If You Are My Brothers A PROSTATE CANCER DOCUMENTARY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE

The Trailer

Why The Project Was Started

by Reggie Hicks

The goal of the "If You Are My Brothers" campaign is to raise awareness about prostate cancer, particularly among men of color who face a higher risk of contracting and dying from the disease. The campaign's origin can be traced back to an email sent by Ralph C.T. Franklin, a 57-year-old real estate attorney and my fraternity brother.

Like most men, Ralph rarely went to the doctor and considered himself in pretty good health. However, the untimely death of his sister-in-law causes Ralph to increase his life insurance, which at the age of 57 means a thorough blood work up. All of his levels are normal except for his prostate-specific antigen level or PSA with levels so high his policy is declined based on possible prostate malignancy. Ralph typically avoided visiting the doctor and believed himself to be healthy. However, following the unexpected passing of his sister-in-law, he decided to raise the coverage on his life insurance policy. As part of the process, he underwent comprehensive blood work. To his surprise, all of his levels appeared to be within normal range, except for his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, which was found to be unusually high. This high PSA level led to the rejection of his policy due to the potential presence of prostate cancer.

Ralph wasted no time in arranging an urgent appointment with a urologist. After enduring a series of further tests, both he and his wife, Joyce, were confronted with heart-wrenching news - Ralph had been given a prognosis of only 18 months to 2 years left to live. In a moment of profound despair, Ralph sought solace from his fraternity brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha, asking them to keep him and his family in prayer.

The raw honesty and openness with which Ralph shared his health struggles piqued my interest. I arranged to meet him at a local coffee shop to discuss the possibility of documenting his journey. I told him that our goal would be to motivate other men to prioritize their health, and in turn, we hope to save lives. Without hesitation, Ralph embraced the idea, and that's how the inspiring journey of "If You Are My Brothers" took flight. Throughout the process, Ralph discovered hope and resilience for himself and became a beacon of inspiration for all of us and his family.

I never imagined being on the other side of the camera, in the same examination room and chair where Ralph Franklin sat almost two years before. With a PSA of only 2.2, which is considered normal by some health professionals for a man my age, and a normal digital rectal exam or DRE, I thought I was okay. However, I would become a part of the story and part of that one scary statistic...1 out of 4 African-American men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Ralph and I now must face prostate cancer... each with our own challenges but with a common bond of brotherhood and hope. Together, we can overcome this challenge and emerge stronger than ever. Our journey may be tough, but our spirit and determination will guide us. We stand united, supporting each other and spreading hope. Our strength lies not only in ourselves but in the unbreakable bond of brotherhood.

If You Are My Brothers Podcast

The " If You Are My Brothers podcast is a companion piece to the documentary and outreach project that follows the journey of two African-American men with prostate cancer. Ralph Franklin, the real estate lawyer with a PSA of 100 and a prognosis of death, meets a physician who helps prepare him to live and not die. While chronicling Ralph's story, Reggie Hicks, the producer of the documentary, is also diagnosed with the disease. Now, this one story evolves into two intricately intertwined stories: two men with their own challenges and two men with a common bond of brotherhood and hope.

Listen to the If You Are My Brothers Podcast Promo (5:00)

Community Outreach/Media Engagement Efforts

Community Screenings of the Documentary

We will encourage organizations such as hospitals & clinics, faith-based organizations, grassroots groups, healthcare associations, and civic & social organizations to conduct documentary screenings to smaller groups that make up their constituency.

The PSA Pact

As part of the outreach project, the "PSA Pact" is a unique initiative that aims to encourage men to monitor their PSA levels for the next two years. During each outreach session, men in attendance will sign a pact to acknowledge their commitment to this pledge. To ensure they stay true to their pledge, they will pair up with another member and check in with them for at least one year. This buddy system serves as a reminder to keep track of their PSA levels. Any significant changes in PSA levels from one year to the next may signify the need for further testing, even if the PSA level is within normal parameters.

Community Screening Tool Kit

The If You Are My Brothers Community Screening Tool Kit contains all the elements needed for a successful screening & outreach effort from start to finish.

Items included in If You Are My Brothers Community Engagement Toolkit

If You Are My Brothers Documentary DVD
Community Screening Handbook…guidebook to a successful event
Promotional posters, flyers, bulletin inserts & postcard templates
Sample press releases & camera ready ads for print advertising
Resource guide
Post screening survey
“PSA Pact” Certificate template
Order form for additional DVDs and other prostate cancer awareness items.

GuideStar is a valuable resource for charitable giving, featuring Seals of Transparency that rank organizations from Bronze to Platinum based on their information quality. Currently, Straight Street Media, the producing organization of the "If You Are My Brothers" Documentary and Engagement Project, holds the Silver level transparency certification, providing detailed information to over 10 million GuideStar users for confident donations.

