Skip to Main Content

'A Binding Truth' Screenings

Posted: August 27 2025 at 02:03 PM
Author: Lisa Smith, NIC Communication Specialist


This September, communities across Northern Illinois will have a unique opportunity to view A Binding Truth, a powerful new documentary exploring race, memory, and reconciliation. 

Abindingtruth Poster Cmyk

Collective Action to Build Community (CA2BC), a partnership of more than 15 faith-based institutions, libraries, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and community organizations has planned free screenings of A Binding Truth, which will take place from Sept. 10-16 at multiple locations and times as well as online for registered individuals.  

CA2BC is a continuation of group's 2024 Film Club, which showed the movie Origin around the Chicago area, Ottawa, and Rockford to almost 600 people. 

The 90-minute film tells the story of Jimmie, who in 1965 became the first Black football star at an affluent Charlotte, N.C., high school. His arrival on the team placed him at the center of one of North Carolina’s most volatile civil-rights battles. De, a fellow student at the time, observed those events closely and later reflected on them in a college essay. Decades later, an unexpected discovery in church records uncovered hidden connections between Jimmie and De, revealing long-buried truths about their families, their city, and the nation’s history. A Binding Truth follows their journey of uncovering these intertwined stories, linking their personal experiences to America’s broader legacy of slavery, racial division, and the difficult work of healing. 

Northern Illinois audiences will have the privilege of seeing the premiere of this full-length version of the film before a shortened edit airs on North Carolina PBS on Oct. 1. To deepen engagement, CA2BC will also host a live Zoom interview on Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. with Jimmie, De and filmmaker Louise Woehrle. 

Register here for both in-person and online screenings. Those choosing the online option will receive a secure link for the film, which will be available between Sept. 10 and 16. 

CA2BC invites the community to watch this film, reflect, and join in building a more just and connected future. 

News & Announcements

Fearfulchild

From Bishop Schwerin: Children Under Threat

Beginning Oct. 3, Immigration and Customs Enforcement launched an operation, reportedly named “Freaky Friday,” targeting unaccompanied children aged 14 and older of all nationalities…

Uvclogocr

United Voices for Children Recognize NIC Child Advocates

Six Northern Illinois United Methodists received awards for their outstanding ministry with children and youth. Their recognition was celebrated at United Voices for Chi…

Img 1864

Neighbors and Conference Friends Mourn ICE Victim

About 120 people gathered at First United Methodist Church in Franklin Park/Movement in the City on Sept. 19 to mourn the death of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, who was killed by…

Layservantministries Logo With Space

Equip, Learn, Lead: NIC Lay Academies

Lay Academies provide valuable opportunities for laity to grow as leaders in their churches and communities. Academies are held in each district, a few times a year, offering convenient ac…

Print