On a rainy October Saturday, NJEA members from across the state braved the elements to attend a special viewing of NJEA’s Racial Equity, Affirmation & Literacy movement (R.E.A.L.) documentary, filmed throughout the past year as it examined the question “Why is racial, social and economic justice vital to New Jersey’s public schools?”
Hosted by Hillsborough Education Association (HEA) at the IMAX Reading Cinema in Manville NJ, NJEA members, their families and friends were treated to the documentary, and a $15 concession credit, to view the piece billed as “…a four-part series which follows educators and activists as they embark on a two-week listening tour, across New Jersey’s 21 counties to explore the importance of racial, social, and economic justice in public schools.”
“This is a very important documentary. Unions, in particular our union, have historically played a role in advocating for the advancement of civil rights and equity,” stated Henry Goodhue, HEA president. “The R.E.A.L. documentary presents the current challenges facing our schools in an engaging manner that invites all members to reflect upon our experiences and collectively seek solutions. In a time when unions are under attack, it is imperative that we return to our roots and seek to create space for all members. In doing so, we not only create schools that best serve our students, but also strengthen our solidarity and ability to purposefully advocate for our profession”.
Following the documentary, attendees engaged in a Q&A with NJEA-endorsed LD16 candidates Sen. Andrew Zwicker, Assm. Roy Freiman and Assembly candidate Mitchelle Drulis, who were invited to view the documentary. The candidates spoke about the document’s impact and answered questions from the audience to respond to members’ concerns about food inequities, school safety, funding for school, academic and election freedoms.
Zwicker, Freiman and Drulis also discussed why it’s important for legislators to support educators and public education. They spoke about teaching the truth in the greatest and best educational system in the nation should be easy and expressed frustrations at those small, outspoken groups who “…want us to go backwards.” Additionally, they emphasized the need to keep the quality of education high while breaking down racial, social, and economic lines, as well as uplifting and celebrating anti-racism.
“NJEA is an organization that is committed to listening to its members and supporting the authenticity of their work. Change must come with open and honest conversations,” declared NJEA Vice President Steve Beatty. “The system isn’t broken; it works as it was designed. Change must come from us, and we must bring it to the schools and the communities.”
As people exited the theater, the lobby buzzed with conversation. Many hung around to further discuss the documentary, which several described as being powerful and necessary. Members talked about how the documentary opened their eyes to what is happening throughout the state and admitted that they only focus on their section of New Jersey. Many left with a renewed purpose of becoming more aware of racial, social, and economic inequities and to become active participants in creating safe and inclusive environments for all students and staff.
“This documentary should not just live in the four walls of the theater, but the message has to be spread throughout the state and the nation,” Beatty declared.
The R.E.A.L. documentary will be shown at the 2023 NJEA Convention. To learn more, visit https://njeaconvention.njea.org/ To view additional information, discussion questions and related resources on the documentary, created and compiled by NJEA’s Human and Civil Rights, Equity and Governance division, visit https://www.njea.org/real-documentary/
For more information on how to support NJEA’s endorsed candidates, visit https://election.njea.org/.