All Events
Social Justice Workshop Series
Poetic Bodies
MCC Theater
This workshop uses poetry writing, performance, and our personal narratives to explore how we are connected to larger political, historical, social, and economic systems. In this way, attendees will leave with a richer appreciation for poetry and performance, as well as sharpen their creative and critical skills. Facilitated by Javon Johnson.Javon Johnson is an Assistant Professor of Performance and Communication Studies at San Francisco State University, and currently finishing two books: Killing Poetry: Blackness and the Making of Slam and Spoken Word Communities (Rutgers University Press, July 2017) and Towards and End to Chiraq: A Literary Mixtape (Northwestern University Press, Fall 2017)
Race & Religion Series
Whiteness as God: The Theo-Politics of a Post-Democratic USA
MCC Lounge
Given that the 2016 election has been a farce largely orchestrated by marketers, civic participation in politics is on the decline, and our political representation is paralyzed, we must ask the question: is democracy a language of equality that produces inequality? Considering this question through a theological lens that takes whiteness seriously helps us get a better understanding of where we are and how we might best move forward together. Andre C. Willis is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Brown University.
Cup of Culture
Ovarian Psychos
MCC Theater
“Compelling portraits in grass-roots inspiration and female strength.” –The Hollywood Reporter
Since forming in the summer of 2010 by activist, poet M.C., and single mother, Xela de la X, the Ova’s have made it their mission to cycle for the purpose of healing, reclaiming their neighborhoods, and creating safer streets for women on the Eastside. At first only attracting a few local women, over the past few years the Ovarian Psycos have inspired a ferocious and unapologetic crowd of local heroines who are a visible force along the barrios and boulevards of Los Angeles. Ovarian Psycos rides along with the Ovas, exploring the impact of the group’s brand of feminism on neighborhood women and communities as they confront the violence in their lives. (English, 2016, 81 min) Free bike diagnosis from AS Bike Shop before the screening.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZp9qiE1NrE
OUTrageous Film Festival
[OUTrageous Film Festival] Forbidden: Undocumented & Queer in Rural America
MCC Theater
Growing up in rural North Carolina, Moises Serrano fell in love with a country that refused to recognize his full humanity - both as an undocumented immigrant and as a gay man. The documentary project Forbidden follows Moises’ personal journey as an activist fighting for the American Dream. There will be a Q&A afterwards with editor/producer Heather Mathews.
Trailer link: https://vimeo.com/156426119
This film is part of the OUTrageous Film Festival in Santa Barbara on November 3-5, 2016. For more details, visit this website.
