Join us in the Reeves Center Fellowship Hall on February 27th as we celebrate Black History Month through film, food, and conversation. We will gather as a community to learn about and honor leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, particularly women leaders in Mississippi, through the film Standing on My Sister’s Shoulders. We will also screen the powerful short film Otis’ Dream, a retelling of Otis Moss’ journey to register for his sacred right to vote in 1940s Georgia.

Together, these films bear witness to how America and American Christianity have been fundamentally shaped by Black people, and examine ways that Black faith connects the civic and spiritual. Snacks and desserts will be offered at 6:30pm and a discussion will follow our feature presentation at 8:30pm.

While we recognize there are many wonderful ways to celebrate Black History Month in our community, this event is open to all. Note that these films deal with mature subjects, but are appropriate for teenagers.

From the makers of Standing on My Sister’s Shoulders:

In 1965, when three women walked into the US House of Representatives in Washington D.C., they had come a very long way. Neither lawyers nor politicians, they were ordinary women from Mississippi, and descendants of African slaves. They had come to their country’s capital seeking civil rights, the first black women to be allowed in the senate chambers in nearly 100 years. A missing chapter in our nation’s record of the Civil Rights movement, this powerful documentary reveals the movement in Mississippi in the 1950’s and 60’s from the point of view of the courageous women who lived it – and emerged as its grassroots leaders.

Presented by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ministry of First UMC Winter Park.