A Letter To The West Side:
Screening Q&A
These are the questions asked that were asked during the Q&A portion at he end of screening.
Q: Are you going to show films regarding the Eltorros girl drill team, as well as the Elks Angles?
A: The documentaries that we are creating are centered around Dunbar Tower. A Letter To The West Side was focused on the general history of the Black community where the Dunbar Tower is being constructed.
Q: Are you in talks with the schools in our community to see if they will work to make sure all students and their families have access to this important part of our community's real history?
A: We are open to partnering with others that want to create awareness and continue the conversation of the historic black community. You can email your inquiries to connect@breyko.com.
Q: Could you give reference to the black engineer that designed the Dexter bridge for the railroad?
A: There were many more people and amazing stories that were impactful to the West Side, which we couldn’t fit into this documentary. We hope that “A Letter To The West Side” would inspire someone, a business or an organization to fund a project to tell the other stories and achievements of the West Side.
Q: Have you considered submitting the film to the film festival circuit?
A: Yes, we are considering submitting this documentary into film festivals. Consequently, we cannot make the film available to the general public at this time. However, if someone would like to watch the film who was not able to attend, please request a private link from Breyko, through connect@breyko.com
Q: Have you considered a "next gen" version of this film, to talk about the generational families in Ann Arbor that have been able to stand the test of time and demonstrate the scattered resilience that is present today?
A: Yes, we are considering several follow-up films. Thank you for the suggestion.
Q: Will you also do a production focused on the black community on the Northside?
A: Though the documentaries that we are creating are centered around Dunbar Tower and the neighborhood where it’s located, we are open to partnering with someone to tell the story of the Northside.
Q: Would you consider making a short film based on stories/history told from this documentary?
A: Yes, we would consider focusing on some of the individual stories to create short films from.
Q: What was your favorite part about filming?
A: My (Director Kameron Donald) favorite part about filming moving about the West Side, seeing and learning the history of the Black community.
Q: When can we view this on Tubi, YouTube or Netflix?
A: We plan on having this documentary on streaming platforms as the opportunities come. Stay tuned for announcements.
Q: When will the project be completed?
A: The residential portion of Dunbar Tower will be complete in February 2026 and the public community space on the ground floor will be completed by the fall of 2026.
Q: Why did the A2 Community Center on North Main close? It was sold and the $1.6M is gone..?
A: The reason for the sale of the Ann Arbor Community Center and what happened to the money from that sale wasn’t officially disclosed to the public.
Q: Was there a specific story or fact that really impacted you during filming?
A: What impacted me (Director Kameron Donald) the most was seeing how people that were deemed “less than” redlined to an industrial area that was viewed as undesirable turn that space into a home, that breeds excellence in the face of adversity. Seeing how a community that works with each other, looks out for one another's kids, knows each other's name, fights for each other and supports each other financially is something that we need today.
Q: We really enjoyed seeing the historical photos but there were only a few that showed the vibrancy of life. Is there a dearth of photos in the archives?
A: Yes, there is a dearth of photos in the public archive and that can be licensed from local newspapers. You can find photos on the Ann Arbor District Library’s website by navigating the “Search” drop down bar and clicking on “Local History” and searching “...” If there are any families that have photos they are willing to let us scan and use in this film or future films, please contact connect@breyko.com.
Q: What types of support do you all need in terms of creative, research, and/or development of visually producing the next iterations of this project?
A: We need support in each of those areas and also with community outreach, Ann Arbor’s history, and video production. You can help in any way that you can, just email jtrinh@breyko.com if you’re interested.
Q: This film was amazing. Thank you for your work in highlighting these important stories and this important work. Will Dunbar Tower be open to the public to visit, to see the history that will be posted in the building?
A: The AAHC and Avalon will be hosting a public open house once the building is occupied and the public community space is finished. The non-residential community space that the Community Leadership Council is designing, will be open to the public to visit and to reserve for events.
Q: Is there any type of housing for families with small children who experienced a home fire and are now currently homeless? Small children like 4 & 5 years old. Both parents have a job.
