Watch Stockton on My Mind

Stockton on My Mind is a documentary film that premiered on HBO in July 2020. The movie focuses on the life and career of Michael Tubbs, the former mayor of Stockton, California. The film explores how Tubbs, a young African-American man, rose to prominence in the city, and what he accomplished during his tenure as mayor. The movie also examines the challenges and obstacles that Tubbs faced, both in his personal life and in his political career.

The film begins with Tubbs returning to Stockton after his election as mayor in 2016. It then provides an overview of his childhood and upbringing in the city, and his early involvement in politics. Tubbs grew up in a working-class family in one of Stockton's most impoverished neighborhoods. However, he was an excellent student and eventually earned a scholarship to attend Stanford University. After graduation, Tubbs returned to Stockton and became involved in local politics. He initially worked as an intern for several elected officials, and then went on to manage a successful campaign for a local school board seat.

One of the major themes of the movie is Tubbs' commitment to addressing poverty and inequality in Stockton. Throughout his campaign and his time as mayor, Tubbs focused on developing policies and initiatives that would benefit the city's most vulnerable residents. For example, he launched a program called the Stockton Scholars, which provides college scholarships and other support to students from low-income families. He also implemented a pilot program that gave a group of low-income residents a basic income of $500 per month, in an effort to address poverty and stimulate economic activity in the city.

Another important aspect of the film is Tubbs' personal life. The movie explores how he balances the demands of his job as mayor with his responsibilities as a husband and father. Tubbs met his wife, Anna, while they were both attending Stanford. Anna is also heavily involved in community activism, and the two of them often work together on projects and initiatives. The movie also introduces Tubbs' mother and grandmother, both of whom played important roles in his upbringing and continue to support him in his political career.

In addition to Tubbs himself, the movie features several other key figures in the Stockton community. One of these is Pastor Trena Turner, who runs a local church that provides social services to residents in need. Pastor Turner is a close friend of Tubbs and works closely with him on a variety of projects. The movie also highlights several other organizations and initiatives that are working to improve conditions in Stockton, including the Reinvent Stockton Foundation and Fathers & Families of San Joaquin.

Overall, Stockton on My Mind offers an inspiring and thought-provoking look at Tubbs' rise to prominence and his efforts to improve conditions in his hometown. The movie is expertly crafted, with a strong narrative arc and beautiful cinematography. It captures the energy and spirit of Stockton, while also highlighting the immense challenges that the city and its residents face. In the end, the film leaves the viewer with a sense of hope and optimism, as well as a renewed appreciation for the power of committed and visionary leadership.

Stockton on My Mind is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.