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Flossmoor Library to participate in showing of anti-racism documentary ‘The Long Shadow’

 

Flossmoor Public Library is among 30 Illinois libraries offering patrons an opportunity to view the documentary film, “The Long Shadow,” directed by Frances Causey and produced by Sally Holst. 

The film traces white supremacy in the U.S. by telling Causey’s own family story as slaveholders and connecting it with the continued impact of white privilege and systemic racism today. 

“The Long Shadow” traces white supremacy in the U.S. by telling director Frances Causey’s own family story as slaveholders and connecting it with the continued impact of white privilege and systemic racism today. (Press photo)

Library Director Jamie Paicely said the film and the discussions about it are an opportunity to bring the community together to learn about the issue.

“This is something that we can all participate in at the same time, to help us not only learn from the past but grow from the past as well,” she said.

Patrons can view the film now via Kanopy, a video streaming service offered by the library, she said. The film will also be streamed free from Feb. 19 through Feb. 26 on the film’s website, where a trailer is currently available. 

Causey will host a question and answer session via the videoconferencing app Zoom at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24. Registration is available at the website.

“I think it’s important for people to view this story to truly understand that slavery and it’s generational effects are not a ‘dead issue,'” Paicely said. “The ways that black Americans were treated 100 years ago, 50 years ago, 10 years ago, and today are not the same way white Americans were treated then, and it’s not the same as the way white Americans are treated now.  

“There is still a race issue in this country, and until we can recognize that issue, we can never grow through it and move into a time of true racial equity.”

In the community action guide posted on the film’s website, Causey and Holst note that the film is aimed primarily at a white audience.

“We’re honored that the film is educating and guiding so many about what it takes to make an important change to the way that white Americans view their role in racial justice work,” they said in the joint statement. “We know that the story of slavery and Jim Crow is an American story and is not one that the African-American community is responsible for repairing.”

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