Southeast 67: A Documentary on the Promise of a College Education

The educational journey of most adult learners begins long before they enter our adult education programs.  Southeast 67 is a documentary film about a group of African American students from Washington, D.C. who were promised college scholarships in 1988, at the age of twelve.  The film's press release calls it a story "spanning two decades, [that] movingly reveals the complex challenges facing kids in underserved communities, and the hope - and anguish - of trying to seize an improbable dream".

The film's trailer is available online, along with a list of upcoming screenings - many free - in different U.S. cities.  Twelve of these Dreamers, as these young adults were called, and two of their teachers share their memories of the program, and its impact on their lives now as 40 year olds.  A recent Washington Post article on the film highlights that, "just six of the 67 students from Southeast graduated from college within six years of receiving their high school diploma. But, as the documentary shows, success has complex definitions".

While this story may be unique, it highlights the struggles many adults face, even with the promise of higher education.  Are you looking for an event to promote giving to your program, or simply looking for a film for a discussion group?  Consider a screening of Southeast 67.   

 

Comments

Thank you for posting this information. I am very interested in viewing the film since I work in Baltimore at the only city community college. However, according to the list, the screening of this film was in my area was in 2015. Is there any other way to see it?

Thanks

Hi, Grayla -

Thanks for your message.  I also missed the film when it played in my city, D.C.  However, I would suggest trying the Contact Us link and asking if there are any plans to show the film again in the Baltimore-D.C. area.  You may also be able to organize another screening at your college.  You might contact the college's student events office, and see if they can help you with organizing a screening on campus.  

Short of either of those options, hopefully the film will have a wider release, either in theaters, on YouTube or Vimeo in the future.  If I hear anything, I'll be sure to share that information.  Feel free to share any updates, or if you're able to arrange a screening in Baltimore.  I'd be happy to make the trip to catch it in Baltimore!

Best,

Mike Cruse