COLUMBIA: A Weekend to Celebrate Local Heroism!
This weekend, all eyes will be on Columbia as the city rolls out the red carpet for the premiere of an inspiring documentary about the life of State Rep. Jermaine Johnson. The film, entitled I Got Myself a Yard, is set to debut on Friday and promises to take audiences on a rollercoaster of emotions with its raw and heartfelt storytelling.
A Journey Captured on Film
Filming for this eye-opening documentary began when the Richland County Democrat took on the challenge of running against long-time state Rep. Jimmy Bales back in 2020. Johnson candidly shared his experience with the cameras, calling it “interesting.” He had to always keep his game face on, ensuring he looked presentable each time the spotlight shone on him.
The film not only highlights Johnson’s political journey but delves deep into his personal life, touching on heavy themes like loss and identity. Viewers will hear Johnson recount heartbreaking memories, including the tragedy of losing his two brothers—one to a murder and the other to a car accident. Johnson expressed that discussing these profound losses led him to “shed tears on camera,” allowing his vulnerability to shine through.
A Glimpse Into a Young Mind
In the gripping trailer, Johnson reflects on a pivotal moment from his childhood. He describes how, as a kid with a broken toy gun, the police arrived on the scene with their guns drawn. “Blue lights come speeding around the corner. They got out of the car, pull their guns out, (and yelled) dropped the gun. I could have easily been Tamir Rice. At that point, I realized, I was Black,” he shares. This powerful recollection resonates deeply with a wide audience, illuminating the experiences of many in similar situations.
Voices of Experience
The documentary also features interviews with notable figures such as former South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Trav Robertson and former state Rep. Wendy Brawley, who Johnson defeated in a 2022 primary after redistricting placed them in the same seat. Brawley noted the often unspoken directive to “just be quiet” when newcomers enter politics. In stark contrast, she commended Johnson for his outspoken approach, implying that his voice adds a much-needed diversity to the political landscape.
Screening Schedule and Interaction
Don’t miss your chance to catch this compelling film! There will be three screenings at Spotlight Cinemas in northeast Columbia on Friday. Then on Saturday, the screenings will move to the College of Charleston. To wrap up the weekend, the Nickelodeon theater in downtown Columbia will host the final screening on Sunday evening.
As an exciting added bonus, attendees for the Saturday and Sunday events can look forward to a special question and answer session with director Adam Bailey and Rep. Johnson himself. It’s a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the themes of the film and get personal insights straight from its creators.
A Community Celebration
Overall, this documentary promises to not just be a weekend event but a celebration of community spirit, resilience, and the power of voices that strive to make a difference. So grab your friends and family, and join the celebration of Jermaine Johnson’s journey this weekend! You won’t want to miss the chance to be part of such an impactful story.
