Iowa State will be hosting a free screening of “The Negro Artist” documentary at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union. The documentary was directed by Iowa State University alumnus Nik Heftman.

The film focuses on Caleb Rainey’s story, bestselling author of “Look, Black Boy” and spoken-word poetry performer based in eastern Iowa professionally known as “The Negro Artist.” His stage name comes from an essay titled “The Negro Artist and The Racial Mountain” written by African American poet and activist Langston Hughes, who was a big influence for Rainey as an artist. 

This documentary opens conversations about the uncomfortable truths surrounding the systemic inequalities that are the realities for many. It explores the ripples Rainey’s work has made in continuous dialogue about race and identity in America, emphasizing the potential of art and poetry as a vehicle for discussion.

Filmmaker Heftman is the founder and CEO of The Seven Times, a video production and creative consulting company that spotlights Black entrepreneurs across the United States. He earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from ISU and is currently on the advisory board for the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication.

Following the screening will be a conversation discussing the film and time allowed for questions with director Heftman and documentary subject Rainey, beginning around 7:15 p.m.