Join us on
March 29th at 1:00 PM at the Roosevelt House Institute for Public Policy at Hunter College for a screening of the documentary short
By Your Side followed by a discussion with the directors,
Michael and Debbie Davis moderated by
CalvinJohn Smiley, Hunter College Associate Professor of Sociology. Debbie and Michael (Africa) Davis are two members of the MOVE 9, a Black liberation and environmental organization, who, following a 1978 altercation between the Philadelphia police, were convicted and sentenced to 30-100 years in prison. Two members died in custody, while the seven remaining members, including Mike and Debbie, were granted parole and released from prison between the years 2018 through 2020.
By Your Side highlights the story of Mike and Debbie and how they maintained their relationship while in prison, separated from each other, their children, their families, and freedom. Their incarceration was defined by the 40 years in prison starting in the era of Frank Rizzo, the onetime Philadelphia police commissioner and mayor notorious for police brutality. This documentary tells the story of their determination and commitment to never giving up on liberation.
Reception to follow.
TIME
Wednesday, March 29
1:00-2:15 PM
LOCATION
Roosevelt House
47-49 East 65th Street, between Madison and Park Ave