“The Whole Gritty City” Film Screening & Discussion is on Tuesday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m. at The Art Theatre Cooperative (126 W. Church Ave., Champaign). Follow the event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/815838371867050/.
Set against the backdrop of America's most musical city, “The Whole Gritty City” plunges viewers into the world of three New Orleans school marching bands as they prepare to perform in the Mardi Gras parades. “The Whole Gritty City” offers a unique portrayal of an American inner city through the eyes of a few band directors and their students. As Mardi Gras approaches, viewers see firsthand just how powerfully and positively the lives of these young musicians are affected by their participation in the band and through their interaction with these powerful leaders. As they navigate the minefield of everyday urban life, “The Whole Gritty City” reveals the power and resilience of a tradition, a culture, and a community.
This event is part of the Fall 2015 Friday Forum lecture series: “Breaking Down Racism: Uncovering the Reality of Racial Injustice in the U.S.” More information is available at: universitymca.org/friday_forum/. Sponsored by: University YMCA, Amnesty International - UIUC, Amnesty International - UIUC, Channing Murray Foundation, Diversity and Social Justice Education, Prison Justice Project, the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana Champaign, and the YWCA of the University of Illinois