shadow

Beginning the Journey is proud to offer The Southern Poverty Law Center's documentary and featured presentation of the award-winning documentary "The Shadow of Hate" as a part of this workshop. This Middle School to Adult Presentation examines the history of hate in America through colonial times to the present. The introduction of The Southern Poverty Law Center offers the following introduction for this program:

"Today, as in the past, many Americans are drawing bold lines between 'us' and 'them' -- between people they consider to be like themselves and people they view as different. In an era of increasing diversity and divisiveness, how do we help people both to affirm their own individual and group identities and to respect and appreciate the identities of others? The future of democracy hinges on our success at getting along.

"This [Presentation] gives [participants] a chance to [learn] about the importance of tolerance in a democracy. The stories told describe events in our history in which intolerance arose from the fear and suspicion and anger of ordinary people -- the same impulses that still cause discord today. [Participants] will be brought face-to-face with the negative and often tragic consequences of prejudice and hate. But they will also learn about the hope and heroism that true moral conviction inspires. We hope that these lessons will challenge [participants] to examine their own lives. How far have we come toward achieving full equality, and how far do we have yet to go?" (Roberson, Shadow of Hate Teacher's Guide)

Whereas other presentations examine current events to encourage dialogue on the issues of hate versus acceptance, "The Shadow of Hate" brings to light events in our nation's past to help us understand the effects of our intolerance. Like our other workshops, "The Shadow of Hate" Presentation can be set up as a one time presentation, multiple day workshops, or continuing program within your school, workplace, church or other civic organization. Feel free to inquire about this material when contacting Beginning the Journey.