by Kate Fulton, ’22

On Thursday, October 15, 2020, A Virtual New View Film Series, co-sponsored by the Center for Faith and Vocation and the Center for Interfaith Cooperation and in partnership with the Efroymson Diversity Center presented the film, I Am Not Your Negro, to the Butler and Indianapolis community. Through the lens of connecting the Civil Rights movement to the present moment, the film explored and challenged the definition of what America stands for.

So what does America stand for? How would you define our country? Lately, during this increasingly divided and polarizing time, it seems as if we don’t know who we are or where we are going. There are many people yelling at one another, causing anxiety and unrest. We seem fractured, broken and don’t know where to turn next. Fortunately, we have the power to change things. As the film suggests, it is entirely up to us to face these challenges, embrace one another and move forward in a way where all people are seen, heard, valued and loved.

I was also profoundly moved by a quote from the movie that said, “we as individuals and society members are weak in our ability to deal with the world and ourselves as we are.” Are we honest with ourselves and those around us? This quote has challenged me to look inward and reflect upon the areas of my life where I am not as vulnerable or authentically myself, not only identifying them, but working to improve myself in that way. I challenge you to do the same.

Ultimately, the film calls us to ask ourselves how we as individuals and members of society are going to show up. What are you bringing to your community and world around you to better move society forward and create a more inclusive, equitable and accepting space for all people?