Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

As part of Black History Month, students in the Black Europe and Emergence of Global Society courses at St. John's University had the opportunity to view "Il Moro," a short film about Alessandro de’ Medici. Directed by Daphne Di Cinto, an Afro-Italian filmmaker and actor, the film explores the life of de’ Medici, the first Duke of Florence and a significant figure of African descent in Renaissance Europe.

Daphne Di Cinto, who participated virtually in a Q&A session after the screening, shared her journey in creating the film. She explained that her interest in Alessandro de’ Medici was sparked by an online article titled “Ten People You Didn’t Know Were Black.” Her subsequent research led to a deeper understanding and passion for telling his story. “His background is one of the main aspects that pulled me into this story,” she said.

The event was sponsored by various departments at St. John’s University, including the Department of English, Department of History, Institute for Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, and Africana Studies interdisciplinary minor. Dr. Jessica L. Harris expressed her enthusiasm for sharing both Di Cinto's film and Alessandro's story with students.

Konrad Tuchscherer praised "Il Moro" as “excellent and provocative,” while history major Malika Zaman appreciated its portrayal of complex historical narratives beyond just Alessandro himself.

Di Cinto highlighted that during 16th-century Florence there were many free people of African descent, which she aimed to depict in her film. She emphasized the importance of representing these histories: “I did not want another generation to go throughout their entire education without knowing that in their history, there are people that look like them.”

Despite facing criticism from those unwilling to acknowledge African contributions to European history, Di Cinto remains committed to telling these stories. Philip Misevich described "Il Moro" as “a beautiful film” and noted student reflections on its impact and reception.