Western Michigan University Communication Professor Jennifer Marchiolatti says “It’s frightening to change.” The documentary she produced and directed tells the story of two men who made major changes in their lives.
Peace During War debuted in 2014, and will be shown Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 in Knauss Hall at Western Michigan University. Marchiolatti will attend the screening along with Yafincio Harris and Michael Wilder. It's part of a series of events sponsored by Western's Center for the Study of Ethics in Society.
The short film tells the story of Wilder and Harris. They were on opposite sides of a gang feud in Kalamazoo. It had tragic consequences when Harris’ cousin was shot and killed. Wilder and another man turned themselves into police the next day in connection with the man's death.
"We can cross borders. Borders of race, of background, of gender, of neighborhood, and we can come together for something bigger."
Harris went to prison himself on unrelated charges. The two men ended up in the same community college class years later. Despite their past, they became friends and started a youth mentoring group in Kalamazoo.
Marchiolatti says the film shows the power of forgiveness and
“We can cross borders. Borders of race, of background, of gender, of neighborhood, and we can come together for something bigger.”
Peace During War is also the name of the organization launched by Harris and Wilder with support from the Fetzer Institute and the Forum of Greater Kalamazoo. Machiolatti says it works with young people, and also with law enforcement officials.
