Two documentaries were produced by Fellows to catalyze dialogue about pressing human relations issues. Both are useful tools for individuals and groups to examine the complexity of the human experience and have dialogue about working across differences. The first, Coming Out~Coming In, deals with gay and lesbian people reconciling with their faith communities. The second, Unitended Consequences?, takes a look at the consequences of desegregation on African-American teachers and administrators in North Carolina of the 1970s.
Coming Out ~ Coming In
Produced by Minnow Media and four Friday Fellows from the 2001-2003 class, Coming Out ~ Coming In is a half-hour documentary that gives voice to the journey that gay and lesbian persons face in reconciling selfhood with their spiritual/religious roots. It puts a very real human face on the people at the heart of Christianity’s current struggle with issues of sexual orientation - a controversy that has splintered churches and now, whole denominations. The program aims to generate respectful discussion on these sensitive issues of acceptance, inclusion, understanding, and dignity. The documentary is built from interviews with thirty-some individuals, each of whom have their say on topics ranging from faith — the persistence of their beliefs despite the church’s rejection; to identity - how they came to know themselves and reconcile their sexual orientation with biblical teachings; to belonging - the challenge of finding a place to freely worship. The program is intended for a general audience, however, the eight-page study guide that comes with the DVD has been designed for use by congregations, study groups, civic groups, Sunday School classes, families, seminarians, and clergy and lay ministers. The guide offers a means to begin effective dialogue, posing relevant questions about each of the three segments of the documentary. Over 200 copies of documentary have been sold to clergy, parent groups, libraries, activists on all sides of the issue, colleges, congregations, and seminaries across 20 states. To order a copy of Coming Out~Coming In: Faith, Identity, Belonging, visit www.minnowmedia.com
Unintended Consequences?: The Impact of Desegregation on Black Educators
Twelve Friday Fellows from the 1999-2001 class explored the consequences of desegregation on black educators in North Carolina. Spurred by the story of one Fellows’ parents who lost their teaching positions as schools integrated in the 1970’s, these Fellows captured the desegration experience of black educators from across the state through filmed interviews. The stories reveal the consequences of closing black schools and busing black students to previously all-white schools, and the affects on parental involvement and the careers of long-time educators. Copies of the video are avaiable for indivduals and groups through our office. Contact Kathleen Clark, Program Director, at kathleen@wildacresleadership.org.
