Their film, 鈥�,鈥� is helping to shape a national conversation about environmental justice, citizen activism, indigenous rights, and nonviolent resistance.

Largest open-pit mine ever?

The 45-minute film focuses on the proposed creation of the world鈥檚 largest open-pit mine 鈥� nearly four miles long, 1,000 feet wide and 900 feet deep 鈥� in the Penokee Hills, just miles from the world鈥檚 largest freshwater lake and several Native American communities that rely on the water source to preserve tribal traditions and economic well-being.

鈥淓MU students are helping drive a very important dialogue about one of the major issues of our day,鈥� says Moore, associate professor of and .

鈥淭his is a story that is far from over,鈥� added Pete Rasmussen, co-founder of the and a prominent voice in the film. He noted the of a from mining company Gogebic Taconite to Governor Scott Walker鈥檚 recall campaign.

The film traces three compelling story lines 鈥� the extractive industry of open pit iron ore mining, its potential effect on one of the world鈥檚 largest freshwater lakes, and the multicultural group of citizen activists who have been monitoring the site and protesting the proposal. Woven into the narrative is a Greek chorus of West Virginia residents affected by the .

Alerting people of Wisconsin

The documentary is 鈥渁 message to the people in Wisconsin of what will likely happen if the mining is continued,鈥� said student filmmaker Anne Diller 鈥�14. 鈥淎fter listening to the people from West Virginia share their warning to Wisconsin, it felt like we were piecing together a love letter.鈥�

Since its premiere June 20 on the reservation of the Bad River band of the Lake Superior Chippewa tribe, the film has earned accolades from local activists.

Jill 鈥淧each鈥� Hartlev, a member of the tribe鈥檚 , helped host the premiere, which was open to the public and included a potluck, poetry, singing and dancing. Several of those interviewed in the film were also present, including tribal chair Mike Wiggins Jr.

鈥淚t was an overwhelmingly positive response among those present,鈥� Hartlev said, who added that Moore鈥檚 presence made the event special. 鈥淚t was very moving for me personally to see those faces and hear those voices. These are personal friends and also people who I work closely with. I was moved to tears.鈥�

Rasmussen said he appreciated 鈥渢he connections the students made, how it showed an understanding of how we鈥檙e all connected, from West Virginia to Virginia to what鈥檚 happening here.鈥�

Putting all the pieces together

Local and national media had reported on the proposed project, Rasmussen said, but 鈥渢he film put all the pieces together and has definitely had a broader impact with audiences who are not as familiar with the issue and the idea that we鈥檙e facing this all over the country in a systemic way.鈥�

Hartlev and Rasmussen, who both attended multiple regional showings throughout the summer, noted that the various audiences shared an especially visceral reaction to Gogebic Taconite spokesman Bob Seitz鈥檚 statement about the presence at the proposed site of grunerite, a rare asbestiform rock that carries the risk of airborne carcinogens. Seitz鈥檚 statement contradicted both of the company鈥檚 own scientists, as well as that of Northlands College geologist Tom Fitz.

鈥淭here were gasps and laughter, expressions of disbelief during that segment,鈥� said Rasmussen. 鈥淭he people who have been paying attention in meetings and hearings have seen that denial, but there鈥檚 only a few people going to those meetings. So to get that on film is motivating to the public, because it鈥檚 something they鈥檝e heard about, but they haven鈥檛 seen it.鈥�

Moore 鈥� an experienced videographer who has produced documentaries aired by the Discovery Channel, PBS and National Geographic 鈥� noted that the experience of capturing that interview on film and dealing with the ethical aftermath was unsettling, though educational for her students.

鈥淭he students are really in the middle of this, and that interview segment shows that,鈥� she said. 鈥淗ere was a company spokesperson offering misleading information, right on film, and we spent a lot of time talking about the best way to handle it.鈥�

Importance of bearing witness

Moore teaches a documentary filmmaking course every two years. (Previous student-involved projects include a and a feature about local cooperative restaurant .)

The challenges students 鈥� and professors, Moore says 鈥� to think about 鈥淓MU鈥檚 message of service and responsibility in a media industry which is so entitled and can be quite destructive and powerful.鈥�

鈥淗ow do we think about media as creating a sacred space?鈥� Moore said. 鈥淲hat鈥檚 our role as a witness to the social justice movement?鈥�

Moore was introduced to the documentary鈥檚 subject matter by Danielle Taylor, who holds a from EMU. Taylor created the 鈥溾�� video project and blog.

