A Southeast DC native, James Smith discusses the problems he sees in DC. He explains the things he thinks are not right: namely, the over-policing in his community. He expresses his bitter attitude toward the police and society in general, and his lack of hope. He reflects on how (if at all) people can beat the system. James ends by talking about how he likes Anacostia Park, but sees much room for improvement. Based on his own life experience, he does think some change is possible.
Leonard Cohen, American University Class of 1969, discusses his time as an American University student and beyond. As a Political Science major, he shares how he learned to "follow the money" and how to communicate with all types of people. He reflects on his time protesting as a student, and remembers the protests against the invasion of Cambodia in particular. Leonard talks about taking the "University and Revolution" class with James "Jim" Weaver and Gary Weaver and the pushback they received from the administration. He remembers sneaking alcohol while AU was a dry campus. He ends by telling a story of a time he got arrested and its aftermath.
Former American University student Pamela Beardsley discusses her time on campus. Though she did not graduate in 1969, she was a student starting in 1965 and spent time on campus through the 1970s. She remembers being a part of a small group dedicated to political action and education. She talks about protesting a continuing education program for law enforcement at AU due to increased racialized police violence in the city. Pamela reflects on how Martin Luther King's assasination changed the feeling of DC. She further discusses protests on campus in 1969 and 1970 relating to the US invasion of Cambodia and the shooting at Kent State. She ends by reflecting on the 1970 AU graduation, with a large police presence and anti-war messages everywhere. She later went on to work for the National Anti-War Organization.