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Run time:
84 min.
| USA
The Weequahic High School community of Newark, New Jersey, consisting of students, faculty, an Alumni Association, and a dedicated principal, Mr. Stone, are a dramatic model of generosity and heart; and how they can be implemented to address the failings and social issues of so many inner city schools. Film maker Beth Toni Kruvant, delivers her award winning fourth documentary, with passion and a mission; to change the world for the better by sharing these inspirational events. In the film she takes us to Weequahic High School of Newark, New Jersey; home of the Indians and under the administration of principal Ronald Stone. Stone's mission? The restoration of this inner city high school to its former academic and athletic glory. Before the race riots of the 1960s, before the emergence of the violent gangs, the Bloods and the Crips, Weequahic produced the largest number of students to go on to earn a Ph.D. in the entire country. Through this socially enlightening tour of Newark and Weequahic, past and present, we meet alumni, students, gang members, teachers, local police, and Newark Mayors, who applaud and support the innovative techniques of Mr. Stone; and the exceptional advocacy of the Alumni Association, largely consisting of Jewish and African Americans from Weequahic's glory days. Implementing such programs as instructor lead conflict resolution , Stone harbored a natural paternal instinct for all of his students, including three gang members in particular, Rayvon, a Crip, and Sharif and Ricky, Bloods. Their school has begun a massive positive transformation that opens to them a future with options. And if their community can do it, others can follow.
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