Rethinkers are highlighted in upcoming HBO documentary

7th May 2012   ·   0 Comments

By Kelly Parker
Contributing Writer

The month of May will be a busy one for the young voices for school reform known as the Rethinkers. On May 1, the group took part in HBO’s Weight of the Nation Day, a media event held in the Crescent City. New Orleans is one of a dozen cities holding awareness events.

The group (Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools) has never shied away from a challenge or a chance to be heard. Now, thanks to HBO, the nation will see what New Orleanians have known for some time.

This month, HBO will premiere the documentary, “The Weight of the Nation,” which takes an unwavering look at the severity of obesity and its crippling effects on our healthcare system. Three years in the making; it’s one of the most far-reaching public health campaigns on this epidemic to date, comprising four documentary films, a three-part series for families, 12 bonus shorts, a robust website and social media campaign and a book published by and nationwide outreach to more than 40,000 community-based organizations.

Included in the documentary is an installment entitled “The Great Cafeteria Takeover, spotlighting our very own Rethinkers on their mission to improve school food and cafeterias in post-Katrina New Orleans.

“It shows a wonderful story of a New Orleans phenomenon,” says Rethink founder/director Jane Wholey. It’s inspiring to the city and to the nation. Everyone will enjoy it.”

A childhood obesity advocate familiar with the group suggested HBO contact the Rethinkers for the documentary, and the HBO team came to the city and fell in love with kids, according to Wholey.

“It was fascinating watching them at work,” she added. “They came to New Orleans a good 10 times to film.”

HBO followed the Rethinkers during six months of their work on the school food report card, shadowed the group as they surveyed schools, covered the (Feet to the Fire) book release event and went with them to (food service provider) ARAMARK, to discuss getting fresh local foods in schools,

“They even followed them on a TV gig,” Jane Wholey told The Louisiana Weekly. “It’s really a great documentary.”

On May 9, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities will screen hold a screening of the Great Cafeteria Takeover; the celebration: Rethink on the Red Capet, takes place at 6pm, New Orleans Commissioner of Health Karen DeSalvo will be on hand.

The Rethinkers will hold a watch party on May 16th for their family and friends at Langston Hughes Academy. “We’re having a cookout, with the Rethinkers and their families to all watch the premiere together.” Jane Wholey stated.

The group will end the year with the annual news conference to release school food report cards on May 31, at 10 am; location of the event will be announced.

Following the mantra: Dream- Document — Take Action, Re­thinkers have led campaigns to change school bathrooms, food and cafeterias, and discipline policies since 2006. With currently over 90 youth members, they’ve held eight news conferences, written four reports, and forged major agreements with school officials.

For more on The Weight of the nation, go to www.hbo.com/­theweightofthenation. For news on (Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools), visit there­think­ers.com.

This article was originally published in the May 7, 2012 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper