Memory Builds the Monument
S.O.U.R.C.E Studio is proud to partner with Mel Chin Studio by providing project production, management, and evaluation support to select place-based, community-centered projects.
Memory Builds the Monument
Compelled by vivid memories of the legendary Club Matinee by Houston’s elders, Memory Builds the Monument is an artist-led project to document the rich history of the Greater Fifth Ward—and explore how memories, on the verge of being lost, can be shared to propel the future.
The project includes a documentary film, an oral history collection, and related events – each an opportunity to connect across generations, melding memories and inspiration while realizing new forms of community.
Artist Mel Chin initiated the concept for Memory Builds the Monument during a planning process to create a cultural arts district in 5th ward, an initiative led by Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation. Chin, who was raised in Fifth Ward, states “This film is a way to connect the generations. This call to action was compelled by Fifth Ward elders who lamented the lost Club Matinee memorabilia in Harvey’s floodwaters. It is a commitment to collect memories as foundations to build a future that expands upon what a monument can be.”
The centerpiece of the project is a short documentary film that showcases how music and cultural venues played a part in defining generations in Houston’s Fifth Ward. Titled Memory Builds the Monument, the documentary highlights the cultural and social strengths and challenges of African-American Houstonians in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. In its heyday, musical legends Ray Charles, James Brown, Aretha Franklin and others performed at Club Matinee. The film is directed by Isaac Yowman, a multi-talented creative and head of Fifth Ward based IYO Agency, with Miriam Heads as research producer.
Memory Builds the Monument premiered locally in two sold-out screenings in the Fifth Ward in late summer 2021 and a world premiere at the prestigious 2022 SXSW Film Festival in Austin. The film has been screened at 14 film festivals, awarded best documentary four times, and was a finalist for the NAACP Image Awards.
Alongside the film, we have been developing an oral history archive and opportunities for additional interviews. This has allowed a way to preserve more stories and invite participation from a greater number of people connected to this important time in Houston’s history. Artist Lindsay Gary led the interview process and archivist with support from historian Valerie Wade.
The project is guided and supported by Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation and SOURCE Studio and Sankofa Research institute, as part of a collaboratively designed project. We are currently working to grow the project beyond Club Matinee and focus on other significant cultural centers of Fifth Ward.