YAC CONNECTED TO MLK'S DREAM

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SEE  PICTURES OF YAC MLK CHAPEL SPEAKER SERIES, MLK DAY ACTIVITIES, AND WITNESS FORUM

WITNESS FORUM: BACKGROUND: On his way back from a funeral, Mr. Miano stopped at the MLK library and purchased "The Witness." He provided the film to Mrs. Clay who asked YAC if they would be interested in viewing it in collaboration with our Debate team and Multicultural Club. YAC sponsored a successful  "Matinee with a Purpose" in September and when Mrs. Clay received information about a new initiative sponsored by the Hands on Network, MLK Community Cinema Event, she connected the witness to an effort to provide a MLK educationally enriching experience through film.

Mrs. Clay asked Dr. Gerard if the debaters would like to sponsor a"point counter point experience" on MLK to build capacity for YAC and Multicultural Club. After pertinent administrative permissions were granted, participation on the Witnesss Forum was offered to MCC,YAC, and Debaters. YAC wished to offer it to the entire UD, but cost of pizza and students not competition with off campus made YAC narrow the scope of participation.

THE DOCUMENTARY: The Witness from the Balcony of Room 306 is a documentary on the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The documentary is filmed from the point of view of the Reverend Samuel "Billy" Kyles, who witnessed Dr. King's assassination. Directed by Adam Pertofsky, The Witness From the Balcony of Room 306 was nominated in 2009 for an Oscar in the Best Documentary Short Subject category

WITNESS FORUM AT CASADY SCHOOL:  After viewing the documentary, Mr. Miano, Dr. Gerard, and Mr. Wiley shared their personal experiences of where they were, how old they were and how they reacted to the news. Mr. Wiley proceeded to share how MLK's dream is managed by foes and friends of MLK's vision. Debaters, led by Jake P. connected the dream to poverty, economics, power and war in a reflective "point-counter point" discussion.

Dr. Gerard stated, "The forum provided an opportunity for the debate team to get outside of the unique and highly specialized world of policy debate and use their skills in a different way to promote the sharing of ideas and perspectives in the broader Casady community. I appreciate the efforts of all who took the time to participate and look forward to future opportunities to partner with these other campus groups to discuss ideas that are important to the advancement of our community and society."

Viewing of the documentary film provided by Mr. Miano, took place Wednesday, January 19, B-block and Lunch at Woods Community Center. YAC and Multicultural Club provided funding for the lunch. Drinks came from LD Bingo Night donation for MLK Day activities. 28 students and faculty participated: Adam A., Garner G., Jake P., Catherine W., Layne T., Khadija H,. Macy M, Zainab S, Aamina S, David R, Jerry L, Grace G, Defne A, Dr. Gerard, Mrs. Clay, Mr. Miano, Mrs. Miano, Reshwan L, Alizay P, Christine L, D. J. W, Mr. Wiley, Rebecca R, Caitlin A, Johnesha H, Tina R, Leah L., and Rebekah D.

Mr. Wiley and Mr. Kelly are reviewing the movies provided by the Hands on Network. YAC will consider future viewings in collaboration with Social Studies, Debate, and interested clubs in February, March, April and May as part of Black History Month, Random Acts of Kindness Week, National Volunteer Week, Earth Day, and Global Youth Service Day.