The Champaign Community Coalition invites the public to attend a free screening of the documentary Racial Taboo on April 14, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. at Urbana High School Auditorium, Urbana. Doors open at 5:30. The public is invited to view the film and engage in facilitated small group discussions about racial issues in today’s society. A unique addition to this screening is that local youth are invited to participate. This is the third of three Racial Taboo screenings the Champaign Community Coalition has hosted over the past several months.
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 is bringing the film to our community and encouraging an open, honest community dialogue. It will be exciting to hear local youth perspective on race.”
The 53-minute documentary, 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.
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.
Tracy 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.”
Contact: Tracy Parsons | 217-403-8830