Schedule Of Events
7:00pm : Rediscovering the Poetry of Leona A. Hill
Join Marge Punches and Gwen Mallett for an evening celebrating the work and life of poet Leona Ames Hill (1904-1977). In 1974 she published a collection of poetry, A Basket Filled With Apples, followed a year later by another collection, Back Roads and Wild Roses. Both collections included works that had previously been printed in the New York Times and Washington Post. Years passed, memories faded. Then one day, in an unused upstairs bedroom of Leona's old farmhouse, languishing in a dusty cardboard box, the poems were rediscovered by someone with the passion and vision to bring them once more into the world. Fifty years after the first collection was published, a new illustrated edition is in the works!Featuring artwork by Gwen Mallett, the rural beauty of a country orchard will be realized for a new generation to discover. With poetry readings, a talk from Marge Punches about Leona and her work, and a look into Gwen's artistic process, this is a night not to be passed up by any lover of poetry
Location : Big Rapids City Hall
7:00pm : "Sometimes In April" Film Screening
Unlike Hotel Rwanda, this movie was shot in Rwanda itself and avoids the "hero rescuer" trope. The story of Sometimes in April centers around two brothers, both Hutu, who fall on opposite sides of the 1994 genocide. Augustin (played by Idris Elba) serves in the military and tries to protect his Tutsi wife and children. His brother, Honore, works for the radio station that encourages Hutus to murder their Tutsi neighbors. Over the course of 100 days, an estimated 800,000 people were killed in a terrifying purge by Hutu nationalists against their Tutsi countrymen. The film focuses on the almost indescribable human atrocities that took place 30 years ago and challenges all of us to consider "what line has to be crossed to get people to murder friends, neighbors, and even family members?" The movie offers important insights into how genocides happen and what can be done to prevent them. This event is sponsored by the Ferris SHOAH Visual History Archive Committee. A facilitated discussion will take place after the movie.
Location : FSU David L. Eisler Center, Ballroom 202C
Additional Dates:
