Hosted by the Native American Studies Program, this year’s film series will highlight two films that examine wrongful convictions, incarceration and access to education within the United States criminal legal system.
Each film will explore the human impact of systemic injustice, highlighting personal stories of resilience, accountability and transformation.
The film screenings, followed by a panel discussion, will be held from 6-8 p.m. in Ming Hsieh Hall, Room G21.
“Burden of Innocence” — Wednesday (Feb. 25)
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion led by Melissa Giggenbach, director of the West Virginia Innocence Project at the WVU College of Law. Panelists include Debra Milke, an exoneree who spent 22 years on Arizona’s death row, and Tony Walton, who is currently fighting his wrongful conviction for armed robbery in Fayette County.
“WVIP is thrilled to partner with other esteemed organizations for the Human Rights Film Series to shed light on the hurdles innocent men and women face when they are released from prison,” said Giggenbach. “Prison leaves an indelible mark that formerly incarcerated individuals carry with them for the rest of their lives. ‘Burden of Innocence’ is an important film that helps those of us in their communities understand their plight and how critical it is to offer a welcoming and supportive homecoming.”
Find more information on the “Burden of Innocence” screening and panel discussion.
“College Behind Bars” — Wednesday, March 4
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion co-led by Katy Ryan, director of the WVU Center for Prison Education and Research and founder of the Appalachian Prison Book Project, along with doctoral student Danielle Stoneberg, a coordinator for both the Appalachian Prison Book Project and the WVU Higher Education in Prison Initiative.
Panelists include Darryl Byers-Robinson, a Bard College graduate who was formerly incarcerated and is featured in the film, and Celeste Monette Blair, a poet and visual artist recently released from federal prison.
The WVU Bookstore will staff a book signing for “This Book is Free and Yours to Keep: Notes from the Appalachian Prison Book Project,” an award-winning WVU Press publication.
“‘College Behind Bars’ tells the story of how powerful and life-changing education can be,” Ryan said. “At the Center for Prison Education and Research, we are working to build this kind of higher education in prison program, one that responds to the needs of students and that is guided by research, community and care.”
Find more information on the “College Behind Bars” screening and panel discussion.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to engage with the community through these powerful films and the generous panelists sharing their invaluable perspectives and life experiences,” said Bonnie Brown, NAS program coordinator. “At this heated point in our nation’s history, these films and presentations compel us to deeply consider both the human and civil rights of others, especially those being apprehended, detained and incarcerated.”
The film series is made possible by the WVU Community Human Rights Film Fund, established by Morgantown residents Don Spencer and the late Carol Howe Hamblen.