Slover Library hosts a two-part series on voter accessibility and information in the upcoming election
Courtesy of Slover Library.
NORFOLK, VA—As the 2020 United States presidential election approaches, Slover Library will examine the power of voter accessibility and information during the election season in a two-part series of virtual panels.
Virtual Panel Discussion of the Film Rigged Friday, August 28 at 7–8 p.m. Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook takes a rigorous look at voter suppression and sparks spirited discussion on the actions needed to protect our democracy. This award-winning documentary was shot principally during the 2016 election. The film tracks a systematic, decade-long effort to suppress votes at scale and reverse the growing demographic tide of non-white and younger voters who helped elect President Barack Obama in 2008. Using cinema verite, #RiggedTheFilm details a variety of mendacious voter suppression “plays,” or tactics, ranging from the purging of voting rolls and passing of new, restrictive voter ID laws to gerrymandering and voter intimidation. It is narrated by Emmy & Tony award-winning actor, Jeffrey Wright.
Join a virtual panel with the creators of the film. Attendees who register for the Rigged panel will receive an exclusive streaming link to view the film, available from August 18–28.
Democracy and the Informed Citizen Thursday, September 3 at 6–8 p.m. Seasoned journalists of Hampton Roads and experts from Old Dominion University will gather virtually with Slover Library to explore the critical role of local journalism in support of an informed citizenry. Featured on the panel includes Ryan Murphy, Reporter at The Virginian-Pilot; Dr. Jesse Richman, Associate Professor, ODU Department of Political Science and Geography; Peter Adams, Author/Lecturer, ODU Department of English; and Amy Matzke-Fawcett, Strategic Communication and Outreach Coordinator, ODU College of Arts and Letters. The panel will be moderated by Don Luzzatto, former editor at The Virginian-Pilot. This program is part of the “Democracy and the Informed Citizen” initiative, administered across the nation by the Federation of State Humanities Councils. The initiative seeks to deepen the public’s knowledge and appreciation of the vital connections between democracy, the humanities, journalism, and an informed citizenry. The virtual panel at Slover Library was made possible with the support of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Virginia Center for the Book, and the Slover Library Foundation.
Both panels are free and open to the public. Learn more and register to join the virtual events: sloverlibrary.com/vote
About Slover Library:
Slover Library blends traditional library functions with the best of contemporary library resources and services. The innovative space design creates a vital and dynamic center of community learning, leading-edge technology and civic engagement, available to all citizens of the region, and it is known as an attraction for residents and visitors alike.
Slover Library is located in beautiful downtown Norfolk on the corner of Plume and Atlantic Street near MacArthur Square and the MacArthur Memorial. Call (757) 431-7491 for more information.
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