Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Wednesday, January 2: Library Host Racism Movie & Discussion

The community is invited to attend another program in the "Coming Together Racine" series of movie screenings and discussions about racism and race relations at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., on Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

This month's film will tell the true life story of legendary blues singer Ray Charles (played by Jamie Foxx). The movie documents his life experiences including losing his eyesight in early childhood; his rising career during the 1950s and 1960s; his problems with racism, drug abuse, and failed relationships; and the development of his unique mix of blues, soul, country and gospel that led to a revolutionary change in popular music. This movie is rated R and is not recommended for children under age 17. A member of Coming Together Racine will facilitate a discussion of the movie after the screening. Participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag supper. The series is cosponsored by Coming Together Racine and the Racine Public Library and is funded by the library's Alma Boernke Endowment Fund.

Coming Together Racine is a 501(c)3 organization developed in response to community needs identified at a Town Hall Meeting on February 25, 2005. At the event it was determined that a greater effort is needed in the Racine community to eliminate the barriers preventing equal voice and access to community resources. In response to the results from the Town Hall Meeting a community-wide committee, The Committee to Eliminate Racism, was formed. In September 2005, after assessing the Racine community's needs, the Committee to Eliminate Racism submitted an application to become an affiliate of the Coming Together Project, and in February 2006 was approved as Coming Together Racine.

Coming Together Racine will work to:
  • Promote racial harmony in the community;
  • Educate community members on racism and its effects on people and the community; and
  • Bring people together to foster awareness and appreciation of people of all cultures.

To achieve these goals the Committee will provide opportunities for members of the Racine community to dialogue, explore, learn, and strategize around racism. This movie is one of a series of events designed to engage Racine in discussion.

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