THE FAITH OF THE DREAMER
“Opposition to the truth may derail the dream but faith of the dreamer prevails” - Gwendolyn M Payton
In 1968, Gwendolyn Middleton Payton entered a private, southern Baptist college, only three years after the first Black student was admitted. After 4 years of matriculation, Gwendolyn was denied a degree in Studio Art. This film brings to light, the events surrounding the denial of Gwendolyn’s art degree and the crucial importance of the healing of racial trauma.
The Faith of the Dreamer
1968: An African American student at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia is denied her Studio Art degree and the means to pursue her dream of becoming a medical illustrator by a racist professor who declares that “niggers aren’t smart enough to earn a degree from this department”. 50 years later, Gwendolyn Payton—along with her family and peers— shares through intimate interviews, raw memories of racial trauma and, how a coincidental meeting offers a chance at redress. Director Khary Payton (The Walking Dead’s King Ezekiel, Gwendolyn’s son) joins this reflection on the psychological effect of racial trauma, the healing power of lament and how an enduring, vibrant spirit drowns out darkness.
Director: Khary Payton
Executive Producers: Dan and Brenda Van Ness
Producer: Megan Shannon DeFranza
Director of Photography/Editor: Paul Van Ness
Cast: Gwendolyn M Payton
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