Minnesota Historical Society

A documentary capturing the legacy and resilience of leaders from the historic Rondo neighborhood.

The campaign needed to connect emotionally while honoring the history of the space.

Egobee partnered with the Minnesota Historical Society to work on The Brothers of Rondo, a documentary directed by Francis Sampah.

The film highlights the lives of Lewis Scott, Russell T. Balenger, Readus W. Fletcher, and Carl Griffin. Each of these men grew up in the historic Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul and went on to make lasting contributions to their communities and the state of Minnesota.

Through interviews and storytelling, the film explores how the destruction of the Rondo neighborhood during the construction of Interstate 94 shaped their lives and strengthened their commitment to leadership, service, and community.

Process

Egobee worked closely with the Minnesota Historical Society and the film’s subjects to develop an authentic and respectful narrative.

The production focused on thoughtful interviews, strong visual storytelling, and careful editing that honored the experiences of the men featured in the film.

Premiere

The Brothers of Rondo: A Legacy of Black Resilience premiered on October 10 and 13, 2024, at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) and the Minnesota History Center, respectively, and was later showcased at the inaugural Rondo Film Festival at Macalester College in 2025.