Oakwood library to host film, talk on what it means to be an American

“This is a chance for people in our community who may have different political views to come together to explore what we have in common as Americans,” said Librarian Elizabeth Schmidt, who is organizing the screening and training.

The film tells stories of citizen-activists striving to realize their own visions of America’s promise across deepening divides, according to Tracy Staley of the library.

In the documentary film, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David M. Kennedy come together from different points of view to investigate the idea of a unifying American creed.

Baseball manager Joe Maddon brings residents of his Pennsylvania hometown together after a controversial immigration ordinance threatens to tear them apart.

In Seattle, civic entrepreneur Eric Liu brings community leaders together in spite of their political differences to solve problems. Mark Meckler, co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots, and Joan Blades, founder of MoveOn.org, meet in her living room and form an unexpected bond.

The screening will be followed by a community conversation facilitated by Miami University history professor Steven Conn.

Wright Library is one of 50 sites receiving grant funding from the American Library Association to host an American Creed screening and community discussion.

In April, the library will offer training to those interested in hosting their own community discussions around the film’s topics. ThinkTV will air the documentary in June.

American Creed community conversations are film screenings and scholar-facilitated discussions that mirror the type of conversation Rice and Kennedy have in the film; one designed to engage Americans in reflection and dialogue about their own part in the American story, and in acting to shape that story for the better.

Following the screening and discussion, Wright Library train individuals to host their own community conversations with friends and neighbors. The library will also host some of those conversations.

In June, the library will host a Sworn-Again America ceremony, in which citizens can reaffirm their own civic vows.