POV: Can you give us an update about Rocky and her parents? What has happened in their lives since filming ended?
After graduating from the Bronx Preparatory Charter School, Rocky matriculated to Dickinson College in Pennsylvania.
Yoni Brook and Musa Syeed: Rocky is now a junior at Dickinson College. As a freshman, she planned to major in international studies, but she has since switched her major to women's and gender studies. Rocky is very active on her campus: She's the vice president and treasurer of the African American Society, a member of the Third Degree step team, the manager for the UMOJA unity house and a writer for NAKED(truth), a feminist magazine. Rocky is answering YouTube and text questions about her experiences and goals.
Auntie Yaa works at her store at the corner of Mount Eden and Townsend Avenues in the Bronx and recently has been able to bring some of her other relatives to the United States from Ghana. She visits her husband and extended family in Ghana often.
Chief Nii Adjedu I continues to work with other chiefs to develop and manage their traditional areas. Recently, the chief also had the chance to meet another leader with African roots. When President Barack Obama visited Ghana in July, he shook hands with the chief and the two exchanged a few words.
POV: What kind of reactions have you gotten from audience members at screenings of the film?
Brook and Syeed: One of the best audience reactions we had was when the film premiered in New York at Lincoln Center. A group of 25 teenagers came, mostly young women. After the screening, they surrounded Auntie Yaa and asked her question after question, trying to get advice about how to deal with their parents. Auntie Yaa was game, of course, and talked to them about how to resolve arguments they had with their parents over clothes, school and their siblings.
Screening Bronx Princess in the "Little Ghana" neighborhood of the Bronx was very important to us. We wanted families in the community to see the story of their daughters and sons in the film. So we hosted a block party, where we showed the film for free outdoors and arranged live performances by West African musicians, such as the film's composer, Blitz the Ambassador. The event mixed fun events, such as Rocky autographing posters for young girls and fudge-making inspired by Ghana's cocoa farming, and more serious events geared to community empowerment, such as a presentation of educational resources for college and beyond. You can see photos and video of the event on our website.
POV: What are you working on now?
Brook and Syeed: Musa is working on a narrative feature about environmental problems in Kashmir. Yoni is researching a new documentary. After A Son's Sacrifice, set in Queens, and Bronx Princess, he feels inspired to complete a trilogy by making a third film on Staten Island.
Talk About This
First Generation College Students
As a first generation college graduate, now graduate student, I think this film portrays most part of the reality about being a first generation college student. And I can really relate to the big difference in the way of thinking between parent and the children. In this case, Rocky is a very competitive, smart, young women, partly because her parents did a great job educating and diciplinating her.
Great film! keep them coming!
Marlyn
by Marlyn from new york, new york
September 22, 2009, 10:27 PM
THE BRONX PRINCESS
I was anticipating watching this film, but the schedule is incorrect. The schedule states that it is to come on today (September 22 at 10:00) but the principal's story is on instead, and viewing the schedule that film has already aired on September 15. I would really like to watch the Bronx Princess.
by Angela Booker from Ellicott City, MD.
September 22, 2009, 10:30 PM
I couldn't figure out who were the small children that were in the Bronx store being cared for by Rocky and her mother.
by Rachel Lawrence from Teaneck, NJ
September 22, 2009, 11:06 PM
Women's and Gender Studies
A wonderful film that touched on so many issues...and Rocky I am so excited for you that you are majoring in women's and gender studies. It is an empowering major that will enrich anything you decide to do in your future.
Thanks too all for sharing this film.
by Nicole Jaffe from Lambertville, NJ
September 22, 2009, 11:27 PM
Loved the show
To tell you the truth ive been watching PBS since i can remember im 22 now it teaches you alot when i seen this film it reminded me alot about my child hood and how hard it was wondering when your next meal was coming it was toture seemed like but my thing is dont judge a book bye its cover and Rocky is absolutley beautiful and i hope she gets this i hope her the best of luck and keep up the good work
by Bryan Lawrence from Mexia, Texas
September 23, 2009, 3:11 PM
this film makes me miss GH paaapaa
i loved this film. instantly i missed Ghana. I am an "African American" with a Ghanaian American child and i have been to Ghana two times. He has been once. Seeing the relationship between Rocky and her parents connectedness and at the same time disconnect on some things makes me realize how i have to make sure to integrate the cultural values constantly because living in US is very different from GH living. This filmis an inspiration for me to make sure we stay conencted to my son's dad in GH as much as possible.
