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A commonality everyone shares is the feeling of being a problem. In the American classic, ‘The Souls of Black Folk’ scholar Dr. W.E.B. DuBois framed this peculiar sensation as a social phenomenon initially and/or especially applicable to Black folk as a result of being blamed for the Civil War and the failure of the country’s Reconstruction effort. Filmmaker Dr. Thomas Keith, inspired by author Dr. J.W. Wiley’s book, ‘The Nigger in You,’ used DuBois’ existential question—profoundly articulated within ‘Souls’—to collaborate on an award winning film project, “How Does It Feel to be a PROBLEM?” This film—which won the 2022 SoHo International Film Festival Best Documentary—was created to be a point-of-departure for consciousness-awakening, conversation-starting, as well as ideal for ally-development.
Featuring actor/activist Danny Glover, musician/actor Henry Rollins, writer/activist Dr. Dena Samuels, and professor/author Dr. James Loewen—with a song by Hall of Fame singer/songwriter Jackson Browne— “How Does It Feel to be a PROBLEM?” challenges viewers to unpack systemic racism while considering the necessity of being a John Brown-type ally. Ultimately we hope that engaging systemic racism as a pertinent template relevant to addressing all societal ‘isms’ will enable every person that considers it, to become an ally too.
Presented in partnership with John Brown Lives. Guest scheduled to appear!
Dr. J.W. Wiley is the president and owner of Xamining Diversity whereby he keynotes; consults; facilitates film screenings; cultural competency workshops; day/weekend retreats; and/or presents his interactive workshop “Diversity Enlightenment.” His Client List includes the Canadian Association of Principals; Vermont National Guard; National Center for Atmospheric Research; University of Notre Dame; Midwest Athletic Conference; Pfizer Pharmaceuticals; Los Angeles County Fire Department; Wyeth Pharmaceuticals; Southwoods Summer Camp; Princeton Jr. Scholars; Univ of San Francisco Medical Center; New York State Nurses Association; Homeland Security; PACE University; University of Vermont; Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital; Homeland Security; Bombardier; Zone 9 Police Academy; Joint Council for Economic Opportunity (JCEO); North Country Legal Services; Fletcher Allen Medical Center; Plattsburgh New York Mayor’s Office, City Council, and Police Department; and countless other school districts, high/middle schools; businesses, universities, and colleges.
Dr. Wiley’s previous leadership experiences include serving as Chief Diversity Officer at State University of New York – Plattsburgh and a Lecturer in Philosophy/Interdisciplinary Studies from 2000-2018. From 1993-2000–in his early academic career—Dr. Wiley served Claremont Graduate University in many different roles (Multicultural Admissions Counselor; Special Asst. for Diversity; Asst. Dean of Academic Affairs). Dr. Wiley also had three experiences of employment with Fortune 100 companies: Hughes Aircraft Co., Rockwell International, and McDonnell Douglas Corp.
His doctorate is in Educational Leadership from the University of Vermont in Burlington.
2021
,
Documentary
Venue:
Lake Placid Center for the Arts
Date and Time:
October 28, 2023 7:00 PM
Director:
Thomas Keith