You’re invited to a special screening of “Class of Her Own”

Press release from City of Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The City of Gainesville, in partnership with Alachua County Public Schools, invites you to a special screening of “Class of Her Own,” a newly released documentary about the late Duval Elementary School teacher Gloria Jean Merriex and her innovative teaching methods. It will be presented during the Juneteenth Film Festival on Saturday, June 8.

“Class of Her Own” showcases the latter part of Merriex’s career when the federal No Child Left Behind law spurred her to revise the school’s curriculum and reinvent her teaching methods using hip-hop, dance, and other unique interactive approaches. In doing so, her unconventional methods led to transformational change in the academic performance of her students. They also transformed Merriex herself from everyday teacher to exceptional instructor.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Gainesville Mayor Pro-Tem Cynthia Moore Chestnut. Panelists include University of Florida College of Education Professor Buffy Bondy, who studied Merriex’s methods; filmmaker Boaz Dvir, who directed the documentary and whose films have aired and streamed on PBS, The New York Times, Hulu and other major platforms; and School Board of Alachua County Vice-chair Dr. Leanetta McNealy, who served as Duval Elementary School’s principal during the Merriex years.

These events are free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!

Saturday, June 8 Journey to Juneteenth Film Festival schedule

Juneteenth Film Festival Meet the Artist & Reception 5-6 p.m., A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center, 1013 NW Seventh Ave.
Juneteenth Film Festival featuring the screening of “A Class of Her Own, the Gloria J. Merriex Story ” 6-8:30 p.m., Presented with Alachua County Public Schools in the A. Quinn Jones Center School auditorium, 1108 NW Seventh Ave.

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