NIC’s Lobby Day uses lessons of the past to change the present
Early in the morning of 18 April 2024, 22 members of the Northern Illinois Conference Anti-Racism Task Force, many of whom had participated in last year’s Civil…
Origin Film Screening
Anti-racism Task Force Advocacy Partners and Community Impact Event
Origin, produced by Ava DuVernay, based on Isabel Wilkerson's book, Caste: the Origins of our Discontents, will be showing at multiple locations around the Chicagoland area and downstate Illinois. These film screenings are sponsored by various non-profit, faith-based, academic institutions and community partners.
Origin explores the mystery of history, the wonders of romance, and a fight for our future. While investigating the global phenomenon of caste and its dark influence on society, a journalist faces unfathomable personal loss and uncovers the beauty of human resilience. Watch the trailer.
Attendance is free but registration is required to attend.
Space is limited.
Screening Dates and Locations:
- Wed., Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m.
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Chapel, 2121 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60201 - Wed., Oct. 2, 6 p.m.
Indian Prairie Public Library, 401 Plainfield Road, Darien, IL. - Thurs., Oct 3, 6:30 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 232 S York St, Elmhurst, IL. - Sat., Oct. 5, 1 p.m.
La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave., La Grange, IL - Sat., Oct. 5, 4 p.m.
Morgan Park United Methodist Church, 11030 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago IL - Sun., Oct. 6, 12 p.m.
Our Saviour’s United Methodist Church, 701 E Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL - Sun., Oct. 6, 12:30 p.m.
United Methodist Church of Libertyville, 429 Brainerd Ave, Libertyville, IL - Sun., Oct. 6, 12:30 p.m.
First United Methodist Church (Ottawa), 100 W Jefferson St, Ottawa, IL - TBD date/time
Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford, IL
Special Presentation with Dr. Suraj Yengde
Dr. Suraj Yengde, who played himself in the movie, will be joining us for a Zoom presentation.
Sunday, Oct. 6 at 3 p.m. CST
Options
- Online Via Zoom
- In person
- First United Methodist Church (Ottawa), 100 W Jefferson St, Ottawa (Refreshments will be served)
- Our Saviour's United Methodist Church, 701 E Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg (Feel free to bring your lunch. Drinks and snacks will be served)
- United Methodist Church of Libertyville, 429 Brainerd Ave, Libertyville, IL (Dinner & Discussion to follow)
Registration is a part of the screening registration here.
A special thanks to the CommUnity Diversity Group of La Grange, Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church, Pizza & Social Justice, Inc., Together is Better Alliance, Ubuntu House and the United Methodist Church of Libertyville for sponsoring the Zoom speaker session with Dr. Yengde.
Dr. Suraj Yengde is one of India’s leading scholars and public intellectuals. He was named as one of the "25 Most Influential Young Indians" by GQ magazine and the "Most Influential Young Dalit" by Zee Media Corporation in Mumbai, India. Dr. Yengde is also the author of the bestselling book, Caste Matters. He is currently a research associate with the Department of African and African American Studies at Harvard University. Dr. Yengde is India’s first Dalit to earn a Ph.D at an African university (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg). He is also an international human rights attorney practicing in India and the United Kingdom.
Optional special presentation with Dr. Suraj Yengde, Sunday, Oct. 6 at 3 p.m. See sidebar.
Book Discussion of Isabel Wilkerson's book, Caste: the Origins of our Discontents:
Sponsored by the United Methodist Church of Libertyville:
Mondays, 7:00-8:30 p.m. on Zoom.
Zoom link will be emailed to those who register for the discussion. The reading outline is:
- September 16, Intro through page 130
- September 23, Pages 131-256
- September 30, Pages 257-388
Partners and Sponsors
Our Partners and Sponsors are working in partnership with Neon Films and paying a fee to show Origin. Because of the importance of this film in helping to understand better how racism has affected our society, the partners and sponsors have agreed not to charge patrons to watch the movie. Donations to our partners and sponsors are welcome. To learn more about them, please visit their websites.
Our Host Site Location Partners:
- CommUnity Diversity Group of La Grange
- First United Methodist Church (Elmhurst)
- First United Methodist Church (Ottowa)
- Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
- Indian Prairie Public Library (Darien)
- Morgan Park United Methodist Church (Chicago)
- Rockford Public Library
- Our Saviour’s United Methodist Church
- United Methodist Church of Libertyville