Jaebadiah Gardner's 'Sarah': A Testament to Family, Community, and Black Excellence
Real Estate Developer Jaebadiah Gardner and A Real Grip Films’ Atuanya Priester at Scope Screenings on Seattle’s Capitol Hill for the premiere of their film “Sarah”. (Photo Jordan Somers)
By Omari Salisbury
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending the premiere of Jaebadiah Gardner's new short documentary film, "Sarah," at the SIFF Egyptian Theater as part of the Scope Screenings. It was a truly special evening filled with emotion, excitement, and a powerful sense of community.
For those who may not know, Jaebadiah is a remarkable individual—a true Renaissance man. He's a real estate developer, author, philanthropist, and world traveler, but above all, he's a man who is deeply committed to his community. As Jaebadiah himself shared, "I'm more than just a real estate developer. I'm more than just a community member."
"Sarah" is a tribute to Jaebadiah's grandmother, Sarah Queen Gardner, a slain civil rights leader in Spokane. The film offers a glimpse into her life and legacy and how her murder impacted his childhood, and it's clear that there's a much larger story to be told, coming soon. As Jaebadiah explained, the film is a journey, a way to share the intimate details of his family's story and inspire others through his vulnerability.
Watching Jaebadiah watch his film on the big screen, surrounded by friends and family, some of whom traveled from Spokane, was incredibly moving. The emotion on his face was a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of honoring our ancestors. It was a moment of power, connection, and a reminder of the legacy that Sarah Queen Gardner left behind.
The film was created in partnership with A Real Grip Films, led by the talented Atuanya Priester. Wynter Rhys co-directed it, with Francisco “Bronx Dead Eyez” Lopez handling the cinematography. Atuanya and his team did an outstanding job capturing the essence of Sarah's story and Jaebadiah's vision. As Atuanya explained, "The film is an opportunity for us to tell a story from an authentic perspective, from an authentic lens."
I have known Atuanya for years and have always admired his work and his passion for the industry. Atuanya has the natural skill to project stories larger than life on film. I had the opportunity to tell Atuanya’s father, the legendary jazz trombonist and composer Julien Priester, who was present at the premiere, that his son represents the “Tip of the spear” when it comes to excellence and innovation in our industry.
Scope Screenings, a platform for Black creators and artists, provided the perfect venue for the premiere of "Sarah." Jaebadiah emphasized the importance of such spaces, stating, "It's without spaces that are dedicated to us, our voices won't be heard." The screening displayed the power of the creative community and the importance of supporting Black artists and filmmakers.
The evening was a celebration of family, community, and Black excellence. It has been an honor to witness Jaebadiah's journey and to be a part of such a special event. I encourage everyone to support Jaebadiah and his work in community and to watch "Sarah" when it's released to the public.
As Jaebadiah so eloquently put it, "This is what Black wealth looks like." It's about building a legacy, honoring our history, and creating a better future for generations to come. It's about telling our stories, sharing our experiences, and uplifting our community through art, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to social justice.