A: There is a central intake and assessment process for people who are in danger of losing their housing or who are homeless through Housing Access of Washtenaw County, which is staffed by Washtenaw County. HAWC’s phone number is 734-961-1999. HAWC partners with the local shelters and housing providers to access available local resources.
Q: Is there a petition to change the name of the neighborhood?
A: We are not aware of any petition to change the name of the neighborhood.
Q: I feel like I don't hear much about the Ann Arbor Community Center being used anymore and that makes me sad. Are you guys aware of any programs or activities occurring in that space going forward?
A: No, we are not aware of any activities occurring at the Ann Arbor Community Center.
Q: Will your films be archived at the Ann Arbor district library?
A: At the moment, that opportunity hasn’t presented itself yet but we will consider it.
Q: Will stories of other long term black families that migrated from the west side to other areas of Ann Arbor be highlighted in the series? There are "first black" legacies of generations of other black families who are still present in the city but not living on the west side of Ann Arbor? Like the first black realtor?
A: At the moment, those stories are not part of this series as we are focused on the Dunbar Tower and the community it’s located in.The stories that you mention are definitely important to tell.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve from this documentary? Awareness, change, a stop to the gentrification.
A: We are hoping to raise awareness about the historical achievements of the black community, the historical harms done to the black community and the continuing impact, as well as the importance of local housing policy on the community.
Q: Are you not afraid that this new housing will also do what was done in the past with public housing?
A: In the past public housing was dispersed throughout the city. Dunbar Tower is intentionally being built in the historically black neighborhood that is no longer a cohesive neighborhood, as the neighborhood has gentrified and gotten more expensive.
Q: Will there not be more institutions put in place such as picking houses/communities and lowering the price for low-income people who could afford it? Or only selling to low-income families?
A: There are properties in Ann Arbor that have some units that are deed restricted that have resale provisions that require the buyers to be low-income at Ashley-Mews and Stone School Townhomes. Many cooperatives require income restrictions for new members. Habitat for Humanity develops housing for low-income households and any developer can build for-sale housing and restrict the incomes of the buyers.
Q: What about the outside spaces for the black youth?
A: The City of Ann Arbor has a large number of public parks and recreational spaces that are available for residents and non-residents of all races.
Q: Are you entering this documentary to any film festivals? (Ex: Toronto film festival, Sundance film festival)
A: Answered above
Q: As a 2nd gen AAPS graduate, and currently an African American teacher in AAPS -- Thank you for addressing the issues in our school system. We still struggle with addressing inequalities but the fight continues. Again, thank you!
A: You’re welcome.
Q: Ask for the De' Long's sauce recipe before everyone leaves.
A: Good try
Q: Can you have the film participants stand and turn to be recognized?
A: Good idea. We will do that in the future.
Q: Come to the Northside! We are there too!!
A: Acknowledged
Q: Could you give reference to the black engineer that designed the Dexter bridge for the railroad?
A: Answered above
Q: Does Breyko have plans to do other communities in Michigan? Like many Detroit Neighborhoods or Lansing?
A: Breyko would be interested in working with those in other communities to help tell their story.
Q: For the community center will there be a place former west side residents to display artwork that captures more history about the west side.
A: The Community Leadership Council is designing the community center and will be focusing on black artists/art and black history in the space.
Q: Hi! I'm from a huge family involved in Ann Arbor. My grandma lived/ grew up in the west side and my pawpaw was in the french dukes. I always wondered what they go through and you answered that but how do you unlock those stories and what did you guys do to involve true stories. And how does this turn into a beautiful documentary that represents us?
A: What was most important for us was to get to know the people. Sitting down to hear them talk for hours, laughing with them, and also seeing them get upset and sad about what affected them the most. Making sure to remove biases and include all points of views. So breaking bread allowed us to capture the essence and highlight them in a way that’s “Hollywood” showing that their stories are meaningful is how this documentary became beautiful.
