Minneapolis Public Schools

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, V3 Sports in North Minneapolis, The Page Education Foundation and Black Men Teach.

Credits:

Director / Writer / Producer: Diem Van Groth
Producer: David M. Massey
Executive Producers: Sarah Brokaw, Kokayi Ampah, Clint Schaff

Event Details

Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
Location: Justice Page Middle School - Door 1(1 W 49th St, Minneapolis, MN 55419)
Doors Open: 6:00 p.m. | Film Starts: 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Sliding scale option: $0 / $10 / $25 / $50 / $100 (all proceeds will benefit the Justice Page school community)

Lemonade and cookies are included for each ticket holder. 

Note: All students must be accompanied by an adult.

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.

Important attendee information:

• Backpacks, large bags, or totes are not allowed inside the venue.
• No video recording or photography is permitted during the screening.
• Security screening will be in place. Please arrive early to ensure a smooth entry.