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Cleveland Public Library (CPL), in partnership with YWCA of
Greater Cleveland and Sankofa, will host a free screening of
The Contradictions of Fair Hope on Saturday, September 8,
2012, at 2:00 p.m. in the Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium of CPL on
East 6th Street and Superior Avenue. The documentary
by S. Epatha Merkerson and Rockwell Metcalf
highlights one of the last remaining African American benevolent
societies in Uniontown, Alabama.
“This
film has the potential to spark dialogue and discussion in our
community, and we’re excited to host these celebrated filmmakers
and their captivating film,” said Felton Thomas, Director of
CPL.
Narrated
by Whoopi Goldberg, The Contradictions of Fair Hope
highlights a long-forgotten and fascinating aspect of American
history when newly freed slaves responded to the shock of
Emancipation by forming “self-help” organizations called
benevolent societies to help ease the transition from slavery to
freedom. The film centers on the “complex and morally ambiguous
world” of The Fair Hope Benevolent Society, which has become a
flashpoint for fiery debate on the role of the annual “Foot
Wash” celebration. A discussion with the filmmakers will follow
the screening.
Ms.
Merkerson is best known for her portrayal of Lieutenant Anita
Van Buren on NBC’s Law & Order. She received an Emmy,
Golden Globe, SAG, and Image Award for her performance as Nanny
Crosby in the HBO movie Lackwanna Blues. She can also be
seen in Steven Spielberg's upcoming film Lincoln and in
the comedy We The Peeples.
Mr.
Metcalf is Vice President and Chief Counsel at Amerprise
Financial, Inc., where he concentrates on broker-dealer,
marketing and banking law. He is co-author of the "Practical
Guide to Broker-Dealer Regulation", and he obtained a 2008
U.S. Patent for a "System and Method for Dividing a
Remittance and Distributing a Portion of the Funds to Multiple
Investment Products."
Parental
discretion is advised. Portions of this film may not be suitable
for younger audiences.
For more
information about this event, contact Cleveland Public Library’s
Outreach and Programming Services Department at 216-623-2921 or
visit contradictionsoffairhope.com
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