My name is Luis Salazar and I am a Peruvian-American documentary filmmaker. In 2020 I was approached by Deborah Meier (founder) and Jane Andrias (former teacher) to get involved in telling the story of the Central Park East Secondary School (CPESS)—a school composed mainly of Black and Latino students in East Harlem, New York City in the early 90’s. The school’s founding principle was, “You cannot prepare kids for democracy unless they experience living in a democracy.” In a country that seems to be losing its grip on democratic values, I set out to uncover the connection between upbringing, education and learning to live in a way that can sustain a democratic society.

For the past two years I, along with former teachers, students, and administrators, have been exploring the possibilities of a feature documentary. By conducting a round of preliminary interviews with alumni from the first graduating classes, a throughline emerged: They all have a strong sense that CPESS was fundamental for their success in life. These graduates are now school leaders, directors of nonprofits, filmmakers, artists, musicians, public employees, firefighters, ministers, professors, and much more.

In this film, you will hear from them. Former students, teachers, and parents will have the chance to express how this unique experience helped shape them into adults who exercise their responsibility and influence in their personal and professional lives, and how they express the values and intellectual habits they had formed during their time at the school. It is crucial that the educational leaders of today hear their voices and the impact a program such as this has had on them.

I feel a sense of urgency, particularly at this juncture in our history, that the principles of CPESS and the collective stories of its graduates be documented and shared. As our country’s democracy and public education are now under siege, it is essential that schools conduct themselves in preparation for a strong and active citizenry. I see this documentary as an exercise of hope to spread the idea that living in a thriving democracy is not just a dream.

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