DONATE

Our Team

Reggie Hicks, Executive Producer

REGGIE HICKS is the Executive Producer of the documentary film, "If You Are My Brothers." Reggie was the creator and served as Executive Producer for the "first-ever" national call-in program addressing issues relevant to the African-American community. The 2-hour weekly call-in program, "PowerPoint," aired for seven years in 50 markets and on Sirius Satellite Radio (now SiriusXM). Reggie earned a journalism degree from the University of Georgia and was named a Grady Fellow at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. The Atlanta Business League named Reggie one of Atlanta's Men of Influence. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Tom Luse, Executive Producer

Tom Luse is an artist at Georgia State University's Creative Media Industries Institute and has worked as a producer on some well-known series like The Walking Dead. He is also currently involved in producing two other TV series: Chapelwaite, based on Stephen King's Jerusalem’s Lot, and Bridge and Tunnel, developed by Ed Burns. Luse has received multiple awards for his work, including an Emmy nomination for "What the Deaf Man Heard", the Directors Guild of America Award for "Paris Trout", and AFI's TV Program of the Year for "The Walking Dead".Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Specials for "Paris Trout" and was awarded AFI's TV Program of the Year for "The Walking Dead."

Anita Stokes-Hicks, LMSW Community Engagement Manager

Anita Stokes Hicks is a skilled social worker with strong program planning and communication abilities. She has a passion for social justice and has worked tirelessly to empower marginalized individuals. She is the Founder and President of Self Esteem International, a non-profit organization that has provided life skills seminars and workshops to over 6,000 women. Anita holds a Licensed Master of Social Work degree and a Bachelor of Social Work, Summa Cum Laude, and a Master of Social Work degree with a Community Partnerships focus from the Andrew Young School of Policy at Georgia State University. She also holds a Magna Cum Laude degree in Merchandising Management from the International Academy of Design. Anita also holds a Merchandising Management Degree, Magna Cum Laude, from the International Academy of Design in Tampa, Florida.

Rannie Goodwater, Director of Photography

Rannie Goodwater is a producer/videographer with forty-three (43) years of experience in film and television. He has worked on several well–known productions: Nancy Grace’s Swift Justice, Showtime’s All-Star Comedy Jam, Paternity Court, and Couples Court. Rannie has worked at WCBD Channel 2 in Charleston, WCIV Channel 4 in Charleston, South Carolina, and Georgia Public Broadcasting. He currently works on a national entertainment magazine show with executive producer Will Packer. Rannie trains college students in camera operation, lighting, and field production.

Armondi Stokes-Hicks, Producer/Writer

Armondi Stokes-Hicks works as a writer, director, and executive producer for Bork House Productions, LLC. (ww.borkhouse.com) He is based out of Atlanta, GA, and has worked on various national television and film productions such as Netflix's original series, Ozark; Star on Fox Television; Boomerang on BET; Star Girl on CW; Drumline: A New Beat; etc. As a principal of Bork House Productions, his work has been presented on Georgia Public Television and for Puma. Armondi holds a Bachelor of Science in Film Production from Southern Adventist University. He is creative, energetic, and a team player.

Kennicia Fortson, Community Engagement Coordinator

Kennicia Fortson, a promising Ph.D. candidate at Georgia State University's School of Public Health, has a compelling academic background. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from the University of Georgia in 2016, and in 2019, she earned two master's degrees, one in Public Health and the other in Social Work. What sets Kennicia apart is her research interests, which revolve around primary and secondary prevention strategies. These strategies employ culturally relevant interventions and health communication, a crucial approach in mitigating health disparities among different ethnic and racial groups.

Zach Reynolds, Producer & President of Borkhouse Productions

Zachary Reynolds is a Camera Operator, Editor, and Founder of Bork House Productions, a video production company based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After graduating from Southern Adventist University with a Bachelor of Science in Film Production, Zach started his professional videography and production businesses. He has expanded his services to specialize in creating business promotional content, interviews, documentaries, music videos, commercials, and camerawork. Over the years, Zach has grown his business by working with a range of clients, from small local businesses to large companies, including Puma, Sony, and others. As part of his services to clients, Zach brings a small community attitude to all of his work, maintaining a professional, friendly, and personal approach.

If You Are My Brothers is a documentary and media engagement project of Straight Street Media, a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to producing thought-provoking projects that motivate positive change. More than entertainment, the production design and media engagement components of our documentaries, podcasts, films, and other digital media offerings connect and engage the audience. We are indeed “opening Eyes to a New Vision.” You can help with this mission with your one-time or monthly tax-deductible donation. We Thank You!

DONATE

If You Are My Brothers is a project of Straight Street Media