ABOUT THE FILM
The People’s Council is a documentary rooted in the story of Montgomery—a place where the weight of history is not just remembered, but lived. Known globally as a birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, Montgomery has long stood at the center of America’s ongoing struggle toward justice and representation. Beyond the familiar landmarks and defining moments lies a deeper, lesser-told story about how power, voice, and governance have evolved within the city itself.
The film begins in the wake of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as the push for representation continued through both protest and policy. It situates viewers at the crossroads of change, where years of advocacy and civic pressure culminated in the 1975 transition to the Mayor-Council form of government. This shift marked a new chapter in how leadership was structured and how communities could see themselves reflected in decision-making.
Through archival material, community voices, and reflections from past and present leaders, The People’s Council explores how this transformation unfolded across generations.
The film follows the arc of leadership from long-standing administrations to the emergence of new voices that reflected the city’s changing identity. It considers the tensions, the breakthroughs, and the unfinished work that continue to shape Montgomery today.
At its core, The People’s Council is not just about government. It is about people—those who organized, advocated, voted, and stepped into leadership with the belief that their city could become more equitable and responsive. It is a story of civic imagination, structural change, and the enduring relationship between history and progress.
As Montgomery marks 50 years under the Mayor-Council system, this film invites viewers to reflect on where the city has been, how far it has come, and what it means to build a future that honors both its legacy and its potential.
FEATURING
Joe L. Reed, Sr. - Montgomery City Council (1975)
Randall Williams - Reporter, Alabama Journal (1975)
Vanzetta Penn McPherson - Retired Federal Judge
Charles Jinright - Montgomery City Council (2003)
Bobby Bright - Mayor of Montgomery, AL (1999)
Cornelious Calhoun - Montgomery City Council (2019)
Todd Strange - Mayor of Montgomery, AL (2009)
Steven L. Reed - Mayor of Montgomery, AL (2019)
Kim Davis - Reporter, WSFA News (1980)
PRODUCTION TEAM
Steven L. Reed - Executive Producer
Kalonji A. Gilchrist - Director/Producer/Editor
Jamyla Philyaw - Associate Producer
Anthony D. Gamble - Cinematographer
Shelecia Parker Robinson - Production Manager
Cordareus Gilmore - Key Grip
Lauren Brock - Key Production Assistant
Chason Marvin - Production Assistant
Theo M. Moore II - Archival Researcher
Jessica O'Connor - Archival Researcher
