Addison Henderson
a young filmmaker on his way up
By Lisa Kane
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Born and raised on Buffalo’s mean streets, he’s been witness to a lot of life. In 2001, one of his best friends, Jermaine Cross, was murdered. In 2006, Henderson collaborated with Cross’s murderer’s best friend on the film The Forgotten City, a rumination on race relations, economic injustice, and desperation in Buffalo. Forgotten City, now on the film festival circuit, is one of six films Henderson has produced to date while living in Buffalo, New York City, Los Angeles, and Africa. He’s also acted on stage and studied with theater- and film-world luminaries.
Recently I had the pleasure of speaking with Henderson at Chippewa’s Chocolate Bar about his work, his background, and, of course, his status as a serious catch.
It seems like you’ve been immersed in Buffalo’s history all your life. Can you tell me about your early years?
My father is the pastor of the Michigan Street Baptist Church [an historic stop on the Underground Railroad], Bishop Henderson. We even lived there for a while when I was young. We also lived at the Nash Street House, where letters from W. E. B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington, from the early years of the Niagara Movement—which became the NAACP—were found. The Nash House is a museum now, and my father helped save it from demolition.
Let’s talk about your romantic life. Is it hard for you to be single?
My best friend just got married and has a baby. I’m the baby’s godfather, and sometimes I am envious. I do want a family, but in my industry you have to put in a lot of work initially.
So you do see yourself with a family eventually?
Sure, hopefully by the time I’m twenty-nine or thirty. That’s why I work so hard. I want to have at least thirty percent of my goals accomplished by that time. Having a family is so special and beautiful.
What’s your ideal woman like?
Hmmm ...Beautiful, audacious, someone who doesn’t like to sleep, because I don’t. Supportive. Spiritual.
What’s a typical Saturday night like for you?
Often it’s hanging out with friends on Elmwood. In LA, I like going to smaller bars with friends to hang out and relax. Or else I’m in the house, editing.
And what’s a typical Sunday?
Sunday’s usually my day to relax, but maybe one Sunday a month I’ll have to work. Usually I get up and go to church, either Michigan Street Baptist or the Refuge Temple. Spirituality is important to me; it keeps me grounded and doesn’t allow my head to get too big. Then I’ll sometimes go home and watch football. And I always try to spend time with my mom.
What’s up next for you?
I’ll be moving back to LA early this year, but back to Buffalo at least once a month.
Sounds like you feel strongly about Buffalo. Will you continue to make films about the city?
Yeah, and other subjects. But I do want to do for Buffalo what Spike Lee did for Brooklyn.
Keep up with the world of Addison Henderson by visiting www.addisonhenderson.com or www.knucklecityfilms.com.
Lisa Kane is a writer living in Buffalo with her daughter and husband, who is also very easy on the eyes.
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