Resisting Enslavement, Reclaiming Legacy, and Cultivating Freedom
The documentary “The Aunties” offers a powerful and poignant exploration of love, legacy, and liberation through the lives of two elder Black lesbian farmers, Paulette Greene and Donna Dear. Directed by Charlyn Griffith-Oro and Jeannine Kayembe-Oro, the film is set against the backdrop of Mt. Pleasant Acres Farms—111 acres of land on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, believed to have been part of Harriet Tubman’s family’s ancestral land and a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Premiering on February 17, 2025, as part of the AfroPoP Digital Shorts series by Black Public Media, “The Aunties” explores themes of resistance, love, farming, and the reclamation of history. It offers a unique and deeply moving portrayal of Greene and Dear’s enduring love story, their role as mentors and activists, and their stewardship of the land once touched by Harriet Tubman herself.
The Legacy of Harriet Tubman and the Power of Land
“The Aunties” opens with a poignant excerpt from an 1854 letter written by Harriet Tubman, and the historical symbolism of the land plays a central role throughout the film. Mt. Pleasant Acres is not only a symbol of Tubman’s legacy but also the site where the Witness Tree, a tulip poplar said to be where escaping enslaved people rested before heading north, still stands. For Greene and Dear, this land is not just a place to farm—it is a living testament to the ongoing fight for freedom and equality.
Griffith-Oro notes, “Harriet brought people out of enslavement, but she did not necessarily take them to freedom. This reframing of Harriet’s work restores more of her humanity and reflects the ongoing fight that continues today.” The film urges viewers to rethink the narratives surrounding Tubman and the work of everyday people who, like Greene and Dear, continue to carry the torch for liberation.
A Love Story, A Resistance Story, A Legacy
In addition to their role as farmers and climate activists, Paulette Greene and Donna Dear share an incredible love story that spans decades. The couple met in 1974 and have been inseparable ever since. The film captures their bond not only through their shared history but also through their connection to the land and their resistance to systems of oppression.
Griffith-Oro describes them as “honest, kind, and grounded in the land,” emphasizing that the aunties’ journey has been one of resilience, love, and overcoming adversity. Their story is not only a personal love story but a statement of the power of commitment, both to each other and to the broader community they serve.
Inspiration for Future Generations
Griffith-Oro made the film to serve as a “possibility model” for those “imagining resisting enslavement, resisting confinement, and exploring their freedom.” As the documentary highlights, this film is not just for the LGBTQIA community but for everyone seeking to understand the complex and often painful intersections of Black womanhood, gay identity, and environmental stewardship.
“The Aunties” is a call to action for future generations to engage in meaningful work, to live authentically, and to resist systems of oppression, whether historical or contemporary. Through Greene and Dear’s example, viewers are invited to reflect on their own legacies and the changes they hope to create.
Streaming Now on YouTube
“The Aunties” is available for streaming on YouTube, starting February 17, 2025, as part of the AfroPoP Digital Shorts series. This series, an offshoot of the award-winning AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange, showcases powerful stories from throughout the African Diaspora and continues to amplify diverse voices in film.
For more information, visit Black Public Media’s AfroPoP.
This post appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.