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The Vision Class: A Martha's Vineyard Legacy

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The Vision Class: A Martha's Vineyard Legacy

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I just watched this amazing film and found so many historical facts I knew nothing about. Thank you for creatively telling the back story of Martha's Vineyard while layering contemporary truths we all should know.

Well Done!

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Beautifully shot and imagined! More than a respite, a point of pride, and a backdrop for the most impactful moments and people in American history, the Vineyard is a bridge. It is a crossing from the harsh realities of racial and socioeconomic inequity to a place where African-American’s continue to lift as we climb. Thank you for telling its story!!

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This movie was impactful to me personally. It took me back in time and made me reflect on my family, my life and community. It has prompted and inspired deep conversations. I look forward to learning about others and hearing more stories.

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This documentary would intrigue anybody that has ever stepped foot on Martha’s Vineyard. The richness of the history shared pulls you in, and the experiences that these young men had were priceless.

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The Vision Class_MV is a wonderfully inspiring snapshot of the history of Black people on Martha’s Vineyard coupled with a glimpse at the educational mentoring experience provided by the My Brother’s Keeper program. Bring those two stories together with the inspirational legacy of our Nation’s first recognized Black President was a stroke of brilliance.

Charles Knox LaSister III

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What comes to mind is boundless potential our young people have.

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I witnessed them on the island, and it was great to see the young men getting exposed to different things.

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The Vision Class was very informative and uplifting it give me hope that we can inspire our future generations and continue to honor the legacy of hope that got us here.

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I’m thankful for the Vision class and the keepers of the vision. Brilliance and bridge is the essential key. Loved it.

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This was a very well produced documentary short that starts pulling at the thread of an idea that deserves so much exploration. Sitting here in this theatre, I was able to leave behind everything and see the world through the eyes of these young boys and that was powerful! I'm looking forward to seeing a larger body of work and sharing more specifically about the vision class and the legacy families here on Martha’s Vineyard.

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Just finished watching “The Vision Class: A Martha’s Vineyard Legacy” — an inspiring and powerful film highlighting the journey of our MBK boys. Their trip to Martha’s Vineyard was more than a visit; it was a bridge between history, identity, and purpose. So proud of these young men and the vision they carry forward.

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That was AWESOME!! Great black history on the Vinyard

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MBK is a great program for young black men; however, the longevity and funding for the program is a concern especially considering the current political climate.

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This movement not only creates bridges and pathways for the next generation to reflect on themselves, but encourages advancement in all facets of academia, consciousness, and economic growth. You all are impacting lives that will impact the future. I’m excited. Bravo! Congratulations!

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Great film, provided historical facts to bridge the gap with the young people and the rich island history.

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The film is riveting! It epitomizes the positive outcomes of the MBK Program. Thank you for this exciting experience!

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The vision class demonstrates the power of community in shaping the lives of young people and empowering them to believe that their future is bright and limitless!

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The vision class demonstrates the power of community in shaping the lives of young people and empowering them to believe that their future is bright and limitless!

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This documentary was inspiring! My take a way is that progression is not just for personal gain but also to be a resource for exposure for youth and those up and coming.

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I thoroughly enjoyed the film! I’m not sure what I expected but I was pleasantly surprised with how it made me feel. I was beaming with pride at what MBK has done and inspired in our young men. My fav was the explanation of the “Brilliance and the Bridge” concept! God bless you and your efforts!

Patty

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This film was both enlightening and uplifting. I enjoyed learning about the history of African Americans on MV and the work that MBK NYC and Changing the Norms are doing to give brilliant African American youth a bridge to their future.

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This film captures the importance of passing on what was, what is, and what will be. MBK’s impact on these young men will forever transform the trajectory of their lives, and the lives of the young people they will positively impact.

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Inspiring and illuminating. Impactful.

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“Once they’ve seen it, they can’t un-see it”. This quote stuck with me because of the impact vision can have on our young men and women. More of them need to feel special and that their potential in life is unlimited.

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Watching The Vision Class: A Martha’s Vineyard Legacy moved me deeply. I was inspired by the intentionality behind the experience these young men were offered... one rooted in culture, connection, and legacy. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of creating sacred spaces for Black boys and young men to dream, reflect, and be seen. I walked away motivated to protect and build those spaces in my own work. -Erika S.

