Finding the Gold Within

Gr 9 Up—This documentary follows the lives of six young African American men as they move from high school through their first year of college. Each has faced adversity, whether it is poverty, homelessness, loss of family, or their own challenges in the face of subtle and explicit racism. They live in Akron, OH, and grew up with dreams and ambitions, along with the burden of low expectations, but they have had the advantage of a mentoring program called Alchemy. Alchemy uses African drums, myths, and ancient storytelling, as well as journals to encourage participants to explore their self-worth and inner strengths. As they are led through myths and stories, they pause and reflect on their own lives and how this self-knowledge can empower them to succeed. At once brutally honest (with some expletives) and yet alive with hope, this film gives a voice to each young man's struggles and triumphs and demonstrates how he finds the power to beat his own drum.