Heart of Stone Trailer

Before 1960, the Weequahic section of Newark, NJ, was largely an enclave of first-generation working-class Jewish families. During this era, Weequahic High School (WHS) graduated more PHDs than any other high school in the country. One of its more famous graduates includes the Pulitzer Prize winning author Philip Roth.
It was not until 2001 that WHS saw a glimmer of hope with the arrival of a new principal, Ron Stone. Principal Stone, who watched students engage in a mass brawl upon his arrival to school, was able to make a truce with the gangs through his conflict resolution program. He created a non-violence zone, restoring safety and pride to the school. He then partnered with the Jewish and African American alumni to raise funds for college scholarships.
Stone adopts familial relationships with students, inspiring gang members to leave the comfort of the streets and attend college. Heart of Stone shows that one man can make a difference in this unusual tale where past meets present and adolescents strive to overcome adversity.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Ron Stone
• 1960
• Bloods
• Crypts
• gangs
• high school
• Jewish
• African American
• college