Earlier this year, I connected with Laurel resident Dion Johnson who wrote and directed a documentary film on the critical importance of literacy, especially in marginalized communities. The documentary won an award at a DC film festival and I thought it be a great idea for his hometown to host a viewing as well! – There were some licensing arrangements that needed to be worked out, but I’m happy to report those were recently approved and that the Laurel screening is scheduled for this coming Friday, September 25 at 7 p.m. at the Gude Mansion.

The documentary is titled “Forever Free and the Illiteracy Playbook” its description reads:

Millions of Americans, especially in marginalized communities, struggle with basic literacy, a crisis rooted in generations of educational inequity. This documentary confronts that deliberate reality head on, weaving archival footage, expert insights, and deeply personal stories into a powerful narrative about literacy as a gateway to civic participation, economic mobility, and personal dignity.

Laurel is blessed with so many talented and caring people doing good work to help others – it’s an honor to help highlight their work and I hope you’ll take an opportunity if you can to come out to learn and share with our community on this important topic.