Saratoga Jewish Community Arts to present virtual panel discussion on the film ‘13th’

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Saratoga Jewish Community Arts is presenting a virtual panel discussion on the film “13th.”

This award-winning 2016 documentary by director Ava DuVernay explores the confluence of race, justice and mass incarceration in the United States.

In the film, titled after the 13th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution which abolished slavery throughout the U. S., DuVernay contends that slavery has been perpetuated since the end of the Civil War through criminalizing behavior and enabling police to arrest poor freedmen and force them to work for the state under convict leasing; suppression of African Americans by disenfranchisement, lynching and Jim Crow; politicians declaring a war on drugs that weights more heavily on minority communities and, by the late 20th Century, mass incarceration of people of color.

“This documentary provides an opportunity for meaningful conversation about things that matter,” program coordinator Phyllis Wang said in a press release. “As Jews we are challenged with expressions of anti- Semitism whether through word or violence. Yet there are others, including a segment of Jews, who are challenged as soon as they show their face merely by the color of their skin.”

Participants are encouraged to watch “13th” on their own at a time of their choosing, then log in at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 26 for a

Zoom discussion forum in which panelists will focus on questions regarding the 13th Amendment, media and popular culture representations of Black Americans and mass incarceration.

Panelists will include Daniel Nathan (Skidmore College); Reverend Michael Bell; Pastor Mark Kehrer; Timothy Harper (Skidmore College); Kenneth Evans (Financial and Business Services); Song Lee (UVM) and Tanesha Ingram (community organizer, activist).

Individual panelist biographies will be included in the program that will be provided to registrants prior to the event.

The documentary is available through Netflix, HBO, YouTube, Amazon, Amazon Prime and other outlets.

The event format is a bit different from the SJCA’s usual practice. “As we all are experiencing the need to find alternative ways to deliver our education, entertainment etc., this film program will be an on your own viewing opportunity,” Wang said in the release.

Nevertheless, Wang encourages participation. She added, “If you want to talk about things that matter with people that matter, then join the discussion!”

Advance registration is required and can be completed online at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvdOrrjkiE9YFVMBBiqOXt2j9DNHORxfF.

After registering, attendees will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Zoom session.