"The Heart of a Woman"

Mother of the Harlem Renaissance: The Legacy of Georgia Douglas Johnson is a deeply personal and necessary film that sheds light on an unsung literary giant whose influence shaped the cultural and political landscape of the early 20th century. Georgia Douglas Johnson was more than a poet, playwright, and composer—she was a trailblazer who defied the limitations placed on Black women of her time, using her art as a tool for resistance, empowerment, and transformation.

As a filmmaker, I am drawn to stories that uncover hidden histories and amplify Black woman voices that have been overlooked. Johnson’s legacy is one of resilience and artistic brilliance, yet her contributions to the Harlem Renaissance and Black Drama movements have not received the recognition they deserve. 

At the heart of the film is Johnson’s S Street Salon—a vibrant literary hub where some of the greatest Black intellectuals and creatives of the Harlem Renaissance found mentorship and community. Her home became a safe haven for those seeking to shape a new Black identity through art, literature, and activism. By bringing this space to life, we honor Johnson’s role as a cultural architect whose influence extended far beyond her own writings.

Mother of the Harlem Renaissance is not just a historical account; it is a celebration of a Black woman who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black writers and artists. Her story is a testament to the power of creativity as a force for social change. For many years I have been deeply inspired by Georgia Douglas Johnson, her S Street Salon cohort, and honored as a Native Washingtonian and Black woman creator to bring her life and legacy to the screen amid the ongoing cultural, racial, and political climate in America. 

Shellée M. Haynesworth

Director | Producer 

www.indigocreativeworks.com