by Jennifer Onuska
ASUNM President
Two events are approaching that will promote tolerance and service.
The ASUNM Southwest Film Center will be showing “A Town of Two Jaspers” and the ASUNM Community Experience will be putting on Spring Storm.
On Monday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m., the Southwest Film Center is showing “The Town of Two Jaspers.” This movie examines the local reaction to three separate trials for the racially motivated murder of a black man in Jasper, Texas.
In 1998, James Byrd was chained to a pick-up truck and dragged to his death by three Caucasians. To document the aftermath of the murder, Marco Williams and Whitney Dow set out to create a documentary. However, to exhibit the gap that exists between whites and blacks, they split up to capture opposite ends of the spectrum.
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Williams, who is white, uses an all-white crew to document Jasper’s white population. This includes those who try to explain or defend the actions of the three white men on trial for the killing. In contrast, Dow, who is black, uses an all-black crew to register the legitimate anger of blacks in the surrounding area. The film’s stylistic segregation is justified by the extreme bluntness with which subjects of both races express their diversity of opinion.
After the film, there will be a discussion facilitated by Marsha Hardeman. The movie will be shown in Keller Hall and admission is free.
Another event is approaching that will allow members of UNM to give back to the Albuquerque Community. This event is the Spring Storm. This project was started last year and is now a part of the seventh ASUNM executive agency: the Community Experience. Spring Storm is a one-day community service event.
On Saturday, April 12, you will have the opportunity to help the Albuquerque community as UNM students, faculty or staff.
We will meet at the University Football Stadium, from 9-9:30 a.m. That morning, projects will be assigned upon arrival. In addition, there will be free breakfast provided by UNM President Garcia. After a short speaker presentation, we will depart to various sites around Albuquerque. Lunch will also be provided.
At the end of the day, we will meet back at the Stadium for Barbeque Bash, at 3:15 p.m. The Barbeque Bash will last until 6:30 p.m., and will include music, Powdrell’s Barbeque, a bungee run, a jousting ring, prizes and a volunteer fair.
This day of service is accompanied by three free meals, entertainment, a chance to meet other members of the UNM community and, most importantly, will allow us all to do a good deed.
If you are interested in participating please check our Web site at http://springstorm.unm.edu or come by the ASUNM office or the Student Activities Office. The deadline to sign up for this fantastic project is March 10. Sign up soon!
