Traveling While Black

In this 20-minute, 360-degree virtual reality experience, sit with African American visitors at the famed Ben’s Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C. as they share a moment of honest discussion, reflecting on their experiences of restricted movement and race relations in the U.S.

Traveling While Black is a cinematic virtual reality experience that immerses viewers in the long history of restriction of movement for Black Americans and the creation of safe spaces in our communities.

This film by Academy Award winner Roger Ross Williams and Emmy Award-winning Felix & Paul Studios that transports viewers to historic Ben’s Chili Bowl restaurant in Washington, D.C. Viewers share an intimate series of moments with several of Ben’s patrons as they reflect on their experiences of restricted movement and race relations in the United States.

Confronting the way we understand and talk about race in America, Traveling While Black highlights the urgent need to not only remember the past but to learn from it, and to facilitate a dialogue about the challenges minority travelers still face today. 

Participants will wear Oculus GO virtual reality headsets that will be cleaned and disinfected between each showing.  

ADMISSION INFORMATION: Online registration required for timeslot. Tickets are free.