There’s a community in Virginia that was torn apart by the issues of immigration and racial profiling. It’s far from the border, but this small city in northeast Virginia became a battleground for issues that are dividing Americans all across the country.
Some documentary makers went there and filmed how the city dealt with the racial schisms. They have just completed the film, called “9500 Liberty” and have allowed local Coffee Party activists to show it at a small venue in North Park.
Eric Byler and AnnaBel Park, the film's directors and co-founders of the Coffee Party Movement.
The folks who made the movie are Eric Byler and Annabel Park, a couple of the founders of the nation-wide Coffee Party Movement. Local San Diego Coffee Party people are presenting a special pre-screening of the film before the theatrical release comes to San Diego. This documentary is powerful and its release is timely:
“Prince William County, Virginia becomes ground zero in America’s explosive battle over immigration policy when elected officials adopt a law requiring police officers to question anyone they have “probable cause” to suspect is an undocumented immigrant.
The devastating social and economic impact of the “Immigration Resolution” is felt in the lives of real people in homes and in local businesses. But the ferocious fight to adopt and then reverse this policy unfolds inside government chambers, on the streets, and on the Internet. 9500 Liberty provides a front row seat to all three battlegrounds.”
Come join those hosting this amazing film and – if you’re into it – there’s a discussion afterward on what people can do to help stop the hateful laws like the one in Arizona and the ones that are popping up all over the country – we can make a difference!
Go here to view extended trailer!
There is a $5 suggested donation (if you can’t afford that you are still very welcome!) and please purchase coffee or another drink from the snack bar – there will also be $1 bags of fresh popcorn! Doors open at 7:30 and movie will begin around 7:45 and is 80 minutes long.
Date: Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center
Street: 3925 Ohio Street in North Park
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
i cant make it tomorrow night….when is the theatrical release?
We’re not certain, but will definitely let you know.
Hi Lane,
The theatrical release date has not been made due to the overwhelming success of the theatrical release in Arizona – where it is probably most needed at this moment in time – I know that Eric Byler wants to be present for the release for Q&A so it all depends on his schedule – I am sure that the OBRAG will keep you informed – nice work Frank – thanks!
Curt
The county policy on immigration (M-59) that Juan del Rio spoke about tonight can be read at http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/cob/docs/policy/M-59.pdf The more disturbing items are #1 – Citizenship – Support an amendment to the United States Constitution that would deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. to illegal immigrant parents. 2-Support legislation that would require the issuance of tamper-resistant identification cards that would be required as proof of work eligibility for all who seek employment. 3 – Support legislation that would allow the use of the U.S. National Guard in the San Diego area as necessary to enforce federal, state, and local laws. 9 – Support legislation that would repeal federal mandates that make illegal immigrants eligible for health, education, and other benefits.
This was an excellent film, documentary of how a small city in northern Virginia (site of the first battle of Bull Run during the Civil War – Manassas) experienced a divisive crisis of racial schisms (okay Curt?). The local government body passed a racial profiling measure like Arizona’s but over time, locals realized that the Latino laborers they had just run outta town paid sales taxes, property taxes and greatly contributed to the local economy. The white townspeople had to learn this lesson the hard way. In the end, which the founders of the Coffee Party movement documented, the government had to rescind the original measure.
We had a decent turn-out of several dozens. Most stayed afterwards to discuss the issue.