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In 1968, an idealistic African American student at Mercer University is denied her Studio Art degree by a racist professor who dismisses her work as “too controversial.” Fifty years later, Gwendolyn Payton reflects on this injustice alongside her family and peers, sharing raw memories of racial trauma, violence, and resilience. Through intimate interviews—guided by her son, director Khary Payton (The Walking Dead’s King Ezekiel)—the film explores the psychology of racial trauma, the power of empathy, and the enduring spirit that transforms pain into healing.
- Year2024
- Runtime00:51:26
- CountryUnited States, United States
- GenreDocumentary, Feature
- DirectorKhary Payton
- ProducerMegan Shannon DeFranza
- Executive ProducerBrenda Van Ness | Dan Van Ness
- FilmmakerPaul Van Ness
In 1968, an idealistic African American student at Mercer University is denied her Studio Art degree by a racist professor who dismisses her work as “too controversial.” Fifty years later, Gwendolyn Payton reflects on this injustice alongside her family and peers, sharing raw memories of racial trauma, violence, and resilience. Through intimate interviews—guided by her son, director Khary Payton (The Walking Dead’s King Ezekiel)—the film explores the psychology of racial trauma, the power of empathy, and the enduring spirit that transforms pain into healing.
- Year2024
- Runtime00:51:26
- CountryUnited States, United States
- GenreDocumentary, Feature
- DirectorKhary Payton
- ProducerMegan Shannon DeFranza
- Executive ProducerBrenda Van Ness | Dan Van Ness
- FilmmakerPaul Van Ness