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Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power
Directed by Abby Ginzberg
Friday, September 10, 6 pm CINEMA+
$12 / $8 Speed members
“There’s no doubt for a single frame that this consummate politician—a pragmatic firebrand—is long overdue for recognition beyond the Bay Area.”—David Lewis, San Francisco Chronicle
Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power tells the complex story of Representative Barbara Lee, a steadfast voice for human rights, peace, and economic and racial justice in the U.S. Congress who cut her teeth as a volunteer for the Black Panther Party and was the lone vote in opposition to the broad authorization of military force following the September 11 attacks. In 2001, she issued a strident warning in the House of Representatives: “Let us not become the evil we deplore,” leading to a strong backlash.
This new documentary reveals how the challenges faced by Lee early in her life provided her with the motivation and commitment to improve the lives of others throughout her tenure as an elected representative from Oakland. With unique access to a sitting member of Congress, this film also features Senator Cory Booker, Representative John Lewis, Representative Ayanna Pressley, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, CNN commentator Van Jones, actor Danny Glover, and author Alice Walker share insights about what makes Lee unique as a public servant and as an African American leader. 2020, U.S., DCP, 82 minutes. Recommended for 12+.
CINEMA+ With a post-screening discussion led by Dr. Michael Brandon McCormack, Director, Anne Braden Institute for Social Justice Research and Dr. Mary Sheridan, Director, Commonwealth Center for the Humanities and Society