Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University will host a public screening of the critically acclaimed documentary "Class of Her Own" on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 4 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom, 900 Oakwood. This free event is organized by EMU’s Department of Africology and African American Studies (AAAS) in partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), the College of Education (COE), and the Ann Arbor Black Film Festival.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Boaz Dvir, "Class of Her Own" tells the story of a highly innovative teacher working in an under-resourced elementary school. The film showcases how Gloria Jean Merriex revamped the curriculum using methods like hip-hop, dance, and call-and-response to better connect with her students and improve their learning outcomes.

“It’s an honor to collaborate with such esteemed colleagues to discuss the issues highlighted in ‘Class of Her Own,’” said Dvir, a Bellisario Career Advancement professor at Penn State. “Our hope is to inspire meaningful conversations about how we can better support vulnerable students.”

A panel discussion moderated by Chris Anderson of the Ann Arbor Black Film Festival will follow the screening. The panelists include:

- Victor Okafor, head of EMU’s Department of Africology and African American Studies

- Carmen McCallum, associate dean for faculty and community at EMU’s College of Education

- Wendy Burke, head of EMU’s Department of Teacher Education

- Boaz Dvir, the documentary’s director and producer

Boaz Dvir also directs Penn State’s Hammel Family Human Rights Initiative. Panelists will explore critical themes raised by the documentary, such as addressing the educational achievement gap and the role of culturally relevant teaching in fostering student success.

“This documentary provides a compelling example of transformative education in action,” said Victor Okafor. “We’re excited to bring this important story to our campus and community.”

"Class of Her Own" has already made its mark at several prestigious film festivals, including the Ann Arbor Black Film Festival, the Charlotte Black Film Festival, and the University Film & Video Association’s annual conference in Cleveland. It will also be screened at upcoming events including the Orlando Urban Film Festival where it is a finalist for two awards and the Monadnock International Film Festival in New Hampshire.

For additional information, contact Victor Okafor at vokafor@emich.edu.

Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing various degrees across multiple disciplines. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education.