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"612: Darkness in the Land of Nice" World Premiere


Adult Enrichment / Trips, Tours & Special Events -
Adult Enrichment Spring 2025

A Generation Awakens. A City Transforms. A Movement Begins.

Amid global unrest and social reckoning, 612: Darkness in the Land of Nice makes its powerful premiere—a documentary that captures the rise of the post-9/11 generation as they realize their power and spark a movement that reverberates around the world.

Set in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, 612 tells the story of how students and young people at the local level ignited the largest single-issue protest in modern history following the murder of George Floyd. Their voices, actions, and courage marked the beginning of a global decade of youth-led change—one defined by purpose, justice, and the refusal to remain silent.

Amid the shifting tides of American identity, demographic change, and growing calls for equity, 612 explores the tensions and triumphs of a community confronting the disparities embedded in its systems. It offers a unique and urgent perspective on how American ideals collide with lived realities—and how grassroots action can be the spark for national and global transformation.

The documentary shines a spotlight on four groundbreaking initiatives born in Minnesota:

●The Rondo Land Bridge Project in St. Paul, reconnecting a historically Black community divided by infrastructure.

●V3 Sports in North Minneapolis, building opportunity through athletics, wellness, and education.

●The Page Education Foundation, founded by NFL Hall of Famer and Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page, empowering students of color through education and civic leadership.

●Black Men Teach, a nonprofit committed to increasing Black male representation in Minnesota classrooms by recruiting, preparing, placing, and retaining Black male elementary school teachers—improving student outcomes and reshaping the future of education.

Featured in the Film:

  • Alan Page – Retired Minnesota state Supreme Court judge. Minnesota Viking. College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
  • Marvin Anderson – Retired Attorney at Law and former Minnesota State Law Librarian. Board Chair, ReConnect Rondo. Executive Director, Rondo Center of Diverse Expression
  • Erika L. Binger – Founder V3. Philanthropist. Former Chair of the McKnight Foundation. Former world triathlete and aquathlete champion.
  • Markus Flynn – Executive Director at Black Men Teach.
  • Henry Lake – Lake Media Group, Talk show host (WCCO, Fox, The Lake Show).
  • Patty Hand – Chief Operating Officer Minnesota Department of Education.
  • Susan Brower – Minnesota State Demographer and Director of the Minnesota State Demographic Center.
  • John Gordon – Former attorney Faegre Baker Daniels, Former Executive Director American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (ACLU of MN).
  • Maddie and Emma Pederson – Community Organizers.
  • Toshira Garrway – Community Activist.

612 is a testament to the power of local voices and unsung heroes—community leaders, students, educators, and advocates—whose everyday actions create extraordinary change. It captures the spirit of unity and the transformative potential of collective action in the pursuit of justice, equity, and a better future.

This is not just a documentary. It’s a blueprint for change.

Proceeds benefiting Justice Page Middle School.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
Location: Justice Page Middle School
 - Address: 1 W 49th St, Minneapolis, MN 55419 

Doors Open: 6:30 PM | Film Starts: 7:00 PM

Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting Justice Page Middle School.

NOTE:  All students must be accompanied by an adult.


⚠️ IMPORTANT ATTENDEE INFORMATION

No video recording or photography is permitted during the screening.

Backpacks, large bags, or totes are not allowed inside the venue.

Security screening will be in place. Please arrive early to ensure a smooth entry.


CREDITS:

Director / Writer / Producer: Diem Van Groth

Producer: David M. Massey

Executive Producers: Sarah Brokaw, Kokayi Ampah, Clint Schaff

NOTE: If event is sold out, please add your name to our waitlist. We will contact you if tickets become available.

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AE-52069-S25-SWT-1
Justice Page Middle School : 1 - Auditorium
Friday, May 23
7:00 - 8:15 PM

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