Black History Month Film & Discussion: Alice's Ordinary People

When

Wednesday February 8, 2017: 7:00pm to 8:30pm  Add to Calendar /   Add to Google Calendar

Where

Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room

For Whom

Grade 6 - Adult

Description

The 2012 documentary Alice's Ordinary People by Craig Dudnick features Alice Tregay, an ordinary Chicago woman who stood up to injustice in her community.

Alice’s life story reads like a history of the civil rights movement. She fought 'Willis Wagons,' second class structures built to relieve overcrowding in Chicago schools which served the African American community. In 1966, Dr. King came to Chicago; she and her husband marched with him. It was at this time that Dr. King joined Reverend Jesse Jackson and Reverend James Bevel, forming Operation Breadbasket.

Under the leadership of Reverend Jackson, the months that Alice and her “ordinary people” spent picketing led to real change. But it was through her Political Education class that Alice had her most significant impact. Over a four-year period, thousands were trained to work in independent political campaigns. This new force was integral to the re-election of Ralph Metcalf to Congress (this time as an independent democrat), to the election of Harold Washington as mayor of Chicago, and to making Barack Obama our first African American President.

Alice’s contribution is unique in American history.

Following the screening, the award winning director of the film, Craig Dudnick, will lead a discussion of the film’s themes and topics.

This 55-minute film is not rated.