PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As part of the Pittsfield Public Schools Arts Integration & Community Partnership Program, a special collaboration between the school district and the Berkshire County chapter of the NAACP, a free community screening of the film, "Till," will be held at 6 p.m. on March 26 at Taconic High School at 96 Valentine Road in Pittsfield. 

 

The new program, which is centered on classroom-based arts integration instruction, launched in February with a professional development presentation to all secondary teachers and staff in the school district. The program was designed by Yvette "Jamuna" Sirker, MFA, PPS Coordinator for Arts Integration & Community Partnerships and Shirley Edgerton, of the Berkshire County Chapter of the NAACP. 

 

With a spotlight on civil rights, the program allows sophomore students in social studies classes to view the film, followed by workshops led by NAACP facilitators. Additionally, prior to the community screening on March 26, "Till" co-writer and producer, Keith Beauchamp will visit both Pittsfield and Taconic high schools.  

 

In addition to providing a licensed copy of the film, Triplex Cinema is also covering the costs associated with Beauchamp's visit to both schools.  

 

Sirker is hopeful about this program and its potential to raise awareness. 

 

"Superintendent Joseph Curtis offered valuable support and guidance on the program's infrastructure in addition to other members of the NAACP who contributed to the shaping of classroom resources and experiential workshops. The film, 'Till,' has provided our district with a potent experiential learning moment as the film, the NAACP, our social studies teachers, and Mr. Beauchamp guide our students into greater awareness of their own history as well as demonstrating the link between the arts and social justice," said Sirker. "Finally, this program offers PPS students direct contact with a key organization in the 'Till' story, the NAACP."