About the film

This feature documentary weaves together sculptor Richard Hunt’s process and life story, with that of civil rights crusader, suffragist and antilynching activist, Ida B. Wells. Hunt creates the Light of Truth monument for the Bronzeville community at the former site of the Ida B. Wells Homes. Wells’ history and the sculptor’s history intersect in their mutual reaction and actions as they confront the injustices of racism with their work.

The late Richard Hunt has been a major figure in American art for over 40 years. As we see the statue being developed, we follow Wells’ life from being born into slavery in Mississippi to becoming a teacher, a journalist and an anti-lynching activist. We follow her to Chicago and to her protest at the Chicago World’s Fair, her work as a suffragist and how she inspired the BLM movement. We follow Richard Hunt’s career, the philosophy of his work and why he was chosen to create this monument. “Hunt’s graceful works are inspired by his life experiences and his African-American heritage, reflecting the rhythm of poetry, the intensity of the spiritual and the enlightenment of the prophet” said Kinishana Homan Conwill, Director, The Studio Museum of Harlem.