A Binding Truth

A remarkable story of race, forgiveness, truth, and understanding as two former high school classmates with the same last name, Jimmie and De Kirkpatrick, realize their connection isn’t simply a coincidence but instead harkens back to a shameful chapter of American history.In 1965, in segregated Charlotte, NC, rising football star Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick transferred from his all Black high school to an affluent historically white high school. In these new halls, Jimmie Lee would often pass Hugh “De” Kirkpatrick, a white student, and they’d joke about their shared last name. Neither one of these Kirkpatricks would have imagined that this commonality between them ran deep into their families’ histories, which wasn’t spoken of for many years. In fact, Jimmie’s family’s last name was adopted generations ago when they were enslaved by De’s family. Untangling their interwoven journies and lineages, A BINDING TRUTH is a documentary that exposes the lasting effects of slavery with an emphasis on uncovering the truth, cultivating understanding, and coming together to heal. —G.S. This film is presented in loving memory of EDWARD THOMAS MARCEL.GUEST(S) IN ATTENDANCE