The September Project
On December 18, 2001, Congress designated September 11 as Patriot Day, a day that citizens are urged to commemorate by attending “appropriate ceremonies and activities.” The Seattle Public Library’s annual September Project explores topics of freedom, democracy, patriotism and citizenship. In 2006, the Library explores immigration, an issue that affects us all and is at the center of debate in Congress. Learn more and engage in discussions about why people come here and how the current controversy touches our community. These events are sponsored by The Seattle Public Library Foundation, the International Rescue Committee and KCTS Television.

All events are free and open to the public. Tickets and reservations are not required. Parking in the Central Library garage will be available for a $5 special event rate. Parking at branches is free. Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins.

For more information, call (206) 386-4636 or visit the Library’s Web site: www.spl.org.

Films about the Immigrant Experience
This series of documentary films provide glimpses into the stories of why and how people come to the United States. Panel discussions with local immigrants and representatives of community-based organizations follow each film.
 

2p.m.-4 p.m. Sat, Sept. 9
Central: Sentenced Home
Capitol Hill: Lost Boys of Sudan
Ballard: Hobart Shakespeareans
High Point: Al Otro Lado (To the Other Side)
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2p.m.-4 p.m. Sun, Sept. 10
Central: Hobart Shakespeareans
Capitol Hill: Al Otro Lado (To the Other Side)
Ballard: Sentenced Home
High Point: Lost Boys of Sudan

The Southern Sudanse Community of Washington (SSCW) will have a panel of Sudanese refugees at both shows!

Lost Boys of Sudan follows two young refugees of Sudan’s 20-year civil war, Peter and Santino, through their first year in America. Along with 20,000 other boys, they lost their families and wandered hundreds of miles across the desert seeking safety. Directed and produced by Megan Mylan and Jon Shenk (87 minutes). Discussion with representatives of the Southern Sudanese Community of Washington and the International Rescue Committee.

Sentenced Home examines the deportation of three Cambodian refugees who, having grown up in Seattle, are drawn into gang life and ultimately end up in jail. In the wake of 9/11, these Cambodian Americans are faced with leaving their families and returning to a land they barely know. Directed by Nicole Newnham and David Grabias (76 minutes). Discussion with cast of the film, including Many Uch and Jay Stansell.

The Hobart Shakespeareans explores how one teacher's uncommon commitment and resourcefulness opened up worlds of opportunity for his students from mostly immigrant and refugee families and perhaps demonstrates a way forward for America's beleaguered public education system. Directed and produced by Mel Stuart (56 minutes). Discussion with Martin O’Callaghan, Principal, Bilingual Orientation Center and Mohamed Hassan, Community Liaison and Assistant Teacher, Tukwila School District.

Al Otro Lado (To the Other Side) follows Magdiel, an aspiring corrido composer from the drug capital of Mexico, as he faces two difficult choices to better his life: to traffic drugs or to risk his life crossing the border illegally into the United States. Performance footage by corrido superstars is interspersed with the day-to-day struggles of Magdiel as he embarks on an uncertain journey." Directed by Natalia Almada (60 Minutes). Discussion with Jesus Rodriguez, Leadership Development Coordinator, Nonprofit Assistance Center and TBA.

Keynote Address
Ray Suarez “The Immigration Controversy: Why It’s Relevant to You”
7 p.m. Mon., Sept. 11
Town Hall at Eighth and Seneca

Ray Suarez, senior correspondent for “The NewsHour” on PBS, discusses the genesis of the immigration controversy, why the issue has proponents and opponents crossing party lines. Copies of Suarez’s new book, The Holy Vote: The Politics of Faith in America (Rayo/HarperCollins), will be available for purchase and signing. Co-presented with The Elliott Bay Book Company.

For more information and directions at The Seattle Public Library.