About This Project
Summary
What’s Left Behind? is a documentary that explores the life and death of the individuals murdered in Chicago through the voices of their mothers and other family members. The documentary is co-produced and co-directed by Lisa Butler and Dr. Ruby Mendenhall. Butler is a Clinical Social Worker and Dr. Ruby Mendenhall is a Professor in Sociology and African American Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Goals & Objectives
The goal of the documentary is to highlight the humanity of young people who have lost their lives due to gun violence. It also shows how the families are vulnerable to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder due to grief, trauma and stress. The families’ resilience and healing journeys
Results & Impact
We have shown the documentary in several locations throughout the Midwest and had panels that included the mothers in the documentary. After viewings of the documentary, community members reported feeling empowered that their stories were being told. Chicago local news and covered the screening
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