DA's Office To Host 'Walking While Black' Screening In Wayne

WAYNE, PA — Valley Forge Middle School in Wayne is the site of a town hall-style gathering to show an award-winning film about race and justice on Aug. 2.

The Chester County Law Enforcement Task Force on Race and Justice will present the screening of an award-winning documentary about reconciliation. Hosted by the Chester County District Attorney's Office, an invite is issued to Tredyffrin/Easttown School District residents and law enforcement to a Town Hall screening of Walking While Black - The Movie, an award-winning documentary film.

"We hope you will participate in this meaningful opportunity to help bridge the communication gap between Tredyffrin-Easttown residents and law enforcement," the Chester County District Attorney's Office told the school district community, residents, and law enforcement.

Valley Forge Middle School, 105 W. Walker Road, Wayne, will open its doors for the 6-9 p.m. town hall screening on Aug. 2.

A notice from the District Attorney's Office said "Walking While Black" has a message that "is a powerful one about reconciliation that addresses the need to improve the relationship between law enforcement and communities of color."

Directed and produced by A.J. Ali, a disabled U.S. Air Force veteran, the film has won international acclaim and been recognized by the NAACP and others.

Fully titled, "Walking While Black: L.O.V.E. Is The Answer" the film was initially released in 2017 and updated in late 2019, according to one of its social media pages. More than 50,000 people have watched the film nationwide, and many of them have participated in webinars, workshops, and other programs to go along with the film, the webpage said.

We are all neighbors, and friends, and even family members — police and community members are one community.

After the free 60-minute screening, trained facilitators from The Peace Center will lead small-group discussions. Groups will then reconvene to share what was learned, the notice said.

The event sponsors ask residents who wish to attend to sign up by July 29 here. They may also email mbjork@chesco.org or call Michelle Bjork, 610-344-6820 with questions.

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