Contributed
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is celebrating Black History Month with a robust schedule of programming that includes film screenings, an educator workshop and a discussion on voter advocacy.
“Black History Month is an opportunity to share stories of triumph, celebrate the perseverance of Black heritage and recognize the integral role of Black figures in our shared history,” said Woodrow Keown, Jr., president and COO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. “That shared history is important because Black history is American history. These stories are part of our cultural fabric that deserve their place in our national tapestry all year, not just a single month.”
Is That Black Enough for You?!?
Friday, February 2
Join acclaimed filmmaker and critic Elvis Mitchell for a screening and discussion of Mitchell’s documentary Is That Black Enough for You?!? The film – written, directed and narrated by Mitchell – features interviews with Samuel L. Jackson, Laurence Fishburne, Whoopi Goldberg, Zendaya and more to explore the history of representation in American cinema, with a particular focus on the provocative and groundbreaking blaxploitation films of the 1970s.
Following the film screening, Mitchell sits down with Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival artistic director tt stern-enzi to discuss the past, present and future of representation in cinema.
Tickets are $10 for general public and free for Freedom Center Members. Purchase tickets at freedomcenter.org.
gOD-Talk
Saturday, February 17
Enjoy a screening and post-film discussion of gOD-Talk, a feature-length documentary on Black millennials and faith. The film is the culmination of a five-year study exploring the lives of seven millennials – Atheist, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Ifa and Spiritualist – and their challenges and discoveries with faith and spirituality. Following the film, gOD-Talk creator and producer Dr. Teddy Reaves and writer and director Kim Moir will explore how people express and reimagine faith in the 21st century.
The film screening and discussion is free, but registration is required. Register at freedomcenter.org.
The People’s Referendum: George Chidi on Protecting Democracy
Thursday, February 29
In 2023, voters across the country turned out in droves to vote on issues of abortion and bodily autonomy, the legalization of cannabis and procedures to amend state constitutions. On each issue, the voters made clear: citizens still hold power to enact change and they will readily hold legislators accountable. Journalist George Chidi discusses the unprecedented referendums in Ohio’s 2023 election and the subsequent efforts by the opponents of those referendums to subvert those results and limit the power of voters. In doing so, he hopes to answer: is America a government of the people or a government imposed on the people?
Tickets are $10 for general public and $5 for Freedom Center Members. Tickets are available at freedomcenter.org.
To help support and share Black history throughout the year, consider a donation to the Freedom Center. You can donate at freedomcenter.org/donate.