Audrey Bronson

Zantzinger uses the direct cinema approach here for his portrayal of Rev. Audrey F. Bronson (now Bishop Bronson), which compares and contrasts her roles as minister, college professor and school principal in an African-American community in West Philadelphia. The film looks at this unique bond between pastor and congregation. Scenes of Rev. Bronson's electrifying and cathartic preaching are framed by comments from parishioners who relay in interviews their experiences with her. The film shows Rev. Bronson teaching college psychology classes at Cheyney State University, and leading a church-based elementary school as its principal. Throughout the film, Rev. Bronson discusses her philosophy about God, love, ethics, self-determination and racial politics. Her discourses on conquering fear and hate are especially poignant in light of the fact that her grandfather was beaten to death by members of the Ku Klux Klan. Rev. Bronson is energetic, outgoing, outspoken with a fiery yet personable countenance that drives her as she clearly seeks a better life for all.