The Kennedy/King sculpture, which sits at 17th and Broadway.

Robert F. Kennedy

I was able to catch the documentary "A Ripple of Hope" recently and I wanted to pass along my strong recommendation for any and all who have the opportunity to see it.

The film screens this Friday at the Madame Walker Theatre (617 Indiana Ave), with shows at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The 1 p.m. screening is geared toward community youth and will be followed by a panel discussion on how we can respect, accept and appreciate the world's rich diversity and different forms of expression. The evening screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by WTLC radio personality Amos Brown. Best of all, both screenings are FREE!

The film discusses the death of Martin Luther King, and how Robert F. Kennedy, who was campaigning in Indianapolis, was able to quiet an angry crowd and keep the peace when cities all over the country were experiencing riots and looting and general unrest in the wake of Dr. King's death.

The film employs discussion with first-hand sources from a variety of perspectives, from longtime Indianapolis newsman Tom Cochran to people who were in the Kennedy camp to people who were simply in the audience that night.

Visually the film is as good as any documentary you'll see on television, and makes excellent use of still photos, video footage and even (in at least one case) dramatization, though that is used very sparingly and to good effect.

The film is very informative, emotional, and resonates today. It just feels important, and Kennedy's speech, much of which we see and hear, is incredible. It was heartfelt and honest and completely lacks the detached rhetoric we hear from politicians today.

The film was also careful to note the gravity of Kennedy speaking about President John F. Kennedy's assassination for the first time in public, and what a tremendous moment it was, and how it helped calm the crowd and foster understanding rather than increased hatred.

The film also returns to 17th and Broadway today, and the wonderful sculpture that stands there. Imagine my surprise as I'm watching the film and notice a familiar face--Melissa Wise, my brother's girlfriend, whose grandfather speaks in the documentary. She's the young woman seen walking and talking at the sculpture near the film's end.

The film is outstanding, and I cannot recommend this film highly enough. Go out of your way to see this film.