K. Manning’s Bio

Karla Manning is a former high school English teacher in Chicago Public Schools.  She has also travelled to South Africa as a volunteer English teacher, working with young ESL students.  Currently, she is a PhD student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Curriculum & Instruction with a focus on multicultural education and cultural media studies.  Upon graduation, she wishes to a university professor working with pre-service teacher.

FILM DESCRIPTION:

There is a serious crisis in education right now as it pertains to African Americans.  Many students have countless stories of trials, tribulations, struggles, and other experiences that affect their education. But when as a society do we recognize their achievements and success stories? What type of image is portrayed of African American students in today’s media?

Black Lights: They Chose to Succeed features  several students, educators, and community members who offer insight into the academic achievements as well as perceptions of black students in Chicago.  They will tell the stories about their struggles, experiences, and dreams; but most of all, about their will and ambition to overcome the obstacles that have been in their way.

It features interviews from several students in Chicago Public Schools, J-Ivy, Ms. Karen Lewis, Dr. Marvin Lynn, Dr. David Stovall, Rev. Michael Pfleger, and Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright.

Please click here to view the trailer and here for the website.