Eric Butler is one of the tens of thousands of New Orleanians who left after Hurricane Katrina and never made it back home. After the fateful storm, Eric along with his wife and two children made their way to California, seeking a new home and opportunities. His wife found an opportunity to finish schooling in Louisiana and returned there with their daughter. The two never returned to California as their marriage, strained by disaster and distance, fell apart.
Eric and his son Tre continued to live their lives in Oakland. There, Eric became a pioneer behind the restorative justice movement in the local public schools, finding a position at Ralph Bunche High as a counselor and mediator. He takes pride in his work and his position, though the stressful job strains his health. Things take a turn when Tre calls one day from the police station: He has been falsely accused of attempted robbery and thrown in prison.
Circles: the Restorative Justice Project is a highly personal biography of Eric as he lives his life in Oakland. The cinematography is often striking, and Eric’s job is interesting. It’s obvious that their guardians and previous school administration have mistreated and ignored the kids under his care. While he sees failure in some attempts to enact justice, his efforts help many of the children in Circles. The proof is in the diplomas: The graduation rate at Ralph Bunche nearly doubled after introducing restorative justice. Eric has an interesting history and has pioneered the restorative justice project at Ralph Bunche High School, but we spend a lot of time learning about his past and focused on Eric’s health.
Fans of biographical documentaries will enjoy this intense and intimate focus on Eric and his family, but those interested in learning about restorative justice might be disappointed there isn’t more explanatory or instructional content around the idea and its philosophies. While real-life drama quickly becomes central to Circles, restorative justice novices may find the portrayals of circles and open conversations helpful in understanding what the philosophy of restorative justice is and how it is used. Highly Recommended.
Where does this documentary belong on public library shelves?
Circles: the Restorative Justice Project belongs on biography and education documentary shelves. Consider putting it in law and justice collections.
What type of instructors would be interested in this title?
Professors of criminal justice, education, and African American studies would find the most use in Circles: the Restorative Justice Project on academic library shelves for their classroom syllabus.