I Grew Up in Princeton: A Documentary on Racial and Political Tension
The town of Princeton, New Jersey, is often viewed through the lens of its prestigious university and academic serenity. However, the independent documentary I Grew Up in Princeton peels back this polished exterior to reveal a complex social landscape. Directed by Brad Mays and produced by Lorenda Starfelt at LightSong Films, the film serves as a deeply personal coming-of-age story that examines the sociological, economic, and racial fractures of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
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Key Facts
- Director: Brad Mays
- Release Date: October 18, 2013
- Runtime: 125 minutes
- Focus: Life in Princeton from the late 1960s through the early 1970s
- Scope: Features interviews with over 60 current and former residents
- Key Themes: Racial segregation, anti-war activism, and social perception
A Town of Two Realities
The film explores the paradox of Princeton during a tumultuous era. While the town appeared integrated on the surface, the documentary highlights a systemic divide. As noted by critic Joyce J. Persico, the film exposes "two realities" where Black residents were accepted in society only as long as they remained on their designated side of town.
One of the most poignant examples of this racial tension involves Dr. Philip McPherson, the former Superintendent of the Princeton Regional School District. The film documents the severe backlash Dr. McPherson faced for introducing James Baldwin's play, Blues for Mr. Charlie, into the English curriculum at Princeton High School. This conflict culminated in a disturbing personal attack, where Dr. McPherson discovered a racial epithet scrawled across his own driveway following a contentious meeting with a group of Teamsters.
Political Unrest and the IDA Protests
Beyond racial divisions, I Grew Up in Princeton delves into the political volatility of the Vietnam War era. A significant portion of the film focuses on the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA), an organization perceived by some as being complicit in the U.S. military's war efforts, specifically regarding bombing routes in Cambodia.
The documentary presents contrasting perspectives on the 1970 anti-war demonstrations held on IDA grounds. Lee Neuwirth, the former director of the IDA, provides a detailed account of the events. His narrative is juxtaposed with the views of Jimmy Tarlau and David Schankler, former members of the Students For A Democratic Society (SDS), who offer a different interpretation of the protests and the IDA's role.
Featured Contributors
To build this historical tapestry, the film incorporates archival footage and interviews with a diverse array of figures, including:
- Arnold Roth: Cartoonist
- Nelson Shanks: Famed artist
- Zachary Tumin: Author and former member of Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government
- Phil McPherson: Former Superintendent of Princeton Regional Schools
- Lee Neuwirth: Former director of the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA)
Film Production Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Director/Editor | Brad Mays |
| Producer | Lorenda Starfelt (LightSong Films) |
| Cinematography | Brad Mays, Rebecca Burr, Sam Freund |
| Music | Jon Negus |
| Festival Debuts | New Jersey International Film Festival (June 14, 2014); Philadelphia Independent Film Festival (June 28, 2014) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of the film I Grew Up in Princeton?
The film is a documentary that explores the racial, economic, and sociological divisions in Princeton, New Jersey, specifically during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Who is the director of the documentary?
The film was directed and edited by Brad Mays.
What role did the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) play in the film?
The IDA is a central point of discussion regarding the 1970 anti-war protests, with the film contrasting the views of the IDA's former director, Lee Neuwirth, against those of former Students For A Democratic Society (SDS) members.
How does the film address racial issues in Princeton?
It portrays the town as having "two realities," where racial acceptance was conditional upon Black residents staying on their side of town, and highlights the backlash faced by Dr. Philip McPherson for teaching the works of James Baldwin.
When and where did the film debut?
The film had its festival debut at the New Jersey International Film Festival on June 14, 2014, and was later screened at the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival on June 28, 2014.