Mano Amiga to host community screening of award-winning documentary

Mano Amiga, a local grassroots nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, will host a community screening of the not-yet-released award-winning documentary “Ferguson Rises” on Sunday, Nov. 7, at the San Marcos Public Library at 2 p.m. This screening will be free and open to the public for community members of all ages.

This documentary explores the ways in which a father finds purpose in pain. In 2014, Michael Brown Sr.’s son, who was a recent graduate of high school and had plans to begin college, was killed by white police officer Darren Wilson, but his personal story seeking justice and healing has not been told until now. In real time, “Ferguson Rises” follows Michael Brown Sr.’s journey to obtain justice for the senseless killing of his son.

Before a global uprising condemned the murder of George Floyd, there was a small town in Missouri that erupted in protest after the murder of Mike Brown Jr. in 2014. The echoes of Ferguson have grown louder: tanks in the streets, tear gas and rubber bullets, and everywhere the clear and courageous voices of protesters. The scale of the uprising has grown, but the broken heart and defiant soul of the movement is the same.

Mano Amiga believes in the power of community education and believes the community will greatly benefit from being able to collectively view this compelling and captivating film. Following the screening will be a panel to discuss the film. Included on this panel will be Amy Kamp of the Texas After Violence Project, Margaret Carter and Dr. Skyller Walkes of Lockhart’s Where We Thrive, and Dr. Deirdre Williams, recipient of the Local African American Female Author award and lecturer with Texas State University.

“We hope this film inspires members of the San Marcos community to work towards a more equitable legal system, just as it has inspired the members of Mano Amiga,” said Sam Benavides, Mano Amiga campaign fellow.

Submitted by Mano Amiga