CURRENT: A Descendant's Journey for Truth

At a time of significant pushback on the teaching of "whole truth" history in our schools and book banning throughout the country, this timely film explores the question: Why is it important to tell the truth about history? With a focus on Virginia, Part I of this docuseries shot in Richmond, Charlottesville and Arlington includes commentary by local artists, teachers, students, librarians, historians, family historians, faith leaders, social justice advocates, and others. We ride the rivers and walk the land that brought enslaved people to the shores of Virginia and to the places of their bondage and resistance. And we explore the legacies of enslavement and what it will take for our country to repair and heal. The documentary's ancestral guiding light is Matilda (Lewis) Threlkeld, the enslaved 3rd great grandmother of the film's producer. Both the film's director (Loria King) and producer (Pam Smith) are descendants of people enslaved by Thomas Jefferson and his sister, Lucy Jefferson Lewis. Our goal is to elevate perspectives that are sometimes obscured by a small but loud group seeking to propel the United States backwards. This film screening is for teachers, students, and anyone interested in strengthening our fragile democracy and fighting for the right to read and know the truth.

Followed by an audience discussion with members of film team!

Featuring:

Jenna Owens – Getting Word African American Oral History Project at Monticello

Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy – University of Virginia Descendant Project Researcher

Tom Chapman – Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society

Prof. Ed Ayers – University of Richmond

Lorenzo Dickerson – Maupintown Media

Dr. Lauranett Lee - Richmond Hill & UR

Leslie M. Scott-Jones – Jefferson School African American Heritage Center

Prof. Marisa Williamson & her University of Virginia students

and community members

Co-hosted by the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society & Light House Studio at Vinegar Hill Theatre

See you there!