cast
Charles (1969)
Hickory, NC
Of all the men interviewed for this project Charles' biography is the most intricate. He still lives in his small southern hometown of Hickory, NC, where his life has undergone many transitions. Once identifying as a pre-operative trans woman and drag performer, who went by Chastity, he has since denounced his female identity and has resumed his life as Charles. His story is one of courage that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.
Freddie (1944)
Madison, GA
Freddie is a wonderful storyteller—being almost as talented at that art form as at his profession of painting. Although quite soft-spoken, Freddie has a captivating storytelling style that draws the listener in. One has to pay close attention to his use of words to catch the subtle humor and deft critiques of society and other characters in his stories. Although semi-retired, he still takes commissions for paintings and works part-time at a gallery in downtown Atlanta.
Duncan (1960's)
Kansas City, MO
Duncan is a Unitarian minister and a member of the now defunct black gay performance art/spoken word group, Adodi Muse. They’ve performed around the country and have produced a cd. Duncan’s life’s work has been activism around HIV/AIDS in the black community and more recently, prostate cancer. He lives in Atlanta with his husband, David.
E. Patrick (1967)
Hickory, NC
E. Patrick is our film's narrator and the author of the book on which the film is based. He was inspired to write the book to fill a void in the history of black queer southern life. He is a professor at Northwestern University, performing artist, and the first person from his hometown to receive a Ph.D. He and his partner, Stephen, live in Chicago.
Countess Vivian (1912 - 2012)
New Orleans, LA
Countess Vivian was the eldest man interviewed for this project. Ninety-six at the time of his last interview, he was unbelievably agile and lucid. Before he passed away in 2012, he lived in the Treme community in New Orleans. A survivor of Hurricane Katrina, in addition to a century of black queer life in New Orleans, Countess’s life stands as an inspiration for generations of black gay men who come after him.
Harold (1936 - 2017)
St. Louis, MO
Harold Mays and his partner, Harold Herman (affectionately known as “The Two Harolds”) appear together in the film in the house they shared for over fifty years in Washington, D.C., in the upscale northeast section.They passed away a year apart from each other in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Harold Mays was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for most of his youth, and went on to become an Eagle Scout. According to him, he is one of the few African Americans to achieve that status.
Shean (1970)
Durham, NC
Shean is the youngest of the men interviewed for this film and was also interviewed for the original book. Although his story is not performed in the play, he came into the project after he agreed to host a dinner party for some of the other men in Making Sweet Tea who live in Atlanta. Shean is an architect and home stylist who lives in Atlanta.
CREW
E. Patrick Johnson
Executive Producer
Nora Gross
Producer/Director/Cinematographer
John L. Jackson Jr.
Executive Producer/Director
Stephen J. Lewis Associate
Producer/Cinematographer/Editor
Steve Milligan
Cinematographer
Aden Hakimi
Editor
Guthrie P. Ramsey, Jr.
Composer
Vince Anthony
Composer