Examining the American Dream, and who has access to it | Paper Clips

Friday Aug 28th, 2020

Paper Clips

Examining the American Dream, and who has access to it, through books and movies.

Please join us for Paper Clips, a virtual program that uses literature and film to frame conversations about community issues and social change. Hayes Moses and Abdullah Washington will co-facilitate lively discussions centering around "Talking Back, Talking Black" by author John McWhorter and Hulu movie "Sorry to Bother You," written by and starring Boots Riley.

Erie Arts & Culture would like to thank the Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania and the Erie County Public Library for being advising partners of Paper Clips.

Meetings will occur virtually:

  • September 11 at 6 PM
  • September 25 at 6 PM
  • October 9 at 6 PM
  • October 23 at 6 PM

Please register here!

After registration, you'll receive an email with the Zoom link. You'll use this same Zoom link for every session.

 

FILM SELECTION:
Sorry to Bother You

Director and Screenplay Writer: Boots Riley


 

Available on Hulu

sorrytobotheryou

 

LITERARY SELECTION:
Talking Back, Talking Black

Author: John McWhorter

EAC has complementary copies of the book for those interested on a first-come-first-serve basis. If folks can afford to purchase a copy, we encourage them to do so through Pressed, based on Erie, PA. Please email [email protected]. The audiobook is also available on Hoopla.

Available at Pressed

 

Available on Hoopla

51pSvik+O+L. SY344 BO1204203200

abdullah

Abdullah Washington

When he's not MCing Erie’s Blues and Jazz Festival, acting at PACA, or advocating for the creation of Erie county's own community college, Abdullah Washington is the poet Bigg Wash.

One of the initial 12 Tedx Erie speakers in 2015, Abdullah has opened for the legendary rapper KRS-One and the poets Amiri Baraka and Sonya Sanchez. His spoken word album "Infinity Gems", released in 2016 as part of the Erie County Poet Laureate Initiative, was declared one of the top three full-length albums produced in Erie County that year.

In 2017, his short film "1000: A Film about Erie" was broadcast on WQLN documenting powerful local artists, athletes, personalities, and entrepreneurs from across the broad spectrum of our community.

Over the last two years, Abdullah has served on the advisory board of the Heinz Endowment's Just Arts program which supports Allegheny County artists producing socially constructive art and narratives.

hayes

Hayes Moses

Hayes Moses is a native of Erie, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Mercyhurst Preparatory High School, Hayes earned his Bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University with a concentration in sociology and Africana studies.

His career has been divided between his work with children in education through the Erie Rise Leadership Academy and ministry through the Greater Bethlehem Temple. Hayes has been an active member of the Erie Playhouse for 32 years - having performed in such productions as ‘Ragtime,’ ‘The Color Purple,’ and ‘The Mountaintop,’ among many others. In 2004, Hayes participated and advanced to Hollywood on the popular television series ‘American Idol.’ Locally, he has performed at events such as Celebrate Erie and 8 Great Tuesdays with the Erie All Stars.

Hayes is the proud father of two daughters, Maya and Iman.

Erie Arts & Culture

Keep in touch with the arts!

Join our mailing list to stay in the loop on culture and creativity in the region!