Moore began filming in the fall of 2013. On several occasions, she stayed at a harvest camp established near the proposed site by the Lac Courte Oreilles band, where participants monitor a mining project entrance, conduct research, and practice traditional hunting and foraging skills.

By the time the spring 2014 documentary class began, she had dozens of hours of footage and faced the unique challenge of 鈥済etting my students excited about something I was already passionate about.鈥�

Link to West Virginia chemical spill

That wasn鈥檛 a problem after the Elk River toxic chemical spill on January 9, which contaminated the water supply 300,000 residents of Charleston, West Virginia, for days.

Senior Emma King and junior Karla Hovde interviewed several West Virginia residents, including Bob Kincaid, host of and a frequent contributor to the anti-mining discussion in Wisconsin. Those interviews had a dramatic impact on King.

鈥淚 really saw how misusing the environment hurts everyone,鈥� King said. 鈥淭alking to people firsthand, rather than reading about it in a book, put this into perspective for me.鈥�

Her involvement in the project changed her from a casual supporter of environmental causes to a passionate proponent.

鈥淲e were able to amplify the voices of a group of people who were concerned about their community,鈥� Diller said. 鈥淚 felt like I had a personal relationship with the people as we edited their interviews. They opened up and shared their stories with us and trusted us to get their message out to the world.鈥�

Moore says the film is an official selection of the . A spring showing on campus is also planned.

For more information on this issue, check out the reports on the , , and .

Editor’s note: In February 2015, Gogebic Taconite announced , citing unforeseen “wetland issues that make major continued investment unfeasible at this time,” as well as concern with impending environmental legislation. Though the company continues to claim that it will still work on securing permits to mine, some local officials and have suggested the press release is a sign of victory.

“Events throughout the week will focus on the MLK Jr. way of emphasizing issues of justice, pacifism, Christian faith, activism and service, and relationship building,” said Brian Martin Burkholder, campus pastor at 草莓社区.

will join with area leaders in the renaming and dedication of Martin Luther King Jr. Way, formerly Cantrell Avenue, on Monday, Jan. 20, at noon.

Additional programs include presentations by , professor of history, and , professor of history and mission at , discussion forums and many community gatherings.

All events are free and open to the public. Those interested in attending should meet at the event location.

Wednesday, Jan. 15

10-10:30 a.m. University Chapel: “Shaped Deeply by MLK, Jr.”

In what ways was the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. formative or influential in the lives of local people? What is the impact of MLK Jr. in today鈥檚 society? For what reasons was it important for Harrisonburg to rename a significant street the Martin Luther King Jr. Way? Come hear first-person narratives from local persons who have been shaped by MLK, Jr.

Stan Maclin, director of the Harriott Tubman Cultural Center, and Titus Bender, professor emeritus, will be the panelists.

Location: Lehman Auditorium on the campus of EMU.

Thursday, Jan. 16

4-6 p.m. March Out and Speak Out at James Madison University (JMU)

March through the JMU campus and speak out about King鈥檚 life and legacy. This year鈥檚 theme is 鈥淗is courage will not skip this generation.鈥� Sponsored by the .

Location: Starts at the James Madison statue near Varner House and ends at Transitions, Warren Hall.

Information: Call 540-568-6636 or visit

Friday, Jan. 17

10-10:30 a.m. EMU University Chapel: 鈥淭ake the First Step in Faith: A History of Inclusion” by Mark Metzler Sawin, PhD.

Location: Lehman Auditorium

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mix it Up at Lunch conversations

Choose to sit at one of the round tables with a mixture of people from the campus and community for guided conversation related to EMU’s racial heritage as presented in chapel. Meal passes available for participating community members and for students without a meal plan.

Coordinated by Beth Lehman, PhD, and Kathy Evans, PhD, professors in the EMU education department.

Location: Northlawn cafeteria on the campus of EMU. and 鈥� Dining Hall located in lower level; view available visitors’ parking by clicking display option on lower left.

Sunday, Jan. 19

Worship in local congregations in the Harrisonburg Northeast Neighborhood

– at 9:15 a.m. Buses depart from EMU University Commons parking lot at 10 a.m.

Location: 400 Kelley St., Harrisonburg, Va. 22802

– at 11 a.m. Buses depart from EMU University Commons parking lot at 10:30 a.m.

Location: Corner of Effinger and Sterling, Harrisonburg, Va. 22802

– at 11 a.m. Buses depart EMU University Commons parking lot at 10:30 a.m.

