What Is A BAAM? is a feature-length documentary inspired by the book of the same name, written by Keith Providence — a preacher, entrepreneur, and former professional boxer. The film explores the deep cultural and historical implications of the labels “Black” and “African American,” questioning how these terms became normalized and why they are still widely accepted, despite their disconnect from any specific nationality, origin, or cultural clarity.
Through interviews with scholars, students, community elders, and public voices — especially from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) — What Is A BAAM? challenges generations of conditioning that shaped how Black Americans describe themselves and are described by others. The goal is not only to question language, but to reclaim self-definition, cultural accuracy, and pride rooted in historical truth.
The film’s creative voice is anchored in Keith’s lived experience. Born in New Haven, CT, and raised in a working-class family, Keith spent over 25 years in New York City — where he grew his family, became a professional boxer, began preaching the Bible, and saw first-hand how identity is shaped by both personal struggle and institutional language. His travels across the U.S., Guyana, Jamaica, Germany, and Scandinavia offer a global lens for the questions raised in the film.
Filming will take place in New York City, Connecticut, and across the South, with a special focus on HBCU communities. The team will travel in a branded van to conduct mobile interviews and spark public conversation. Funds raised will cover crew, travel, equipment, editing, outreach, and marketing — including a toolkit for educators and community screenings.
This is not just a film — it is a conversation, a challenge, and a cultural call to reframe how we define ourselves. Your support helps carry that message to the world.