PEORIA, Ariz. (Jan.
13, 2011) – The Peoria Diversity Committee is launching a free, monthly film
series called “Paving the Way.” The series will present movies and documentaries
that illustrate how America became the diverse society it is today.
Screenings will be the last Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Peoria Main
Library. Some of the films may be accompanied by speakers well-versed in the
topic of the month.
Paving the Way
premieres Jan. 26 with the documentary “Generation Next: Speak Up. Be Heard.”
The film demystifies an age group that is hooked on technology and generally
supportive of gay rights and racial differences, but also swamped in debt and
facing uncertain career paths.
February will bring
“Only the Ball Was White,” a film about Negro League baseball, which featured
some of the 20th century’s greatest players. Until 1946, rigid racial
segregation kept African-American players from advancing to all-white Major
League Baseball.
The film scheduled for
March, “Salt of the Earth,” represents a milestone in the history of American
movies, as it was produced, written and directed by filmmakers who were
blacklisted when it was made in 1953. It is a social-realist drama about a
strike by Mexican-American zinc miners in New Mexico. The story intensifies when
the strikers are forced to stop picketing and their wives take up the cause.
Showings will be in the
Willow Room of the Main Library, which is located on the Peoria Municipal Campus
at the southeast corner of Monroe Street and 85th Avenue. If interested in
attending the premiere, please call David at 623-773-7557.
The Peoria Diversity
Committee – made up of city employees – recommends, develops, plans and
implements programs, services and activities that advocate and strengthen the
sensitivity of the city government to the diversity of race, culture, ethnicity,
ability, background, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability and religion in
the community.
