VSW is hosting an evening of poetry and films on the VSW lawn, exploring the power of protest in poetry and film. Join us for an evening of open air reading by local poets, followed by a selection of unique films and videos from the VSW archives curated by VSW graduate students. Readings begin at 7:30 pm, films at 8:30. This is an outdoor screening.  Socially distanced seating and hand sanitizer will be provided.  Face masks are required.
* Videos include graphic depictions of violence and may not be suitable for all audiences *

Curated by: Nilson Carroll, Mikaela Leigh Mehlrose, Rashaad Parker and Mike Yates

This event is in support of the local Black Lives Matter movement. Please donate via Venmo or Cashapp directly to:

Black Lives Matter/Free the People ROC: $BLMRoc

Food Not Bombs has been providing water and meals at protests. To support them in supporting BLM protests, please donate to their Venmo: ROCFoodNotBombs

Poets include:

Sarah Adams

Sabine Bradley

Reenah Golden

Rashaad Parker

Videos include:

B’ism Allah (1975) by Portable Channel and the Women’s Video Workshop

Performances by Rochester’s Black youth troupe the Black Seeds

No Justice No Peace: Young,Black, ImMEDIAte! (1992) by Portia Cobb – 

A video essay about the policing of young black men, foreshadowing the 1992 outcome of the trial which acquitted policeman directly involved in the brutal beating of a black motorist, Rodney King.

Black Body (1992) by Thomas Allen Harris

During the 1992 Los Angeles uprisings while watching it on television, at the Experimental TV video art residency, the artist wrapped himself in wire over a period of four days to meditate on the body’s physical and psychic interaction with the legacy of oppression characterizing the experiences of African-American communities in this country.

Police Brutality (1972) by Robert Stauber and Steve Hardy/Portable Channel

Discussion with city youths and others about experiences with police brutality. Rochester, NY.

Made by Portable Channel producers by Robert Stauber and Steve Hardy on behalf of the People’s Defense Committee for Inner City Police Coalition.

The VSW Film Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and by the ArtWorks program of the National Endowment for the Arts.

.