Henry Byrd 06/21/2022

Tulsa filmmaker and teacher, Henry Byrd, discusses his upbringing and how being a 'nerd' with a love for comic books opened an unexpected door for him later in life. He describes becoming a filmmaker out of necessity and producing his first short film, As We Lay. Byrd discusses his TV show, bLERDS, and the autobiographical influences behind each character. He talks about the ways in which film can confront racism, stereotypes, and contemporary issues in subtle ways that deliver important messages. He also talks about his teaching career at a predominantly Black charter school and the ways he incorporates his filmmaking experience into the classroom. Byrd explains how Tulsa has been and continues to be a growing community of artists, specifically Black artists, who deserve a spotlight, and he shared the importance of teaching Tulsa’s Black history whenever possible.