Director talk, preview screening of 'Lou's Legacy: A Reporter's Life at the Washington Blade,' Monday

Trailblazing journalist Lou Chibbaro, Jr., plans to join director, producer and writer Patrick Sammon for a preview screening and discussion of the documentary, "Lou’s Legacy: A Reporter’s Life at the Washington Blade." at the National Press Club's Reliable Source on Monday, June 9 at 6 p.m.

Set against decades of LGBTQ activism and cultural change, this 30-minute film offers an intimate look at the lives and legacies of Chibbaro and drag performer Donnell Robinson, known by the stage name Ella Fitzgerald. During nearly 50 years at the Washington Blade, Chibbaro covered the LGBTQ stories often overlooked by other media, and Robinson, over four decades as Ella Fitzgerald, became a beloved fixture in DC’s nightlife scene.

As Chibbaro works on a story about Ella’s return to the Capital Pride stage after a three-year hiatus, the film captures the powerful connection between journalism, performance, and community. Through rare archival footage, revealing interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments, "Lou's Legacy" is a moving tribute to courage, creativity, and the power of showing up to tell the stories that matter.

The event begins at 6 p.m. Reserve your spot by emailing the Reliable Source at [email protected], by submitting a reservation via our online "Book a Reservation" form (Please note that you are "attending the documentary screening" in the Special Requests/Notes field), or by calling (202) 662-7443.

Additional event details can be viewed here.