This February, Illinois State University’s African American Studies program is kicking off its second annual Black History Month film festival.
On Monday evening, the program partnered with the Normal Theater for a screening of ‘Becoming Thurgood’.
‘Becoming Thurgood’ is the first out of three screenings during this years’ festival, all of which will be screened in the Normal Theater throughout Febraury.
The theme of this years’ festival is resistance, and organizers of the festival hope to encourage deeper discussions of these films throughout the month.
“What I hope is that today isn’t just something that folks are coming to, you know, students for extra credit or community members just because it’s Black History month, but that people think about the content that’s being discussed in the films for the next few weeks,” Dr. Brea Banks said.
“Really think about how it applies to what’s happening right now, relevant to resistance, protest, advocacy, and joy.”
For many students, the festival offers a space for both reflection and connection.
“Black history, especially Black American History has a lot of history in general, good and bad,” Layla Potts said.
“That being televised, where people are able to watch it, relate to it, and learn from it, i think it’s very important.”
The film festival will continue throughout the rest of February, with a faculty panel at the conclusion of the festival.