By Glenda Roberts
At the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno, love is our doctrine and service is our prayer. We are called to live out our principles. We believe that social justice is love transformed into action. One of the ways we work for social justice is through our film series. Our hope is that the films will encourage people to join us in confronting injustice, not with hate or violence, but with the transforming power of love. In the past few years, we’ve screened films dealing with environmental concerns, the economy, immigration and LGBT issues such as marriage equality, transgender and other gay-related issues.
We are currently launching a new film series, Fall Fusion Film Festival, which consists of varied topics and themes. Panels will be featured and discussion, as always, will be encouraged. Admission is free. Some of the films will focus on a few people who have inspired us with their activism and their music. Others will examine some of the root causes behind much of the social and economic injustice in today’s world.
Nov. 2: Marley is the definitive life story of Bob Marley, the legend, musician and revolutionary. His personal message of peace and love, his universal appeal, impact on music history and role as a social and political prophet is unique. Made with the full support of the Marley family, the film features rare footage, incredible performances and revelatory interviews with the people who knew him best.
Nov. 23: A Place at the Table explores the dilemma of food insecurity and the serious implications that hunger poses in America. Fifty million people—one in four children—don’t know where their next meal is coming from, despite our having the means to provide nutritious, affordable food for all Americans. Something, indeed, to ponder as we prepare our Thanksgiving feasts. Several local food advocates will be present to answer questions and facilitate a discussion.
Dec. 7: Jekyll Island: History of the Federal Reserve looks at how the Federal Reserve was created and answers questions that are usually veiled in mystery: Where does money come from? Where does it go? Who makes it? Why does economic instability favor the banks and financial speculators, whereas, in reality, economic stability always favors “we the people”?
Dec. 14: Ann Braden, Southern Patriot will be screened and is a first-person documentary about the extraordinary life of this American civil rights leader. Braden was hailed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his 1963 “Letter from Birmingham Jail” as a White southerner whose rejection of her segregationist upbringing was “eloquent and prophetic.” Charged with sedition, ostracized as a Red, she embarked on a lifetime of racial-justice organizing matched by few Whites in American history.
Jan. 11: One Bright Shining Moment highlights George McGovern and his activism and, in particular, his bold grassroots presidential campaign in 1972 that fought for peace and justice and put ideas and people before politics.
The films will be screened on Saturdays at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno (2672 E. Alluvial Ave.). Admission is free, and the church is wheelchair accessible. For more information, contact 559-291-1590 or ggrcalif@sbcglobal.net or visit www.uufresno.org “Spotlight.”
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Glenda Roberts is a member of the Social Justice Committee at the Unitarian Church. She is married to David Roberts. She’s an avid reader and loves books but loves her seven cats most of all. Contact her at ggrcalif@sbcglobal.net.
