BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Most students may be returning home for the holidays and to continue their studies online, but the Indiana University Kelley School of Business’ yearlong series on diversity, equity and inclusion, “The Commons,” continues.
While nestled in their homes, Kelley students, faculty and staff are encouraged to watch a series of award-winning films about courageous people who have championed the causes of social justice and inclusion.
Kelley School Dean Idalene “Idie” Kesner suggested that everyone watch at least three films from a list of 10 movies available online between now and the end of January. Selections include biographies of the late civil rights leader and longtime Georgia congressman John Lewis, Nobel Prize laureate and Pakistani women’s education activist Malala Yousafzia and the late IU football great George Taliaferro.
“I would like for you to watch at least one of the 10 films listed below, all of which highlight a champion of social justice who has made a positive impact on our world,” Kesner said in a message sent to students. “While one film is certainly a good start, why not go further by setting a personal goal of watching three films – one per month – to broaden your knowledge and gain insight into others’ experiences and challenges. Trust me, you will be inspired by these heroes.”
Kesner hopes they will make time to watch the films and “continue the work we started,” and further encourage thoughtful conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Several of the award-winning films can be viewed free online or through IU Libraries. Others may be watched through subscription services or for a small rental fee ($3.99 or less). Click on the titles to watch the trailers.
- Mankiller, how Wilma Mankiller defied all odds to become the Cherokee Nation’s first female principal chief. Watch free on PBS through November in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. Also available free through IU Libraries at IUB or University Library at IUPUI.
- RBG, documentary on how Ruth Bader Ginsberg changed the world for women and became an iconic Supreme Court justice. Available to watch free through IU Libraries at IUB or University Library at IUPUI. Also available on Hulu with subscription, or to rent on Amazon Prime.
- “John Lewis: Good Trouble,” profile of the civil rights leader and how he spent his adult life fighting for social justice. Available to rent on Amazon Prime or rent on Vudu.
- “Dolores,” a historical and personal account of labor activist Dolores Huerta, who championed the rights of farmworkers and co-founded a farmworkers’ union with Cesar Chavez. Available to rent on YouTube, Amazon, or Vudu.
- “The Freedom to Marry,” chronicle of the marriage-equality movement’s road to the Supreme Court ruling in favor of gay marriage with a focus on the architect of the movement, Evan Wolfson. Available to rent for 99 cents on Amazon Prime.
- “True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality,” documentary on the author of “Just Mercy” and cofounder of the Equal Justice Initiative. Watch free on YouTube.
- “Indiana Legends: George Taliaferro,” 30-minute documentary on the All-American football great who helped desegregate IU and Bloomington, and later became the first Black football player drafted by the NFL. Watch free on PBS.
- “He Named Me Malala,” inspiring portrait of an activist teenager who was shot by the Taliban and continued to fight for children’s education, becoming the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Available to watch free from IU Libraries at IUB, or on Documentary Mania. Rent on YouTube or Amazon Prime.
- “On Her Shoulders,” the story of genocide survivor Nadia Murad, who was enslaved by ISIS, escaped, and became the voice of her people. Available to watch free with Amazon Prime subscription or through University Library at IUPUI. Rent on YouTube or Vudu.
- “American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs,” biography of a Chinese-American philosopher and author who immersed herself in social activism for more than 70 years, advocating for labor rights, civil rights, gender equality, and environmental justice. Available to rent on YouTube, Amazon Prime, or Vudu.
“Learning more about history and the experiences of others makes us better citizens, better team members, and better leaders,” Kesner said. “Please join me in continuing to broaden the collective perspective at the Kelley School so that we are better equipped to create a better future for all of us.”