Ellie Ocel/The Broadside
A 2022 film series hosted by The Father’s Group will celebrate liberation with monthly movie showings. Anyone interested in learning about liberation is welcome to attend.
Named “A Night Out With The Father’s Group,” each event of the film series will present movies that feature black actors, directors, and writers. Each film is meant to educate the viewers on the history and future of liberation. The events surrounding each film will also provide attendees with an opportunity to celebrate liberation.
The first event is a Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and showing of Selma on Jan. 15. At this event, there will be performances, art exhibitions, discussions, and a 30 minute Q&A in addition to the film. Students can attend this event for free. Learn more information and reserve tickets at this link.
Though an homage to Martin Luther King Jr. will mark the beginning of the film series, Marcus LeGrand, Board Member of The Father’s Group and Afrocentric Student Program and College Prep Coordinator at COCC, wanted to represent more people that have advocated for liberation than just King.
LeGrand wanted the film series to explore liberation for everyone. “We define our liberation,” said LeGrand. He wanted this community-defined liberation to include women, children, people of color, and many other demographics.
“King’s message was one message,” said LeGrand. “Let’s tell the behind the scenes story.” LeGrand wanted to represent people that feel unseen and make more information accessible to the public.
The Father’s Group’s mission is “to enhance the lives of children through education, leadership, and networking; while strengthening our community, eliminating barriers, and helping them reach their full potential.”
LeGrand expressed that when The Father’s Group began, Central Oregon did not have resources for people of color nor a safe space. The Father’s Group seeks to provide that community for people of color through this film series.
In addition to serving The Father’s Group, LeGrand is the Afrocentric Student Program and College Prep Coordinator at COCC. He has seen first hand the need students have for support and representation. He wants students to attend this film series so that The Father’s Group can learn how to better provide support.
LeGrand also expressed that he would like students to play a more active role in the coming events. For example, students could lead the discussions or provide art for the event. Interested parties should attend the Jan. 15 event.
February is Black History Month. In February, The Father’s Group will show four movies rather than just one. The movies will be I Am Not Your Negro on Feb. 5, Hidden Figures on Feb. 12, 13th on Feb. 19, and Red Tails on Feb. 26.
In the following months, more film showings will occur. Learn more at this link.
