A rediscovered cinematic treasure
Originally released in 1989, Riverbend follows three decorated Black Vietnam veterans who return home only to confront racism, corruption, and brutality in the American South. Led by Major Samuel Quinton, played by the late Steve James, the men find themselves drawn into a fight for justice in the fictional town of Riverbend, Georgia. Margaret Avery co-stars in the film alongside Julius Tennon, Alex Morris, and Tony Frank.
The film was long considered an overlooked and daring action-drama, but it is now returning to audiences through Reelblack Renaissance in a newly restored 6K edition. The restoration was created from the original 35mm film elements and gives viewers an opportunity to experience this essential piece of Black cinema in its most complete form.
A timely story for today
During her appearance on Wake Up With Dee, Avery reflected on the significance of Riverbend and why its message continues to resonate. The film does not shy away from difficult conversations about race, power, oppression, and the choices individuals make when systems fail their communities.
While Riverbend may be controversial for its unflinching portrayal of Black resistance, its story also asks audiences to consider what justice, courage, sacrifice, and collective action look like in real life. Its re-release invites a new generation to engage with a film that was ahead of its time—and is still urgently relevant.
See it in Atlanta
Atlanta, this is your invitation to experience Riverbend on the big screen.
Join us this Saturday, August 15, at The Plaza Theatre for a special screening of this cinematic masterpiece. The evening does not end when the credits roll—stay afterward for a special Q&A, offering audiences a chance to hear more about the film, its legacy, and its powerful return.
Tickets are available through shop.Reelblack.com. Don’t miss the chance to support the preservation of Black film history while seeing a restored classic with the Atlanta community.
Keep waking up with Dee
For more conversations with influential artists, changemakers, authors, leaders, and entertainers, continue listening to The Wake Up With Dee Morning Show Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on News & Talk WAOK or wherever you listen on the AUDACY app.
Iconic actress Margaret Avery joined The Wake Up With Dee Morning Show for a powerful conversation about the long-awaited re-release of Riverbend—a bold, thought-provoking film whose themes of courage, justice, resistance, and community remain as relevant today as ever.
Iconic actress Margaret Avery joined The Wake Up With Dee Morning Show for a powerful conversation about the long-awaited re-release of Riverbend—a bold, thought-provoking film whose themes of courage, justice, resistance, and community remain as relevant today as ever.