Also, i love that the women are so strong and empowered. Rocky is growing into self and thats great...go head sista girl!!!
blissin out!
Rocky u dey jomm paapa!
:}I{:
by Akua- from los angeles, ca
September 23, 2009, 4:42 PM
Rocky is an inspiration to me
I was amazed at how determined she is to succeed. Rocky is an inspiration to me as I am also a college student at 39 years of age. I decided to go back to school and I will be a first generation to graduate. Rocky you inspire me to keep on keeping on and I want to thank you. GOD bless you and your family for allowing America to be apart of this history making moment for you.
by Dee Billups from San Antonio, TX
September 24, 2009, 11:23 PM
chef/instructor
what a beautiful documentary on the difficult transition between being Ghanaian and growing up here. It brought me wonderful memeories of my years in Ghana as well as the difficulties I watched as my godchildren came of age here in America. Thank you for this gem...
by auntie yaa moulu from oakland park, florida
September 25, 2009, 7:36 PM
Watching Bronx Princess was inspirational. The bond between family members is a joy to see. Rocky reminds me so much of my daughter this is her first year at college also. The determination to succeed is a seed that should be planted in all our children. Rocky , I know you will do exceedingly well at college .God be with you and your family through this journey.
by Toni Stevenson from Memphis, TN
September 27, 2009, 11:03 PM
Worth Watching
I absolutely loved this movie. I was supposed to be studying for a test but I couldn't help but keep watching.
I'm a first generation college student from Ghana, and watching Rocky's mum cry made me think of how I left my mother in Ghana to come all the way here to study.It made me value my mother even more. It gets really hard sometimes...Everything is so different here and the homesickness sets in. But I loved watching this movie.
All the best Rocky!
by Phebe Brako from Winston Salem, NC
September 28, 2009, 12:59 AM
Student
Wow, what else can I say, this movie brought back a lot of memories. I too came from Ghana to further my education in America. I always had a hard time connecting with the Ghanaian American youth. This movie really opened my eyes in more ways than I could have imagined. The constant struggle trying to master both cultures (Ghanaian and American) was laid bare in this movie. Rockey, I don’t know you and your family, but am truly proud of the work your family have done raising you. I know you caught a lot of heat from them but I’m pretty sure you know now that they all love you to death. I wish you all the best continue to make us all proud.
by Eric Lebbeney-Bandar from Bronx, NY
September 28, 2009, 9:22 AM
Identity and Appreciation
It was nice to watch a film that speaks to the complexities of navigating two cultural identities in a Ghanaian-American cultural context. The film was equally inspirational and comforting by balancing issues of identity with signals of appreciation. Everyone can walk away with something. Nice work.
by Adilah Muhammad Maine
October 1, 2009, 2:31 AM
Bronx Princess
This was a beautiful film. Keep up the good work.
by elaine nicholson from nsdhville, tn
October 6, 2009, 2:43 AM
Special Education Teacher
This documentary is the epitome of the "old generation versus the new generation". My parents are from Ghana and I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.
My sister and I can related to Rocky. I consider myself to be African American first, before my Ghanaian heritage.
Thank your for this excellent work!
God Bless Rocky and her family.
by Kwesi Achampong from staten island, New York
October 24, 2009, 1:16 AM
Bronx Princess
I am an African American Mother, who recently sent my oldest daughter to The University of Toledo. While watching your film I felt a kinship to Rocky's Mother. I felt the hope, fear, and love that she felt towards her daughter. Wanting the best for your child, praying that you have equiped them with every bit of wisdom that they will need to be successful, and fear that they won't use it :) We have to Trust God that just as He has watched over us that He will do the same for them. You all made a wonderful Film. Good luck to you and God Bless. Tell Rocky that hair cut was SHARP!!!! ;)
by Iris Washington from Columbus, Ohio
November 14, 2009, 6:54 PM
BLESSED
I AM UNABLE TO SEE IT HERE.IT SAYS THE VID NOT AVAILABLE IN MY REGION. I AM SO ANTICIPATIN SEEING IT CAN SOMEONE HELP.
by Empress from Castries, ST LUCIA
November 17, 2009, 11:59 PM