Women In Media – Newark (Wim-N) Screens “Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai” on Sept. 25

Rutgers-Newark Hosts, Co-sponsors Film about Nobel Prize Winner

Newark, N.J., Sept. 1, 2010“Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai,” will be screened at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 25,  at the Paul Robeson Campus Center at Rutgers- Newark campus, 350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.  Admission is free, although donations to the Green Belt Movement are encouraged.

Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai tells the dramatic story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai, whose simple act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, and defend democracy—a movement for which this charismatic woman became an iconic inspiration.

Out of frustration for the conditions surrounding women in rural Kenya, Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, a grassroots organization encouraging rural women to plant trees. As the trees and the Green Belt Movement grew, a spirit of hope and confidence also grew in ordinary citizens – especially in women – only to be met with violent opposition from the government. Soon, in addition to planting trees the Green Belt Movement also started programs teaching women about indigenous foods, income generating activities, AIDS, and self-empowerment. 

 

TAKING ROOT brings to life the confidence and joy of people working to improve their own lives while also ensuring the future and vitality of their land.  It captures a world-view in which nothing is perceived as impossible. Brian Miles of Nashvillescene.com describes the film as “…proof that one small voice of dissent can shake nations….an affectionate, rousing portrait.”

 A panel discussion with scholars and women familiar with Dr. Maathai’s work and the Green Belt Movement will follow the screening.  Representative from the Green Belt Movement has been invited to participate in the discussion.

 THE PAUL ROBESON CAMPUS CENTER IS HANDICAP-ACCESSIBLE.

This program is co-sponsored by WIM-N; the Office of the Chancellor, Rutgers-Newark; Rutgers-Newark Office of Campus and Community Relations; and the Program of Women and Gender Studies at Rutgers University, Newark. 

About WIM-N:

Women In Media – Newark is an organization that advocates for and educates the public about issues affecting the lives of women using film, video and new media as our platform. Merging culture and academia, we rally behind our sisters who courageously struggle to assume leadership roles in the film industry with their conscious effort to present a balanced image of women, dispelling the stereotypes, and changing public perception of their sisters worldwide. More information can be found on the web at: www.wim-n.com. The screening is free and open to the public, although donations to the Green Belt Movement are encouraged.  

Please contact WIM-N at 973-996-8342 or email info@wim-n.com for more information.

 

GETTING TO RUTGERS UNIVERSITY IN NEWARK

 

BY MASS TRANSIT: Rutgers-Newark can be reached by New Jersey Transit buses and trains, the PATH train and Amtrak from New York City, and by the Newark Light Rail, Washington Street Station or Broad Street Station.

BY CAR: Rutgers-Newark can be reached by the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, Routes 95, 21, 78, and 280, and the Lincoln and Holland tunnels. Metered parking is available on University Avenue.  Other parking: Rutgers-Newark’s parking garage (200 University Ave.) or the Washington Street lot (123 Washington Street).  Printable maps and driving directions at: www.newark.rutgers.edu/maps/index.php.