RED BANK- Join community activists John Tatulli (attorney) and Gilda Rogers (educator and author) as they present: The People Speak, a stirring and inspirational documentary that showcases some of history’s most influential yet some unknown figures who had the courage to SPEAK UP and SPEAK OUT against injustice, poverty and war.
The People Speak documentary
This timely documentary is based on the work of the late historian Howard Zinn, author of the best-selling book, A People’s History of the United States. It will be presented on Oct. 15 at The Red Bank Library, 84 West Front Street, from 6:30 to 8:45.
Throughout this country’s history, people like an unknown sharecropper named Fannie Lou Hamer have made a significant impact. Hamer led the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party to Atlantic City in 1968 to the Democratic National Convention and demanded that they be seated as delegates. Or, the activist priest, Father Michael Pfleger, from the Southside of Chicago, who continues to impact the lives of those who have been counted out in society.
SPEAK UP and SPEAK OUT
The spirit of The People Speak and this presentation is to inspire everyday people to SPEAK UP and SPEAK OUT.
“Speaking up and helping out where help is needed has nothing to do with your economic status in life,” said Gilda Rogers, who along with John Tatulli, will lead the audience in a discussion after the documentary ends.
“We’re at a crossroads in America and we need to ban together to be of service to others. It’s just that simple. People are suffering in this country as if we’ve been transported back in time. Everyone matters.”
Actors and musicians such as Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Kerry Washington, Danny Glover, Marisa Tomei, Bruce Springsteen and John Legend are featured in the film.
The People Speak powerfully captures Professor Zinn’s view of history “from the ground up” in an articulate and engaging way.
It goes beyond the story of America that’s learned in textbooks and focuses on the hero-centric approach of ordinary folks.
The People Speak is American history
The film cuts across every aspect of American history from petitions to poems and speeches, to women and slavery, immigrants, the youth, soldiers and students.
A DVD of The People Speak will be raffled off at the event and light refreshments will be served. The presenters ask those attending to be prompt so they can view the film in its entirety.
