The Talbot Association of Clergy & Laity (TACL) hosted a community discussion of the movie, “Hidden Figures” following a free private showing at Easton Premier Cinemas sponsored by the Bay Hundred Youth Coalition on Saturday, January 28.
Facilitated by St. Michaels Chief of Police, Anthony Smith, Cynthia Marrah Jurrius of Mid Shore Community Mediation Center and Constance Morris Hope of Carapace Coaching & Consulting, the free luncheon and discussion was held at the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy sponsored by a grant from the Talbot Family Network and St. Michaels Youth & Law Enforcement (SMYLE).
According to Facilitator Constance Hope, “We had a diverse group of participants in attendance, including many young people, adults, African-Americans, European-Americans, an African, and a disabled person. A young person raised the issue of stereotyping and noted the danger of being ‘put in a box’. One young man of color expressed his deep interest in mathematics and declared his intention to pursue his dream in that area. He said that the film reinforced his determination. His declaration was met with applause and encouragement.”
Tom Stevenson of the Bay Hundred Youth Coalition said “The people at Easton Premier Cinemas were extremely helpful in arranging a private showing, including free popcorn and soda for attendees, and over a dozen nonprofits, including SMYLE, St. Michaels Community Center, St. Michaels Family YMCA, Tilghman Area Youth Association, St. Michaels Elementary School, St. Michaels Band Boosters, Talbot Mentors, Critchlow Adkins, St. Michaels Sports Boosters, St. Michaels Library, Freedom Rowers, SOS Sink or Swim, Imagination Library of Talbot County and TACL brought nearly 150 Bay Hundred residents of all ages to see this historic film. St. Michaels Police Chief Anthony Smith took lead on arranging the community discussion lunch event following the film, which really drove home the film’s message of inclusion, diversity, and hope for all Americans.”
Chief Smith thanked everyone who participated and helped make this community conversation possible, including TACL, the facilitators, Bay Hundred Youth Coalition, Panera Bread, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, Talbot Family Network, SMYLE and the Commissioners of St. Michaels. “Today’s event is what team work and community outreach is all about. There was so much conversation from the audience, you could tell both the adults and youth were relieved to have someone just listen to the burdens they are carrying inside.”
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.