Location: 184 Kelley St., Harrisonburg, Va. 22802

– Church of God of Prophecy at 12:30 p.m. Buses depart EMU University Commons parking lot at noon.

Location: 386 E Gay St., Harrisonburg, Va. 22802

3 p.m. Serving the Community Dr. King鈥檚 Way

Join the Harrisonburg and Rockingham Chapter of the NAACP for its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. community program with guest speaker Pastor Warne Dawkins from Shiloh Baptist Church in Waynesboro, Va. Music by the Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition Choir. Freewill offering benefiting The Salvation Army shelter. Transportation is provided. Buses will depart EMU University Commons parking lot at 2:30 p.m., and return at 5 p.m.

Location: Lucy Simms Continuing Education Center

Monday, Jan. 20

8 a.m. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast program

The Sigma Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. hosts 鈥淏ack to Basics: Managing a Household Budget.鈥� Continental breakfast provided. Donations accepted.

Location: Lucy Simms Continuing Education Center

10-10:40 a.m. MLK Jr. Day Chapel: “A Domesticated King” by David Evans, PhD. An after-chapel discussion forum will follow.

Location: Lehman Auditorium

12 p.m. City of Harrisonburg MLK, Jr. Way Street Renaming Dedication Program

President Swartzendruber is one of the speakers at this event hosted by the City of Harrisonburg. Transportation is provided. Buses depart from EMU library circle at 11:30 a.m., and return at 1:30 p.m., for those who do not want to stay for the ribbon cutting and unity march. They will also return to pick up those who do wish to stay for ribbon cutting and march.

Location: JMU’s Memorial Hall Auditorium

1:30 p.m. Ribbon-cutting ceremony by Harrisonburg City Council followed by a unity march from Memorial Hall to Main Street and back to Memorial Hall. Hot chocolate and rest available at the .

Location: Meet outside JMU Memorial Hall

3 p.m. Adopt a Stream, Black鈥檚 Run clean-up

Join the EMU and departments and club to clean up a stretch of Black鈥檚 Run that flows through the northeast neighborhood. Gloves and bags will be provided.

Location: Meet at the Science Center at 2:45 p.m. for carpooling or anytime just outside at 621 N. Main Street, Harrisonburg.

7-9 p.m. MLK Lecture by Dr. Steve Perry

Dr. Steve Perry is the 2014 Martin Luther King Jr. formal program speaker. Featured in CNN鈥檚 鈥淏lack in America鈥� series, Perry is the founder and principal of in Hartford, Conn. Capital Prep has sent 100 percent of its predominantly low-income, minority, first generation high-school graduates to four-year colleges every year since its first class graduated in 2006.

Perry is an education contributor for CNN and MSNBC, an Essence magazine columnist, bestselling author and host of the No. 1 docudrama for TVONE, 鈥淪ave My Son.鈥�

Sponsored by the JMU Center for Multicultural Student Services.

Location: JMU Wilson Hall Auditorium

Tuesday, Jan. 21

All day 鈥� Come Across the Bridge dialogue

Engage with black community leaders, barbers and each other for lively dialogue around issues, dynamics and opportunities related to the MLK, Jr. Way at Tyrone Sprague鈥檚 downtown barbershop (6th floor of 2 South Main Street) and at the historic Blakey barbershop in the northeast neighborhood (230 Community Street). You can get a haircut too!

Hosts: Stan Maclin of the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center and Jered Lyons, EMU multicultural student advisor.

Thursday, Jan. 23

8 p.m. follow-up conversation/discussion 鈥� “The Way of MLK, Jr. 鈥� What鈥檚 Next?”

Coordinated by Amy Knorr, practice coordinator for the .

Location: Common Grounds Coffeehouse on the first floor of EMU’s University Commons.

More info

Admission to all programs is free. For more information on activities related to MLK observances, or for a full schedule of events, visit the or call at 540-432-4115.

First-year students set foot on campus one day, and the next, they stepped out in service to the local community.

For the first time, as part of their orientation program, some 300 EMU students with their orientation leaders spent Saturday, Aug. 28, volunteering at 17 non-profit organizations in and around Harrisonburg.

“It makes sense to me,” said student Terianne Kauffman from Paradise, Pa. “Mennonites believe that service is an important part of being a Christian, so why not start off the year [at EMU] with an experience like this.”

Debbie Keiser, Pioneer, Ohio, slices bagels for serving at the Our Community Place “fun festival.”
Photo by Jim Bishop

Ms. Kauffman and some 14 fellow students spent the afternoon stacking wood, pulling weeds and leveling gravel on a parking lot at the Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center west of the city as part of the “Community Learning Day of Service.”

