HAMPTON — The Citizens’ Unity Commission department has relaunched their quarterly movie discussion program, “Movie Talks” in the hopes that it will encourage people to join the conversation.
Each movie and following discussion is built around a certain theme, said Latiesha Handie, executive director for Citizens’ Unity Commission.
These themes range from body image, sexism and colorism, international studies on subjects like poverty beyond the U.S., racial relations and LGBTQ awareness.
The relaunch of the program took place in 2017, before then the program was named “Movie and a Mic” and was partnered with Cinemacafe.
The Hampton Library system has taken over the partnership with the Citizens’ Unity Commission and all movie discussions are held there.
A sub-committee within the Citizens’ Unity Commission decides on the movies and they try to pick documentaries as those kinds of movies are best representative of real life, Handie said.
Since the relaunch they have had about 30 participants come to watch these movies and discuss the themes.
Handie wants people to come to these movies ready to join the larger discussion on diversity in the community.
With these Movie Talks, Handie said they hope to determine the current social climate on diversity, unity and inclusion as it relates to the city’s community.
She also said people should come ready to learn more about topics on diversity as well as be ready to express themselves in a safe, shared space.
The next “Movie Talk” will be on Aug. 8 at Hampton’s main library, the movie will be “Miss Representation.”
Free popcorn and a drink will be available at the showing.
To RSVP, contact 311 at 757-727-8311.
To learn about the Citizens’ Unity Commission, click here.
