Faith, Freedom & Philly: A Journey Through Black History & Culture
Activist and social justice leader Leteria Bailey (@youngblackandaware) explores Philadelphia’s deep-rooted Black history, culture, and resilience. From the influence of the church on society to visiting Black-owned landmarks like Uncle Bobbie’s, Black & Nobel, and the powerful Lest We Forget Museum, this documentary uncovers untold stories of struggle, survival, and success. With Philly’s legacy as a hub for the Underground Railroad, we examine how segregation’s past still shapes its present. Where nature and art meet concrete and street life, this is a raw, unfiltered look at a city that refuses to be forgotten.
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Leteria Keneisha BaileyDirector
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Leteria Keniesha BaileyWriter
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Leteria Keneisha BaileyProducer
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Leteria Keneisha BaileyKey Cast
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Ruby Jenni Zingha BurtonKey Cast
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Johnny Eugene Burton Jr.Key Cast
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Alphonso DashiellKey Cast
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Project Type:Documentary
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Runtime:17 minutes 29 seconds
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Completion Date:December 7, 2024
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Production Budget:500 USD
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Country of Origin:United States, United States
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Country of Filming:United States, United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:digital
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:Yes - School of Hard Knocks
Leteria K. Bailey is an international activist, filmmaker, and social justice leader committed to uncovering untold stories that challenge mainstream narratives. As the creative force behind Airetel Media, she uses documentary filmmaking to amplify marginalized voices, historical truths, and the intersection of faith, culture, and systemic change.
Bailey made history as the only Black woman on Jill Stein’s 2024 Presidential Campaign, serving as Social Media Manager and shaping digital narratives that mobilized grassroots movements. Her work in political media, racial justice, and community organizing continues to influence national conversations on equity and empowerment.
Her latest documentary, Faith, Freedom & Philly: A Journey Through Black History & Culture, delves into Philadelphia’s role in the Underground Railroad, the lasting effects of segregation, and the resilience of Black-owned spaces, blending investigative storytelling with raw, unfiltered visuals.
Beyond filmmaking, Bailey is a strategist, speaker, and advocate for Black entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and generational wealth. Whether behind the camera or leading digital activism, she remains a fearless voice for truth, liberation, and systemic transformation.
My work is driven by creativity and a commitment to truth, justice, and the reclamation of narratives erased from mainstream history. With Faith, Freedom & Philly: A Journey Through Black History & Culture, I set out to explore the deep intersections of faith, racial identity, and resilience in Philadelphia, a city that has long been a battleground for both oppression and liberation.
Through raw visuals, intimate conversations, and historical exploration, this film challenges us to confront the past, reclaim our power, and build a future rooted in truth and freedom.
This is our story. This is our history. This is our call to action.