Before the students swarmed to area non-profits, they were hosted by and treated to lunch at a number of locally-owned restaurants. Transportation to and from assignments was provided by Harrisonburg Transit and EMU vans.

At Booksavers, student volunteers looked up donated books on the Internet to determine prices for the used volumes that in turn are sold at discount prices to raise funds for relief programs.

“I’ve never done this before, but it’s kinda fun,” said student Jason Hostetter of Harrisonburg, working next to fellow student Maggie Parker from Wichita, Kan. “I’m amazed at how many books they have here.”

Another student group assisted at a “fun festival” sponsored by Our Community Place on N. Main Street across from The Little Grill, a unique restaurant that operates as a worker-owned collective. The group helped make and serve food, did face painting, played volleyball and interacted with festival participants.

(L. to r.): Marc Yoder, Belleville, Pa.; Paul Rutt, Luray, Va.; and Chris Lehman, Chambersburg, Pa., sort donated housewares at the Thrift Shop.
Photo by Jim Bishop

Some 15 students sorted through contributed toys and clothing at Mercy House’s thrift store, which helps raise money to support the homeless shelter.

Other students unloaded donated merchandise and sorted and priced clothing at the local Thrift Shop.

“I’ve never done this before (sorting clothes),” said student Kristi Kolb from Spring City, Pa. “I think it’s cool to help out in this way, and it benefits a lot of people in need. It’s interesting to see what people bring in,” she added.

“I think this gives freshman a better idea of the many different opportunities for service available in the local community,” said sophomore orientation leader Shannon Yoder from Harrisonburg. “If they are interested in getting involved in a certain project, they’ll know how to get in touch with the right people.”

The day began with welcoming speeches from Harrisonburg Vice-Mayor Rodney Eagle; Ron Copland, an Eastern Mennonite Seminary student and founder of The Little Grill restaurant; Adam Starks, a 2003 EMU graduate and manager of Panera Bread, which donated food to the event; and Sylvia Romero of the Shenandoah Valley Migrant Education Agency.

Deanna Durham
Photo by Jim Bishop

, community learning coordinator at EMU, felt that the event was “successful,” adding: “We wanted students to realize from when they first arrive on campus that they are not coming just to a college campus, but to a real community that has both needs and opportunities for learning.”

“A Collective Look at The Little Grill,” a one-hour documentary produced by students enrolled in a documentary film class at EMU, will have a return showing at Court Square Theater, downtown Harrisonburg.

Showtimes are 7 and 9 p.m. Monday, July 12.

Students in a documentary production class taught by Jerry Holsopple and Jennifer Mace spent part of their spring semester creating a video detailing the life and times of the well-known restaurant on N. Main Street in Harrisonburg. The film had its premiere showings on Apr. 20, also at Court Square Theater.

The restaurant is widely-known for its distinctive “down home atmosphere” with food “made from scratch.” Live music is featured on weekends, and on Mondays the establishment offers a soup kitchen.

Benjamin Myers, a student in the class, said the group spent 10 days of shooting at the restaurant. He and his classmates interviewed patrons and workers and edited the raw footage into the one-hour documentary, designed with an “impromptu feel.”

Holsopple described the video as “a lighthearted exploration of the many aspects of the Little Grill experience from the organizational structure to the customers, from the Monday soup kitchen to weekend entertainment and more.”

In June, 2003, the restaurant became a worker-owned business

Students in a documentary production class taught by Jerry Holsopple and Jennifer Mace spent part of their spring semester creating a video detailing the life and times of "The Little Grill," a well-known restaurant on Main Street in Harrisonburg.

On-site photographs of the restaurant and its patrons, taken by students while filming, were on display in the hallways outside the theater during the documentary’s two showings on Tuesday, April 20, at Court Square Theater, downtown Harrisonburg.

The restaurant is widely-known for its distinctive "down home atmosphere" with food "made from scratch." Live music is featured on weekends, and on Mondays the establishment offers a soup kitchen.

Benjamin Myers, a student in the class, said the group spent a week of shooting at the restaurant, which is a collective partially owned by all employees. Myers and classmates interviewed patrons and workers and edited the raw footage into the one-hour documentary, designed with an "impromptu feel."

The intense filming schedule and hard work paid off when the film was enthusiastically received. Plans for additional showings and possible film festival entries are in the works, said Holsopple.