Alkemic Movie Night - Jeen-yuhs Screening Case Study
Community Impact Case Study: Jeen-yuhs Daytime Screening Event
Celebrating Black Excellence, Entrepreneurship & Self-Belief
The Vision
Our six-hour Jeen-yuhs trilogy screening wasn't just about watching Kanye's journey — it was about recognizing the genius in ourselves and our community. This immersive daytime experience created space for deep reflection on entrepreneurship, self-belief, and the power of unwavering support systems.
The Experience
At 1835 Studios, we transformed a gallery into a cultural sanctuary where 20+ community members spent an entire day diving into Coodie & Chike's documentary masterpiece. Between each episode, we facilitated meaningful discussions about confidence, manifestation, and the Chicago spirit that drives us all.
Community Impact Achieved
Entrepreneurship & Self-Belief Cultivation
Act I | Vision: Explored how Kanye's early self-prophecy teaches us about manifesting our dreams when nobody else believes
Attendees shared their own entrepreneurial visions during the talk-back
Discussions on overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing our inner genius
Celebrated the power of saying "I'm going to be..." before anyone else sees it
Act II | Purpose: Examined how setbacks become setups for greater success
Dialogue about turning pain into diamonds in our own lives
Community members shared stories of resilience and transformation
Explored the balance between working harder and working smarter
Act III | Awakening: Reflected on how success changes us and our relationships
Conversations about staying grounded while reaching new heights
Honoring those who speak life into us (like Donda did for Kanye)
Understanding the responsibility that comes with influence
Community Economic Ecosystem
Local Business Showcase: Featured 3 BIPOC vendors (CafeX, Onyeka Tefari, Eat Wet Tacos)
Skill Sharing: Onyeka Tefari provided herbal massage services, introducing wellness practices to new audiences
Cultural Food Access: Authentic birria tacos and vegan options made cultural cuisine accessible
Collaborative Revenue Model: Each vendor retained 100% of their sales while benefiting from foot traffic
Mental Health & Resilience Building
Safe Processing Space: Created an environment to discuss mental health, loss, and community support
Donda's Legacy: Explored how strong family/community foundations fuel confidence
Friendship Modeling: Discussed Coodie's loyalty as an example of authentic friendship
Chicago Pride: Celebrated regional identity and “putting” our communities on the map
Cultural Preservation & Innovation
Storytelling as Medicine
Documentary Analysis: Taught visual storytelling techniques and narrative structure
Personal Narrative: Encouraged attendees to see their own stories as worthy of documentation
Historical Context: Placed Kanye's journey within the broader Black Chicago creative legacy
Future Visioning: Inspired attendees to document their own journeys and support others' visions
Music as Movement
Curated Playlist: Featured Chicago hip-hop history and Kanye's evolution
Jesus Walks Discussion: Explored groundbreaking spiritual themes in hip-hop
Creative Expression: Attendees shared their own artistic pursuits and creative processes
Seeds Planted
Immediate Impact
New Collaborations: 2 attendees initiated business partnerships before leaving
Skill Exchange: 5 people booked follow-up sessions with @onyekatefari
Community Connections: 15+ new friendships formed during 6-hour shared experience
Creative Inspiration: 3 attendees committed to starting documentation projects
Long-term Transformation
Confidence Building: 85% of attendees reported increased belief in their own potential
Support System Strengthening: Created lasting accountability partnerships
Vendor Relationships: Established ongoing collaboration with all 3 featured businesses
Model Replication: Format adopted by 2 community organizations for their programming
The Deeper Work
This wasn't entertainment — it was collective therapy. By spending six hours together processing themes of ambition, loss, community support, and creative genius, we created bonds that extend far beyond the screening room. Attendees left not just inspired by Kanye's story, but equipped with tools for manifesting their own visions.
"When a giant looks in the mirror, they just see themselves. But everyone else sees a giant." — Donda West
This event reminded our community that we are all giants, we just need the right mirrors — and the right community — to see it.
About Alkemi: We create transformative experiences that bridge cultural wisdom with contemporary wellness, helping individuals and communities recognize their inherent power and potential.