Q: How can I purchase a copy of the documentary film A Letter To The West Side?
A: This documentary will be available on various platforms. We will send out an email when the dates are set.
Q: How can others access the film?
A: Answered above
Q: How long did it take to raise funds for and to make this film?
A: This documentary series is funded by the Ann Arbor Housing Commission. We are still raising funds to pay for this film and we are accepting donations to better tell these stories and create something that’s impactful and connects the residents of Ann Arbor.
Q: I am from Detroit ,Michigan and I honestly never knew Ann Arbor had so many blacks that made history in Ann Arbor. Is there a museum of black history or books on which I can learn more about this great history? I feel like I have been robbed of this knowledge. Thank you for these films
A: You can learn more at the African American Cultural & Historical Museum of Washtenaw County.
Q: I asked the question of celebrating the Black church in Ann Arbor
A: Through our research and interviews, we’ve learned that the churches played a huge role in the African-American communities. We would consider partnering with those churches to help tell their story.
Q: I have a masters in public health and worked in health equity at the American medical association. My specialty is housing and the unhoused and the way unhealthy housing affects folks especially marginalized communities. Could we collaborate on your next idea?
A: We will reach out. JEN - was this Roshanak, who was on our panel for the Bridge film?
Q: I've lived with a miner and hiscock for 30 years. I think a major reason for the neighborhood change was when Mack went from a neighborhood to a magnet school. How do other long term residents feel about this?
A: We are unable to respond on behalf of long-term residents.
Q: In what way did mayors and city councils over the years support or hinder the black community on the westside to achieve their projects?
A: Historically, as discussed in the film, there were many decisions that harmed the black community and more than could be included in the film. Today, the Mayor and City Council are supporting the development of Dunbar Tower as both low-income housing and a public community space designed by black community members. In addition, they have sold city-owned property for well below market value, ($1 for Dunbar Tower) to affordable housing developers, primarily the Ann Arbor Housing Commission. The Mayor and City Council are providing financial support to these projects through millage proceeds, bond financing, general funds, a $1/unit/year payment in lieu of property taxes. Other properties on the west side that will be developed as affordable housing include 404 N Ashley and a parcel that was split off of 721 N Main, called 123 W Summit.
Q: Is there a link to this film that can be shared with those who couldn't see it tonight?
A: Answered above
Q: Look online and see. Thekla Mitchell who’s 103 and listen to her story about AA towne.
A: Thank you for this information
Q: Not a question but the Ann Arbor Mayor, Christopher Taylor, is here. It may be nice to acknowledge him. 🤷🏽
A: Thank you
Q: Not a question, just a deep appreciation!
A: Thank you
Q: Please do a documentary on the black church in Ann Arbor. Second Baptist and Bethel are over 150 years old. Second Baptist is celebrating 160 years old.
A: Answered above
Q: Thank you for amplifying BLACK VOICES!!!
A: You’re welcome
Q: Thank you for giving my Uncle Gregory Pee the opportunity to be a part of this documentary film!
A: You’re welcome
Q: Thank you for this documentary. I've been here for 35 years and did not know this history. Can you tell us more about the future series?
A: There are 5 more films in this series. The official titles are yet to come but some of the topics that we will be covering are Housing and Homelessness, Design Construction and Sustainability, Support Services, and Creatives.
Q: The mural on the film had pictures of black leaders. It would be great to know who they were! Was this explored?
A: Rev. C.W. Carpenter, Dr. Albert Wheeler, Bryan Westfield, Coleman Jewett, Judge Nancy Wheeler, Rev. John A. Woods Richard Blake, Rosemarion Blake, Richard Thompson (Delong), and Dr. Willis C. Patterson
Q: This film was amazing. Thank you for your work in highlighting these important stories and this important work. Will Dunbar Tower be open to the public to visit, to see the history that will be posted in the building?
A: Answered above
Q: To the people who see your film who believe differently, that believe our history doesn't deserve to be heard and wish to perpetuate that hate, what do you say to them? And I ask this because I overheard several people, one woman in particular who share this view. So please respond to them.
