In Celebration of Black History Month

Join us for a screening of the documentary film, "CURRENT: A Descendant's Journey for Truth." Library Director Diane Kresh was interviewed for the film, and producer Pam Smith, a historian and genealogist, will participate in a Q&A to follow the screening. 

About the film: 

At a time of significant pushback on the teaching of "whole truth" history in our schools, and amidst a landscape of 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 (filmed 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. The film's director and producer are descendants of Thomas Jefferson and his sister, Lucy Jefferson Lewis. 

This film screening is for teachers, students, and anyone interested in the right to read and to know the truth.

Running time: approximately 70 minutes

RSVP to receive an event reminder email. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, contact LibraryPrograms@arlingtonva.us

• Location campus Central Library
• Audience:
  • Events for Adults
  • Good for Adults Age 55+
• Categories:
  • Artist Talk
  • Civics and Government
  • Film
  • Local History