Before They Tell Our Stories is a six-part documentary series that chronicles the lived experiences of queer students and facility members at the historic Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, NY, each navigating higher education and their queer identity at different stages of their academic journeys.
Rooted in honesty, resilience, and joy, the series explores how their paths have shaped who they are today, highlighting the profound ways their queer identities influence their education, aspirations, and evolving sense of self.
O U R S T O R I E S. O U R P O W E R. O U R T I M E.
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Watch the trailer for Before They Tell Our Stories, a documentary series following six students as they explore higher education and the impact of queer identity on their journeys.
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Kimahli Reid is a student at Medgar Evers College whose work as a poet is deeply shaped by personal reflection, community, and self-discovery. In sharing her journey, she speaks on the emotional and creative impact of moving to Brooklyn, and how the city’s energy, culture, and queer artistic spaces have influenced her voice and storytelling. Through poetry, Kimahli explores identity, belonging, and the power of using language to document one’s growth.
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Frankie Giangarra is a student at Medgar Evers College whose journey reflects determination, passion, and purpose. Through his story, he shares what it means to balance student life while actively pursuing his dreams, offering an inspiring look at resilience, ambition, and the courage to believe in one’s path.
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay tuned and follow the journey.
About the Director…
My name is Brandon Smith and I’m the director of Before They Tell Our Stories. I’ve had the honor of bringing together an incredible team of powerful, visionary filmmakers who poured so much love and intention into this project behind the scenes.
We’ve been building this with care, passion, and purpose, and we are beyond excited to finally share it with the world.
This one means everything to us.
Meet the Team
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Brandon Smith
Director
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Trey Jordan
Producer
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Elias Phillips
Executive Assistant & Project Coordinator
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Victor Collymore
Historian
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Aurelise Hernandez
Video Editor
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Nouha Aissaoui
Content Editor