This gripping documentary introduces James Forman, Jr., a thirty-one year-old public defender in Washington, D.C. who is the son of James Forman, Sr., the civil rights leader and former executive secretary of SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee). James Forman is carrying on his parents' tradition of activism in what he considers to be the front lines of the civil rights movement today. He defends young black men and women who cannot afford representation.

The film follows Forman both in his role as public defender and as educator at an alternative high school for juvenile ex-offenders, which he co-founded. Using his knowledge of the judicial system, his understanding of the streets, and his commitment to the African- American community, he is trying to help at-risk youth get back on track. Forman's work has particular relevance now, when the number of African-American young men under criminal justice supervision has risen to an astounding one in three. His crusade against the criminalization of African-American juveniles is a stirring example of idealism in action.

"extremely well done and inspirational... should be found in all library collections." Donna Bell-Rusel, Library of Congress,
MC Journal: The Journal of Academic Media Librarianship

Nominee, EMMY Award, 2000
Nominee, Achievement Award, IDA, 1999
Berlin International Film Festival, 1999