alarming discovery - Mr. Brown was actually creating his documentary, and now I had the opportunity to finish it and bring it to the world for him. What an honor.
Then it seemed all the stars had aligned in September 2022 when I had the opportunity to come to Baton Rouge, LA to Southern University to film a performance with my own son who was now living his own hbcu band experience. It was a full circle moment because it was my first time coming back to the campus after having been there 34 years ago on a high school band trip in 1988 with Mr. Brown as a member of the Band of Renown - a trip that changed my entire life. In October, I completed the final Detroit interviews.
And every day since, I wrote, I edited, I planned, I thought of ways to bring this film to life.
You see, I truly believe Mr. Brown always wanted to tell this story but never got the chance—so I took it up for him.
My name is Brandi Mitchell, and I am one of Bobby’s Kids.
Learn more about Brandi at www.KorisMedia.com and www.BrandiMitchell.com.
CONTACT:
For Press, Giving, Sponsorship, Partnerships or Screenings
bmicconsulting@yahoo.com
From the Director of "Point And Drive" comes "BOBBY'S KIDS"