Included in the Martin Luther King Dream Week commemoration at SU will be the premiere of the documentary film, Black Males/Black Dreams: Climbing to the Mountaintop, produced by the School of Education Professor Emerita, Susan Hynds, and Newhouse Professor Larry Elin. The film will be screened on Wednesday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hergenhan Auditorium in Newhouse 3.
Black Males/Black Dreams looks at the myriad of obstacles faced by many African-American males, including low academic achievement, an inner-city culture of hopelessness and poverty, and the lack of Black male role models in schools and professional life. Through the eyes of the men themselves, their friends, relatives, teachers, and mentors in community agencies, the film explores what it takes to succeed and to steer clear of what has been called “the school-to-prison pipeline.” Theirs is a story of resilience, hope, and faith in the American dream.
The documentary is recommended for teacher educators, teachers, parents, politicians, and any anyone involved in public education, but all are welcome to attend this free event. A brief panel discussion, as well as time for audience participation will follow the 52 minute showing. The panel will include the film’s main character, Carlos Wallace, who is now an assistant principal at Sam HoustonHigh School in San Antonio, Texas, as well as the following individuals:
- Dr. Zheadric Barbra, Director of School Reform, Syracuse City School District
- Dr. Marsha Weissman, Executive Director, Center for Community Alternatives, Syracuse, NY
- Jaris D. Williams, Residence Director, Office of Residence Life, Syracuse University
- Skia N’diaye, Learning Community Resident Advisor, Syracuse University
All events during Dream Week, including this one, are free and open to the public. Dream Week is sponsored by the Office of Residence Life, the Division of Student Affairs, the School Of Education, and Newhouse.