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American Promise Sparks Discussion, Sheds Light

The road to the American dream and the path of equality can be difficult journeys to embark on, if you are African American.  This point was vividly made in the documentary film “American Promise,” which was screened in the Ghosh Science and Technology building on April 28.

The film follows a 13-year personal account of two African-American boys from Brooklyn who experienced struggles attending the prestigious Dalton School, a learning environment with few minority students in the classroom.  Idris and Seun were documented from age 5 through their high school years. The film chronicled their struggles, both academically and emotionally, while raising a red flag African-American boys are experiencing an educational achievement gap not just at Dalton, but throughout the country.

After the screening, a panelists from several organizations discussed issues raised by the film. Isaac Tesfay represented Worcester State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, and there were other representatives from NAACP Worcester and the Seven Hills Public Charter School spoke and took part in a question-and-answer session. Attendees included many WSU students as well as community members.

This story was written by senior communication major Robert White.