A: This film documents real-life accounts of history that many prefer to ignore. Some may be shocked to learn that their own family history isn’t what they thought. But history isn’t a matter of belief—it’s fact. Disagreeing with personal experiences and documented truth doesn’t erase them. While ignorance persists, we’re grateful for those who came with open minds, ready to learn and engage.
Q: We heard very little about the Black Churches in A2.. Was this intentional?
A: The black churches play a huge role within the West Side. We had a plan for the churches to have their own section within the film but that plan couldn’t be fully executed so we decided to let people hear about the church through testimonies. You can hear more about that history within Robyn Lucas full interview that will be uploaded to www.dunbartowerfilm.com.
Q: Will there be another film? How many directors did the Dunbar center have? My Great Grandfather was a Director, Charles Cromwell.
A: There will be more films. We do not know how many Directors there were for the Dunbar Center. Thank you for that information.
Q: What coordination did this film have with the recent Jones school documentary? How coincidental or related are the releases of these two works on black ann arbor history within the same year?
A: There was no coordination with this film and the recent Jones School documentary. However, several members of the Community Leadership Council worked on both films. It is perfect timing with other local efforts to continue building awareness about Ann Arbor’s Black history.
Q: What do you think will change the real-estate opportunities in Ann Arbor and throughout our nation?
A: (Jen Hall) If we only view real estate as a commodity and not a human necessity, there will always be winners and losers. If the community believes that housing is a necessity then public funding and support is necessary to ensure that all people of all income ranges have housing options.
Q: What inspired the film? What was your favorite part of creating it? What was one of the biggest challenges to research and creation of the film?
A: We wanted to let Ann Arbor, Michigan and the whole nation know that there was a Black community here that contributed a lot to the growth of this city. The biggest challenge was gathering images of the West Side Black residents.
Q: What types of support do you all need in terms of creative, research, and/or development of visually producing the next iterations of this project?
A: We need support in all of the areas that you mentioned.
Q: What was the hardest topic or interview you had to cut out?
A: All the interviews that we filmed were over an hour long. Each interviewee had large portions of their interview removed so that the total film could be under 2 hours. Knowing the story that we originally wanted to tell and now creating a story with the time we have was a challenge. What helped us stay on track was conducting all of the pre-interviews, talking to people and getting to know the community
Q: What was the most challenging part of making this film?
A: Answered above
Q: What was your favorite answer to a question you asked in the interview process?
A: Ms. Shirley Beckley’s answers were my (Kameron Donald) favorite because she had a lot of comedy in them.
Q: When did the new names for the West Side come about, and do you know through your work if Black residents prefer we use the traditional name for the neighborhood?
A: (addressed at screening)
Q: When is the next showing of A Letter To The West Side?
A: Answered above
Q: While it is true, there are so many small towns in the U.S. that have Anna still experience what you're sharing with us more. I'm a 62 yr old who came to Ypsilanti for college from Saginaw,Mi, I and my godsend the just tried fist black Sheriff of Washtenaw County knowing the racism he had to endure , or 3 children were born here and don't know this history that they are actually a part of. I'm heart broken to hear this but not surprised. Just a comment.
Also my husband just retired as the first black sheriff of Washtenaw county this December of 2024.
I'd like your information to be shared with a good consulting team. Cardinal Group I I. Just a comment. I’m so glad I was in attendance with the Malcolm family.
Sybil Clayton
A: Thank you for sharing
Q: Will Dunbar teach film making for the young?
A: Breyko’s non profit, Breyko Group Development, will have programs where we teach filmmaking for the youth.
Q: Will there be a video that can be uploaded.
A: Answered above
Q: Will this documentary be sold through dvd or streaming services?
A: We are planning to have this documentary on streaming services.
Q: Will this exist on the internet after this showing? I walk through the old westside on the way to work/pushed a baby stroller here and have always felt the most comfortable here . Now I have context. Thank you.
A: Answered above