Free Screening of Documentary: I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO

In response to an attempt to teach African-American history using “mock slave auctions” and slave poster drawings at Jefferson Elementary School in the South Orange-Maplewood School District, join us for a community healing event.

Essex County Freeholder President, Britnee N. Timberlake; South Orange Village Trustee, Deborah Davis Ford; Founding Executive Director of EmergeNJ, Karen Hilton; Founder of the Black Parents Workshop, Walter Fields, and the the South Orange-Maplewood Coalition on Race invite you to join us for the free showing of the critically acclaimed, Academy Award nominated documentary, I am Not Your Negro, written by James Baldwin.
Whether you were outraged by the mock slave auction or you did not understand what the big deal was, we invite you to come. If you empathize with the African-American plight but do not fully understand it, we encourage you to come. This film is a learning opportunity for all and provides a friendly nonjudgmental place to respectfully discuss race relations in hopes to celebrate diversity and better understand one another’s story.

“I Am Not Your Negro offers an incendiary snapshot of James Baldwin’s crucial observations on American race relations — and a sobering reminder of how far we’ve yet to go.” –Critics Consensus

“Whatever you think about the past and future of what used to be called “race relations” this movie will make you think again, and may even change your mind.” -A. O. Scott, The NYTimes

Following the film will be a panel discussion.