The Black Student Union and the Moreau Center will be hosting a showing of the documentary “13th” on Monday, Nov. 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Mehling Ballroom. This showing aims to spark open conversation about the role of mass incarceration in our society and its intersection with race.
“It highlights issues that many people on campus wouldn’t know,” said Ezedin Jabr, treasurer of the Black Student Union. “This is something we feel everyone should attend.”
“13th” takes us through history and the evolution of slavery into mass incarceration. The 13th amendment itself declares slavery abolished for everyone except criminals. The documentary explains the exploitation of African Americans and criminals with the justification given by the 13th Amendment.
“We want to emphasize how important it is to learn about mass incarceration because students are the voice to change policy in the criminal justice system,” said Francesca Chinoine, a service and justice coordinator in Shipstad Hall.
The event will begin with general information about the Black Student Union, and background on the current prison system as it intersects with race. It will conclude with a facilitated reflection and resources to help students get more information. Resources include other documentaries, organizations in Portland towards this issue, and Black Student Union contacts, and how students can play a part in this issue.
“It is a big social issue in the U.S. and we definitely want to give it the respect of getting as much information out about it as possible,” said Katie Buchanan, service and justice coordinator in Fields Hall.
