In 2020, Jane Andrais and I decided we should document the story of Central Park East Secondary School (CPESS). This school, located in East Harlem, New York, predominantly served Black and Latino students in the early 1990s and was founded on the principle that students cannot be prepared for democracy unless they experience living in a democracy.
In the past two years, a team of former teachers, students, and administrators have been exploring the possibilities of a feature documentary that will showcase the impact of CPESS on its graduates. These graduates, who are now school leaders, directors of non-profits, filmmakers, artists, musicians, public employees, firefighters, ministers, and professors, among other professions, attribute their success in life to the unique educational experience they received at CPESS.
The documentary will feature interviews with these graduates, former students, teachers, parents, and guardians, describing how their time at CPESS helped shape them into responsible adults who have positively impacted their personal and professional lives. They will also highlight how the values and intellectual habits they developed at CPESS have influenced their decision-making and actions.
At the bottom of this blog is a link to our trailer. We hope you watch it and comment on your thoughts about it and ideas about what you wold hope from such a film.
Given the current state of our nation’s democracy and public education, which are both under threat, educational leaders must listen to the voices of these graduates and understand the impact programs like CPESS can have on students’ lives. The principles of CPESS and the collective stories of its graduates must be documented and shared to inspire change and help build a better future for our society. The situation’s urgency demands action, and this documentary is a step towards creating a more equal and just world.
We’re seeking donations for this project and hope you’ll consider supporting our cause. Your contribution will enable us to document this vital piece of history, inspiring a new generation of educational leaders to prepare their students for active citizenship. We believe this documentary is an exercise of hope, spreading the idea that living in a thriving democracy is not just a dream.
There are two ways to donate:
1. Via our Indiegogo Fundraising Website:
It takes any credit card, and there is no minimum contribution. The site contains the summary of the project and the trailer video.
2. Via check addressed to:
The Deborah Meier Institute Inc.
70 West 95 Street Apt. 23C
c/o Jane Andrias
New York, NY 10025
Too see the promo video:
Youtube:
Download File:
https://www.dropbox.com/t/0hedidBdIy9Mv0mT
Filed under: education | Tagged: documentary, education | 2 Comments »
Deborah Meier on Education 