An evening of reflection, storytelling, and dialogue, Intimate Conversations offers an exclusive preview of Praize Productions, Inc.’s upcoming docu-series. As an award-winning arts organization known for fusing dance, film, and storytelling that centers the Black experience, PPI has spent 15 years shaping Chicago’s cultural landscape through transformative productions, innovative leadership, and youth development rooted in excellence.

In collaboration with the Newberry Library, one of Chicago’s most cherished institutions for history, culture, and archival storytelling, and the Reva and David Logan Center, PPI’s longstanding community partner and pillar for the arts, this event highlights why documenting this journey matters. Intimate Conversations pulls back the curtain on the triumphs, challenges, and vision behind building and sustaining a Black-led dance company on Chicago’s South Side. Featuring award-winning filmmaker Brandon Calhoun (Walder awardee), PPI Executive Director Ennerèssa LaNette, and key PPI stakeholders, the evening invites audiences to witness the brilliance of a professional company composed primarily of powerhouse Black women and the young artists rising in their footsteps.

More than a preview, this is a celebration of legacy in the making, a chance for the broader community to be inspired, educated, and moved by the many cultural gems PPI continues to contribute to Chicago’s creative ecosystem. Through personal stories, never-before-seen footage, and honest conversation, attendees will experience why PPI’s work is not just performance, but preservation, empowerment, and artistry that reaches far beyond the stage.