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What a beautiful glimpse into the lives of our future leaders and the mentors who lead them. I so enjoyed this film! Hoping to see it become a feature to expand on the history and the lives of the boys in MBK. We want more of this amazing vision! Thank you!

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I just watched the film and it touched me in so many levels. The young men being exposed to The Vineyard was a brilliant idea. This was well done and captured the beauty and magic of the island and the impact that it can have on young lives. I look forward to seeing the entire documentary.

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1. If you can get a quote from Obama, it will resonate with the audience.

2. A short interview with the kids to see what they’re doing now.

3. A call for action, including but not limited to, funding for filming additional interviews, distribution, future projects.

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Rest is what resonates with me most. Rest for adults and yes, rest for our children. Without rest, we can’t heal.

As a child and young adult I never felt the to rest, but the world I grew up in was very different.

As I write this, I realize I’m probably wrong. In this moment, I’m wondering if I was so accustomed to my world, that maybe I didn’t know I need rest.

What I do know, is in our current society, all people of color need rest. Rest will feed the vision.

Thank you for sharing and asking my thoughts.

Be well, be resilient

Alexis

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I didn’t know what to expect and thought that this was primarily a history of Black MV. It was a pleasant surprise to see that history integrated into the beautiful narrative of the young men and the importance of MBK and the programs that brought them to the island. The impact of their experience on the island and opportunity for rest, new experiences and meeting influential figures that held in depth, thoughtful dialogue with them was quite powerful. The filmmakers wonderfully wove in the history of the hard-working Black people who bought and held onto property and legacies on the island with the young men’s journey in a way that enhanced and didn’t overshadow their story. Well done.

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Was truly inspirational! Well written and I loved the approach to include the kids to hear their perspectives as well as the perspective of the leaders. What resonated with me is that Changing Norms is not about rescuing kids, but about revealing them to themselves! I believe when kids have someone to believe in them and encourage them to believe in themselves, it goes a LONG way in shaping the future. The historical information about Martha's Vineyard was much appreciated!

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This was an amazing film that showcasing the value of community, mentorship and brotherhood. The Vineyard has always served as a respite or a safe space for African Americans, and continues to be so. The NYC MBK participants have been handed the torch, will journey with it, and pass it on to the next generation. Thank you to the filmmakers, narrator and film participants for making this documentary.

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I grew up coming to MV every summer as a child I was fortunate to experience the beauty, history and grace of this island! As an African American woman raised in a 2 parent black household despite the privilege and honor I am a single mom raising a son and daughter. Watching this film resonated so deeply with me as I see the struggles my young son experiences and wanting him to know and understand his power even in a world that doesn’t want him to believe how incredible he is as a young black boy. Watching the MKB of NY gave me such hope and vision for what is necessary for our young people. I’m a resident of Massachusetts and this is such an amazing opportunity for us to continue to push the narratives that we as a people can and will! As a community we must always give to the next and empower our generations behind us to know there are so many opportunities and a world at their fingertips that should not be the exception but become the rule. America is ours too and we deserve for our young to know that at their cores.

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Every time I watch this film inspires me to dream bigger. Dr. Bonds said that Changing Norms is about revealing the young men to themselves. Helping them discover the genius within is so powerful and providing them a time of rest and reflection on MV is where that magic revelation happens.

One of the wonderings that I have is what would it take to scale this while maintaining the intimacy of the experience that the young men in this video had?

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The Vision Class is inspiring and upholds the wish that we and the next generation can honor our ancestors in pursuing greatness. The hope that we have in this generation can be realized by showing them who and where we come from. This was an awesome view of the historic rich legacy of Martha’s Vineyard. Thank you !

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1. Another call to action: extend the viewing to NPR, local public broadcasting affiliates.

2. Since the Trump administration cut $1 billion from CPB - Corporation for Public Broadcasting, there is an increased need for private and nonprofit funding. This film can be a lightening rod for expanding content creation to fill upcoming gaps at those stations.

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A moving tribute to the legacy of MV and how its existence provides haven, healing and fellowship to all. I saw myself in those young men. I grew up in an urban environment who was a dreamer. The proximity to hope was crystallized for me when I visited in my youth. I shout and share the importance of this special place to all that will listen. This documentary provides the opportunity to reveal the “intentional vision” of our ancestors.