Hazel Scott’s legacy returns to Harlem in free outdoor film screening

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Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park will come alive on Saturday, August 30, as ImageNation OUTDOORS and Black Public Media (BPM) present a free outdoor screening of The Disappearance of Miss Scott, a new documentary honoring the life and legacy of jazz icon and civil rights pioneer Hazel Scott.

Details : Hazel Scott documentary screening

The event, part of the annual ImageNation OUTDOORS Film & Music Festival, begins at 7 p.m. with a live DJ set by SheJay Sheila P/Shift. The film screening starts at 8 p.m. at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater, 18 Mount Morris Park West at 122nd Street. In case of rain, the event will move indoors to Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church.

Hazel Scott documentary Synopsis

Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Nicole London, The Disappearance of Miss Scott explores Scott’s groundbreaking career as a prodigious pianist, Hollywood actress, and fearless activist. Born in Trinidad and raised in Harlem, New York, Scott became the first Black American woman to host a nationally syndicated television show. Her outspoken resistance to racism and political repression during the McCarthy era led to her black listing and erasure from mainstream media.

The documentary features rare archival footage and interviews with artists including Alicia Keys, Mickey Guyton, Jason Moran, Amanda Seales, Tracie Thoms, and Camille Thurman. Emmy Award-winner Sheryl Lee Ralph voices Hazel Scott, bringing excerpts from Scott’s unpublished autobiography to life.

“Partnering with Black Public Media for this year’s ImageNation OUTDOORS is especially meaningful as we bring Hazel Scott — an icon of artistry and activism — back to Harlem, where her legacy was born,” said Gregory Gates, executive producer of ImageNation.

Leslie Fields-Cruz, executive director of BPM, added, “These kinds of stories are essential — they challenge erasure and invite audiences to rediscover the power of our cultural pioneers.”

Event Details

• Location: Richard Rodgers Amphitheater, Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem
• Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
• DJ Set: 7:00 p.m. by SheJay Sheila P/Shift
• Film Screening: 8:00 p.m.
• Admission: Free (Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and good vibes)
• RSVP: Reserve your spot
• Trailer: Watch now

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