The Public Square at the IHC hosts a screening and discussion of the acclaimed documentary featuring author and educator Prexy Nesbitt.
CHICAGO – Join The Public Square at the Illinois Humanities Council and the Independent Television Service (ITVS) for a special screening of the acclaimed documentary Iron Ladies of Liberia, which chronicles the first year in office of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,Africa’s first elected female head of state. After the film, Prexy Nesbitt, speaker and educator on Africa, foreign policy, and racism, will lead a discussion on the film.
This event will take place on Saturday, June 14 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the West Englewood Branch of the Chicago Public Library (1745 W. 63rd St., Chicago). This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are recommendedand can be made by e-mailing events@prairie.org or calling 312.422.5580. This event is co-sponsored by ITVS and the West Englewood Branch of the Chicago Public Library.
ABOUT THE FILM
After fourteen years of civil war, Liberia is a nation ready for change. On January 16, 2006, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was inaugurated President, following a hotly contested election which she won with the overwhelming support of women across Liberia. Since taking office she has appointed other extraordinary women to leadership positions in all areas of government, including the Police Chief and the ministers of Justice, Commerce and Finance. Can the first female Liberian president, backed by other powerful women, bring sustainable democracy and peace to such a devastated country? Iron Ladies of Liberia gives behind-the-scenes access to President Sirleaf’s first year in government, providing a unique insight into the workings of a newly elected African cabinet. It was directed by Siatta Scott Johnson and Daniel Junge. The film runs approximately 57 minutes.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Prexy Nesbitt is an activist and educator whose work over the past four decades has been connecting freedom-loving peoples in Africa, Europe and North America to each other, to strengthening progressive political and social movements on both continents. He has authored many articles and a small book, Apartheid in Our Living Rooms: US Foreign Policy and South Africa. Nesbitt is currently teaching African History at Columbia College in Chicago, co-teaching and facilitating at the Urban Studies Program of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest, and consulting on Africa and African constituency-building for the American Friends Service Committee in both Philadelphia and Chicago.
ABOUT INDEPENDENT TELEVISION SERVICE
The Independent Television Service (ITVS) brings to local, national and international audiences high-quality, content-rich programs created by a diverse body of independent producers. ITVS programs take creative risks, explore complex issues, and express points of view seldom seen on commercial or public television. ITVS programming reflects voices and visions of underrepresented communities and addresses the needs of underserved audiences, particularly minorities and children.
ABOUT THE PUBLIC SQUARE AT THE IHC
The Public Square at the Illinois Humanities Council fosters debate, dialogue, and exchange of ideas about cultural, social and political issues with an emphasis on social justice. Programs promote participatory democracy by creating space for public conversations.
This program is part of the “Know More: Conversations That Matter” series. Art, issues, and dialogue—these are the key components to this exciting set of programs sponsored by The Public Square at the IHC. This series is a way to bridge the gap between the arts and social issues that are of current concern to Chicago’s Englewood and Humboldt Park communities. Performances and presentations by top artists and activists are a prelude to community-based discussions. Chicago Public Radio is the media sponsor for this series. More information about “Know More: Conversations That Matter” and The Public Square at the IHC is available at www.thepublicsquare.org.
The Illinois Humanities Council is a nonprofit educational organization [501 (c) 3] dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. Organized in 1973 as the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the IHC creates programs and funds organizations that promote greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities by all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. The IHC is supported by state, federal, and private funds.
D A R E T O K N O W
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