Raising Bertie

Raising Bertie is an incisive and heartfelt 2016 documentary that takes us on an intimate journey into the lives of three African American boys metamorphosing into young men. The central characters are Reginald “Junior” Askew, David “Bud” Perry, and Davonte “Dada” Harrell, all from the rural and predominantly Black North Carolina county of Bertie. The film is directed by Margaret Byrne, her first feature-length project, and captures the real-life experiences of these young men as they navigate the trials and tribulations of life, education, and their collective hope to escape the systemic confines that their environment presents.

Raising Bertie was filmed over six years and it bears evident in its strikingly realistic portrayal of the run-down but tightly knit community of Bertie County, judiciously exploiting the passage of time to create an effective visual narrative. The director presents an unflinching, honest gaze into the harsh realities of this community where the struggle to survive and the pursuit of dreams are two sides of the same coin. A variety of societal issues come into focus – access to education, unemployment, crime, and systemic racism. Yet, the film never capitalizes on despair. Instead, it is a celebration of resilience and an exploration of the human spirit unabashedly yearning for better prospects.

Larry Cooke, a real-life principal and prominent resident of Bertie County, plays an influential role in the lives of the three boys. He guides them through the daily challenges of high school and life beyond academia, acting as a lighthouse amidst their chaotic existence. His compelling presence through the film serves as the gnarled bedrock that this narrative is constructed on.

The documentary begins with the establishing of the alternative school, “The Hive,” funded by Vivian Saunders. The Hive serves as a sanctuary for these young men against the bruising impact of their socio-economic plight. It is not only a place of educational promise but also offers refuge and support, a haven which is soon jeopardized midway through the film when it abruptly loses its funding.

Reginald “Junior” Askew is one of the central figures of Raising Bertie. His story presents a deep exploration of the struggles of realizing one’s dreams when pinned down by circumstances. Junior wants to graduate and have a stable job, unlike his father who is in and out of jail. His story is an emotionally charged journey of the blows life can deliver and the silent strength needed to endure and rise.

David “Bud” Perry, energetic and determined, yearns to break the cycle of temporal labor work that his father is engaged in. Bud dreams of a colored future, looking forward to joining the military and moving out of Bertie. He fights the resilience of the inertia of his surroundings, every day, fueling himself with optimism and a relentless will.

Davonte “Dada” Harrell confronts a fractured family life and a constant battle with academics. His story is one of the harsh reality of being left to his own devices since a tender age and carving out his identity amidst adversity. Yet, Dada thrives associated with a reserved demeanor that hides a tumultuous struggle, and his aim to graduate high school is a testament to his perseverance.

Raising Bertie creates an intricate tapestry of rural African American life, developing an emotionally resonant and deeply impactful documentary film. It features an immersive, carefully constructed narrative that foremost does justice to its characters' genuine experiences, relying less on overly dramatized elements and focusing more on authenticity.

Above all, the integral message that pervades Raising Bertie is that of hope and resilience. Despite the myriad of societal and individual obstacles thrown onto their paths, Junior, Bud, and Dada persist against all odds, continuously striving for better lives. The rugged community of Bertie forms the backdrop of this compelling journey towards a more promising future. The documentary is unflinching in its gaze on the difficult hardships these young men endure, yet it highlights humanity's enduring spirit, the will to rise above adversity, and the shared quest for a better life, painting a complex, yet hopeful portrait of rural African American youth in America.