Watch Every Mother’s Son by Kelly Anderson and Tami Gold, now streaming on POV.
In the wake of the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, many partners asked us to bring back Every Mother’s Son (POV 2004). We want to share with you that the film is now available for community screenings and streaming online through May 3, 2015.
Use the lesson plan to bring these issues into your classroom.
Borrow the DVD for a community screening.
Use the discussion guide and web features to inform your discussion.
In the late 1990s, three victims of police brutality made headlines around the country: Amadou Diallo, the young West African man whose killing sparked intense public protest; Anthony Baez, killed in an illegal choke-hold; and Gary (Gidone) Busch, a Hasidic Jew shot and killed outside his Brooklyn home. Every Mother’s Son profiles three New York mothers who unexpectedly find themselves united to seek justice and transform their grief into an opportunity for profound social change.
Stream Every Mother’s Son on POV. Want to screen this film for your community? Visit www.pov.org/engage/ to borrow the DVD from our free Lending Library.
Download the free discussion guide for a letter from the filmmakers, background information on police brutality and the history and best practices of community policing. The guide also includes discussion prompts, suggestions for taking action around the film and additional resources.
Are you a high school teacher looking to engage in a dialogue around issues of police brutality? High school teachers can access a free standards-aligned lesson plan and borrow the film for use in the classroom. The lesson plan is designed for 9th through 12th grade, and explores the film through students’ opinion on the role of police in their community.
How are you talking about Ferguson in your community or classroom? Let us know on Twitter with #FergusonSyllabus, and tag @povengage.
