On Saturday, February 28, staff from the Community Safety and Justice and Mental Health and Emergency Response Divisions of the Equity and Engagement Department attended a Black History Month film screening hosted by Blueprint partner First Followers. The event was held at the space provided by fellow Blueprint partner Y on the Fly, creating an inviting environment for community members, service providers, and local partners to gather for an evening of reflection and discussion.

Attendees enjoyed snacks while screening Against the Current, a documentary that highlights the long history of Black resistance to oppression in Illinois. The film weaves together historical context and personal narratives, offering powerful first-hand accounts that illustrate the struggles, resilience, and activism of Black communities across the state. Through interviews, archival footage, and storytelling, the documentary provided a deeper understanding of how historical injustices continue to shape present-day conversations about equity and justice.

The event drew a strong turnout from residents and representatives of community-based and social service organizations. Following the screening, participants broke into small discussion groups to reflect on the film and engage with guided questions. These conversations allowed attendees to share perspectives, connect the film’s themes to current community issues, and explore ways to continue advancing equity and justice locally.

The evening concluded with a panel discussion featuring Marlon Mitchell and Eric Smith Watkins. During the discussion, Watkins shared his powerful personal reentry journey, offering insight into the challenges individuals face when returning to the community after incarceration and the importance of support networks and second chances. The conversation encouraged thoughtful dialogue among attendees and reinforced the importance of community partnerships in addressing systemic barriers and supporting successful reentry.

Events like this film screening highlight the ongoing collaboration among Blueprint partners and community organizations to create spaces for education, reflection, and meaningful engagement.