Join us to watch a screening of "What do you have to lose?" followed by a discussion with the film's director and Professor of African American and African Studies at Michigan State University, Dr. Trimiko Melancon. 

What Do You Have to Lose? explores the history of race in the United States to shed light on the current political and racial landscape in America during the post-Obama age of Trump. From Charlottesville and the rise of the alt-right to Black Lives Matter and the death of George Floyd, this film takes an arresting look at how did we get here, why does it matter, and what do we, as individuals and a nation, have to lose?

A trailer for the film is available here.

The MLK Toward Freedom film series will be showcasing films that unveil stories of perseverance through adversity due to systemic oppression because of race, gender, and socio-economic standings. The stories shown through the film series will engage the viewers through narratives that reflect the personal experiences of many. These accounts mirror the stories of the past and signify the importance of remembering Dr. Martin Luther King’s perseverance and actions during the civil rights movements that is continuing to this day.

Toward Freedom is a film series presented by MSU Libraries and WKAR Public Media.