By Carolyn Conte | The Duquesne Duke
This year’s slate of films in the Human Rights Film Series at Duquesne kicks off Thursday evening with White Like Me, featuring appearances from new Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay, NAACP Pittsburgh Chapter President Connie Parker and Duquesne philosophy professor George Yancy.
The film, which explores the issue of white privilege and racial inequality, will be shown in the Power Center Ballroom at 7 p.m.
The film series, presented by the modern languages department, is in its eighth year, and can make quite an impact on campus, according to board member and adjunct professor Karl Skutski.
“The purpose of [the series] is to challenge our students to get involved,” Skutski said.
In the past, students have been influenced by the films so much that they immediately got involved. When a film about the lost boys of Sudan was featured, students formed Panther’s Pals to raise money for the Sudanese speaker’s wife to come to America.
Edith Krause, chair of the modern languages department, said the series features films that are interesting, topical and influential.
“We want to create awareness about global issues … and generate dialogues about the issues that concern us in order to make the students think beyond the Bluff and beyond their protected life as a member of the University community,” Krause said.
The second showing, a look at domestic control with the movie Power and Control, will be shown Jan. 28 in College Hall. The rest, six showings, will be shown in February.
The last film, #ReGENERATION will allow students from campus organizations like Strong Women, Strong Girls their chance to speak on the issue of activism.
“No matter what you’re planning to do in life it really enhances your life to find your passion,” Skutski said. “Students must be exposed to a lot of causes for them to say ‘oh that’s for me.’ Successful people turn their talents to help people.”
