Black History

“Walk With Me: The Trials of Damon Keith” new documentary screening at the Wright Museum

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE — To honor the life of Judge Damon J. Keith, Detroit Public TV and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History are hosting a free public screening of the documentary, “Walk With Me: The Trials of Judge Damon J. Keith.” The film by Detroiter, Jesse Nesser tells the story of the judge who championed the cause of equality and racial justice on the federal bench for more than 50 years and whose rulings forever changed the face of civil rights in the United States.

Published

5 years ago

May 29, 2019

Patreice A. Massey

By Patreice A. Massey

Tuesday, May 28, at 6 pm at the Charles H. Wright Museum

To honor the life of Judge Damon J. Keith, Detroit Public TV and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History are hosting a free public screening of the documentary, “Walk With Me: The Trials of Judge Damon J. Keith.”

The film by Detroiter, Jesse Nesser tells the story of the judge who championed the cause of equality and racial justice on the federal bench for more than 50 years and whose rulings forever changed the face of civil rights in the United States.

After the film, there will be a discussion of Judge Keith’s life and impact. The panel will consist of:

– Jesse Nesser, the film’s director and producer
– Peter Hammer, director of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at the Wayne State Law School
– Melba Joyce Boyd, distinguished professor of African-American Studies at Wayne State University
– Ken Coleman, author and journalist, specializing in African-American history, civil rights and education
– Charles Ezra Ferrell, vice-president of public programs at the Charles Wright Museum, will moderate.

Please join us for this tribute to Judge Keith, a fearless man and extraordinary judge whose rulings still resonate for our nation.

The event is free, but space is limited, so please register to reserve a seat.

This article originally appeared in the Michigan Chronicle.

Patreice A. Massey

Posts by Patreice A. Massey

Up Next

Smithsonian Institution Selects African American Museum Director Lonnie Bunch as Secretary

Don't Miss

Grambling State Class of 2019 Includes Nationally Recognized Student-Athletes

Patreice A. Massey

Click to comment

Activism

S.F. Black Leaders Rally to Protest, Discuss ‘Epidemic’ of Racial Slurs Against Black Students in SF Public School System

Parents at the meeting spoke of their children as no longer feeling safe in school because of bullying and discrimination. Parents also said that reported incidents such as racial slurs and intimidation are not dealt with to their satisfaction and feel ignored.

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2024

Oakland Post

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church. Photo courtesy Third Baptist Church.

By Carla Thomas

San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church hosted a rally and meeting Sunday to discuss hatred toward African American students of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church, along with leadership from local civil rights groups, the city’s faith-based community and Black community leadership convened at the church.

“There has been an epidemic of racial slurs and mistreatment of Black children in our public schools in the city,” said Brown. “This will not be tolerated.”

According to civil rights advocate Mattie Scott, students from elementary to high school have reported an extraordinary amount of racial slurs directed at them.

“There is a surge of overt racism in the schools, and our children should not be subjected to this,” said Scott. “Students are in school to learn, develop, and grow, not be hated on,” said Scott. “The parents of the children feel they have not received the support necessary to protect their children.”

Attendees were briefed last Friday in a meeting with SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne.

SFUSD states that their policies protect children and they are not at liberty to publicly discuss the issues to protect the children’s privacy.

Some parents said they have removed their students from school while other parents and community leaders called on the removal of the SFUSD superintendent, the firing of certain school principals and the need for more supportive school board members.

Community advocates discussed boycotting the schools and creating Freedom Schools led by Black leaders and educators, reassuring parents that their child’s wellbeing and education are the highest priority and youth are not to be disrupted by racism or policies that don’t support them.

Virginia Marshall, chair of the San Francisco NAACP’s education committee, offered encouragement to the parents and students in attendance while also announcing an upcoming May 14 school board meeting to demand accountability over their mistreatment.

“I’m urging anyone that cares about our students to pack the May 14 school board meeting,” said Marshall.

This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.