Saint Sabina's Sabor Latino group to hold symposium, “Common Threads, Common Grounds: The African & Latino American Experience”

 

By Chinta Strausberg

 

The Saint Sabina’s Sabor Latino group is holding a symposium entitled, “Common Threads, Common Grounds: The African and Latino American Experience,” Saturday, October 22, 2011, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Saint Sabina’s McMahon Hall, 1210 W. 78^th Pl., Chicago, IL, featuring the acclaimed film, “The Interrupters.”

With the film, an award-winning documentary about street violence, as the backdrop, Interrupter Eddie Bocanegra will lead a discussion on his role in the movie and he will display his art and the paintings of the Children of Enlace Chicago.

There will also be a panel discussion on the commonalities of African American and Latino cultures from an historical, social and spiritual perspective.

The Interrupters are a part of the Illinois CeaseFire group headed by Tio Hardiman who hires former ex-gang leaders to reduce violence in Chicago. It was Hardiman who created The Interrupters because he needed staff members who were respected on the streets of Chicago.

Dr. Gary Slutkin, an anthropologist/physician, began Illinois CeaseFire. Both men say violence is a “virus” and Hardiman believes it is “learned behavior.”

Steve James and best selling author Alex Kotlowitz directed and produced the award-winning film. It is being shown in theaters throughout Chicago.

Given the current violence that continues to plague Chicago, this is a must-see and teachable film. Click on the following link to view the official movie trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS5Hjhy1RhM.

At the forum held at Saint Sabina, there will be art, music, food and fellowship designed to uplift your spirits, nourish your senses and restore hope for a city that remains under siege fraught with violence.

Tickets are $20.

This event will support Saint Sabina’s Youth Ministry, Saint Sabina’s Academy and the Children of Enlace Chicago.

For further information, call the Office Rectory at: 773-483-4300.

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host.