The Champaign Community Coalition, in partnership with the McKinley Presbyterian Foundation, invites the public to attend a free screening of the documentary, Racial Taboo, on Sunday, March 12, 2017, at McKinley Presbyterian Church, 809 S 5th Street, Champaign, IL. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. and the film starts at 2:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to view the film and then engage in facilitated small group discussions about racial issues in today’s society. The film’s producer, Brian Grimm of Wilmington, NC, will be in attendance at this weekend’s event.
Champaign Community Coalition facilitator Tracy Parsons asks, “Why is it so difficult to have meaningful, honest conversations about race? Why is this a subject so many of us simply choose to ignore? The film Racial Taboo tackles these questions head on, which is why the Champaign Community Coalition brought this film to our community and continues to encourage an open, honest community dialogue on the subject of race.”
The Racial Taboo Initiative began in 2008 with the development of a film designed as a tool to inspire shame-free and meaningful conversation about subjects related to race. Racial Taboo events begin with the showing of the innovative 53-minute film, followed by small discussion groups to discuss impressions and reactions to the film. Racial Taboo, takes an honest, yet entertaining look at America’s racial history and examines how that legacy continues to affect our society today. Used in similar viewing events around the country, the film’s true power is realized when it is watched collectively by people of diverse racial backgrounds, followed by a discussion about the film and how it makes audience members feel. Racial Taboo is intended to be a catalyst for open, respectful, and ongoing conversations between people of different races. The film’s trailer can be viewed at www.racialtaboo.com.
Parsons adds, “The Community Coalition partners hope that those joining us for this event will continue to engage in ongoing discussions and help us work towards unifying our community. This is our community’s eleventh showing, and we’re excited to report that discussion groups from prior screenings continue to meet to discuss important issues about race.”
The Community Coalition is a network of stakeholders (including community members, law enforcement, education, juvenile justice, faith leaders, behavioral health, local government, child welfare, community service providers) who are working collaboratively to improve the lives of youth and families in Champaign-Urbana. The Community Coalition understands the urgency of identifying solutions and addressing our community’s most challenging social and economic issues, which often revolve around race.
Contact: Tracy Parsons | 217-403-8830 | [email protected]