Geneva to hold virtual film screening, discussion for Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission will sponsor a virtual screening and discussion of the documentary "Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am."

Morrison was a noted American writer whose best-selling novels explored the black experience in America, particularly for women. During her six-decade career, her acclaimed work such as the "Song of Solomon," "Beloved," and "A Mercy" earned her numerous honors, including the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize in literature.

The documentary will be available to view for free Friday to Sunday, Feb. 26-28. Following the 72-hour screening period, the city's Cultural Arts Commission will hold an online conversation at 4 p.m. Feb. 28 to discuss the work and legacy of Morrison. Confirmed speakers include:

• Amy Levin, Northern Illinois University professor emerita, English and Gender Studies. She served as director of Women's Studies, coordinator of Museum Studies, and chair of English at NIU for 21 years before beginning a new career as an independent scholar in 2016. Most recently, she was a visiting Fulbright professor in Public History at the University of Amsterdam in 2017 and Visiting Ofstad Professor at Truman State University in Missouri in 2020.

• Lauren Maxwell, Geneva Public Library District's information and readers services coordinator. Working at the Geneva Public Library for five years, Maxwell specializes in research assistance, book clubs, and reading recommendations.

People interested in watching the film and/or participating in the online discussion can register by emailing the City's Cultural Arts Commission at culturalarts@geneva.il.us to receive links to both platforms. More information about the commission is available on the City's website at www.geneva.il.us.