MLK Day Assembly Video 2016

 MLK DAY VIDEO

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States, so I thought it would be an appropriate time to reflect on a video from two years ago.  This project was directed by a friend and I for our annual middle school assembly on Martin Luther King Jr. 

I am proud of this video — I believe it's quite powerful and speaks to issues very prominent in our society. It was also fun to make; I enjoyed speaking with so many people in my school and piecing together the project.  However, it was by no means easy. My partner and I had creative differences (although I can no longer remember what they were) and I think both of us felt that we should lead the project. I think we did manage to compromise and incorporate ideas from both of us. 

My favourite part of the process was shooting the photos of students holding the cards they had made. This was an idea we had to involve more people and allow them to use their voice; many of our peers were shy and did not want to speak on camera. I also enjoyed filming the interviews with staff. It is always interesting to hear from people of different ages and generations. Here is the video:

Looking back on the video, a question arises in my mind: have things changed or improved? I think a fascinating comparison would be to create a similar video, maybe in another two or three years time, looking at how these issues are still being discussed, who is using their voice, and if we have made any progress. 

-Emma