What is it like to be Black in predominantly white "small-town America"? Through a series of interviews, Crossroads Stories uncovers how six Columbus, IN natives feel navigating life as Black Americans in their hometown.
Al Tucker, John Bundick, Celeste Nudi, Nia Omega, Ridge Harris, and Alfonso Wadholm each share anecdotes that are woven together to tell an overarching story. Through an emotional yet hopeful exposition, these Black community members highlight the racial disparities and routine indignities that exist in communities where being a personal of color is considered deviating from the norm. They graciously share their experiences of growing up, going to school, working, and generally living in spaces where they regularly feel like a subject to others, and how those experiences shaped their world views. A common thread is how Black parents have the added burdened of explaining and preparing their children for casual racism.
Additionally, those interviewed also offer what it's like to be Black in a small town at a time when the country's racial deficiencies have been put into sharp relief, and the frustrations of existing in a community that might be consider itself more progressive, and thus less likely to self-reflect on the racism experienced by non-white community members. The film also sits down with three community organizers who provide further insights into ongoing racial advocacy efforts, how they are affecting change, and ways in which anybody to contribute towards racial justice.
Crossroads Stories offers the opportunity to spark conversations about race in small towns, and how we can continue to make all of our communities better, safer places for everyone to live.
"Some young viewers (and educators) may think racism is over and done, but these interviews expose its continued presence. Its hopeful message is that change can happen when communities unite and make it a priority." — School Library Journal
"A valuable library resource discussing social issues and race... Delivers its message clearly and concisely... Offers a strong foundation for beginning to explore race relations in the context of a small, predominantly White town. An educational library resource, this social issues documentary is a worthwhile purchase. Recommended." — Video Librarian
"Recommended. Professors of communication studies, sociology, psychology, and Black-White relations in the Midwest, would find multiple avenues of discussion. Courses featuring code-switching, current and previous black-white relationships in America, implicit bias, white allyship and microaggressions would be an appropriate companion to Crossroads Stories...Interesting and insightful commentary...Poignant, one-on-one interviews" — Educational Media Reviews Online
"The film strikes an interesting balance when Tucker Bounds' subjects, including her own father, carefully indicate that racism stretches beyond the boundaries of what residents view of [Black community members]" — The Republic
Citation
Main credits
Tucker Bounds, Alyse (film producer)
Furr, Ryan (film producer)
Tucker, Al (commentator)
Bundick, John (commentator)
Nudi, Celeste (commentator)
Omega, Nia (commentator)
Harris, Ridge (commentator)
Harris, Ridge (composer (expression))
Wadholm, Alfonso (commentator)
Edwards, Johnnie (commentator)
Easton, Kimberly (commentator)
Lomax, Mikala (commentator)