Grammy Winner Ann Nesby Executive Produces & Narrates Civil Rights Documentary on Hidden Figure Cirilo McSween


Grammy Winner Ann Nesby Executive Produces & Narrates Civil Rights Documentary on Hidden Figure Cirilo McSween

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- Grammy-winning artist and Metro Atlanta resident Ann Nesby (Queen Sugar, The Fighting Temptations), former lead singer of Sounds of Blackness, brings her storytelling prowess as executive producer and narrator of CIRILO, A Legacy Untold. The film spotlights civil rights leader Cirilo McSween.

Nesby, known for her powerhouse vocals, continues her musical momentum with her latest single, "My Man," co-written with R.L. of platinum-selling R&B group NEXT. The song is in rotation on XM Radio's Heart & Soul and iHeartRadio, with national expansion underway.

A Civil Rights Hidden Figure

Directed and produced by Justin O. Cooper, CIRILO, A Legacy Untold uncovers the story of Cirilo McSween, a Panamanian immigrant and key figure in civil rights and economic empowerment. As Chief Economic Advisor for Operation Breadbasket, McSween worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph Abernathy, and Andrew Young—three civil rights icons with deep Atlanta ties—to advance civil rights through economic initiatives.

McSween also helped secure the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties, returning control of the Panama Canal to Panama—one of President Jimmy Carter's landmark achievements. "This film shines a light on an overlooked leader who financed the civil rights movement and shaped economic policy and diplomacy," said Cooper.

Atlanta's Influence

For Nesby, sharing McSween's legacy is deeply personal. "His story is one of resilience and vision," said Nesby. "His work opened doors for so many, and it's an honor to share his legacy."

Cooper, a former spokesman and film liaison for Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale, GA, supported productions such as Ride Along and What to Expect When You're Expecting and collaborated with the Clayton County and Georgia Film Offices.

Oscar & Festival Momentum

With its Atlanta theatrical run, CIRILO, A Legacy Untold meets eligibility for submission to the 2026 Academy Awards in the Documentary Short category. Fiscally sponsored by Film Independent, the film will launch its 2026 festival run following its theatrical release.

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