Shelley Jordon debuts documentary honoring 50 years of friendship

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

Shelley Jordon, a 71-year-old Baltimore native, can now add one more title to her professional portfolio: filmmaker. Three years ago, Jordon decided to embark on a journey to tell the story of 17 girlfriends who grew up in north and northwest Baltimore and have upheld their friendships for over 50 years.

“It began with one question,” says Jordon, “How is it possible for women to maintain a bond for over five decades and still share the intimacies of everyday living?”

The documentary, titled, “Colored Footprints,” will premiere in Baltimore July 19 at 1 p.m. in Morgan State University’s Murphy Fine Arts Center, 2201 Argonne Drive. 

Through her voice, Jordon explores how these women became friends and shared their life experiences, including family, school, college, births, marriages, divorces, death, victories, defeats and numerous celebrations.

“It is the story of our culture, neighborhoods, family traditions and a city that contributed to our growth and development. We share our own contributions as a result of our upbringing, family encouragement and the support of each other,” says Jordon.

“The B’More Tribe,” as they have titled themselves, speak intimately throughout the film, evoking laughter and tears as they reminisce about the five decades they all treasure. Today, the ladies range between the ages of 62 and 73.

Jordon is the daughter of the late Walter and Josephine Brown. Her father, a businessman, owned the Uptown Bar and Restaurant, and her mother taught cosmetology at Carver High School. 

Known for her quiet and curious demeanor and a passion for creativity, Jordon attended Baltimore City Public Schools and earned a master’s degree from Towson State University.

For nine years, Jordon worked for the Baltimore City Public Schools designing computer and video curricula. 

“My career included business ownership, media, technology, education and public service, having worked for the University of Maryland, US Naval Academy and the federal government in Washington, D.C., and with my former husband we owned Video and Computer Emporium,” she says.

This film, she adds, allowed her to marry both her technical skill and artistic passions.  

“This documentary,” says Jordon, “allowed me to exercise my passion for the arts and explore my own creativity while developing content.”

Jordon says her hope “is that those who see the film will be inspired to explore their own friendships and experience a part of Baltimore’s culture and history as shared through the voices of these 17 women.”