The Promise of America

Synopsis—

Rich archival footage of bold, public action reveals a legacy of American activism, while it parallels an intimate experience of the inaugural Million Mom March for sensible gun laws – Part 2 of 3 in the Guns, Grief, and Grace in America series.

On historic Mother’s Day 2000, a generationally, racially and ethnically diverse crowd of 820,000 came together from across the United States and the World. Participants’ personal motivations to attend the event are explored, along with barriers overcome to do so and responses to the experience. A range of respected professionals examines the ethical, medical and international ramifications of gun violence.  Hope for an America true to its promise emerges as historians Gerda Lerner and Amy Swerdlow offer an analysis of the March on a framework of other historic movements; rich archival footage interweaves and visually supports their accounts. At this critical point in history, when the topic of civic engagement as a response to violence is present in the minds of the United States and the world, The Promise of America offers a reminder of the power and obligation individuals possess to participate in the process of social change.

Cameo statements from celebrities such as: Susan Sarandon, Marian Wright Edelman, Debbie Allen, Rabbi Eric Yoffie and Dr. Antonia Novello bring popular contemporary voices to the discourse.

Credits—

Director: Janet Fitch
Co-Director: Brad Pruitt
Producer: Janet Fitch
Editor: Peter May
Executive Director: Janet Fitch
Screenwriters: Janet Fitch, Deidre Martin, Peter May, Brad Pruitt
Videography: Tess Gallun, Peter May

Trailer—

The trailer for The Promise of America.

Resources—

The Guns, Grief, and Grace in America films are useful and important tools to aid understanding and promote critical thinking and discussion around the complex impact of gun violence on today’s youth and adults alike.  The following 35-minute classroom version and selected discussion clips are useful to spark and guide dialog as students and community members express their personal responses, thoughts and ideas about the issues and stories presented in the media.

Classroom edit—

This 35-minute edit of The Promise of America is useful for an hour-long classroom discussion of GUN VIOLENCE. 

Women’s History—

This 6-minute clip from The Promise of America helps facilitate discussion surrounding WOMEN’S HISTORY and GUN VIOLENCE. 

Suicide—

This 3-minute clip from The Promise of America helps facilitate discussion surrounding SUICIDE and GUN VIOLENCE.