September 16 marks the 224th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Some events occurring in WV over the next several weeks that are tied to this anniversary courtesy of the WV Civics Literacy Council appear below:
Sept. 20, 2011, at 7:00 PM
The Causes of the Civil War: A Primer
O’Hurley’s General Store, Shepherdstown
The causes of the American Civil War are varied and complex. Mark Snell, director of the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War at Shepherd University, will discuss the major sectional issues that led to the Civil War, from the nation’s founding through the tumultuous decade of the 1850s to the election of Abraham Lincoln.
Sept. 21, 2011, at 4:00 PM
Openness: From the routine business of state and local government to national security issues.
Marshall University, Huntington
Panelists will include: David Herzog, University of Missouri; Ed Dawkins, Herald Post-Dispatch; Ted Boettner, WV Center of Budget and Policy; Joseph Thornton, WV Dept of Military Affairs and Public Safety.
Sept. 21, 2011, at 10:00 PM
Not in Our Town: Light in the Darkness
PBS
Not In Our Town: Light in the Darkness is a one-hour documentary about a town coming together to take action after anti-immigrant violence devastates the community. In 2008, a series of attacks against Latino residents of Patchogue, New York culminate with the murder of Marcelo Lucero, an Ecuadorian immigrant who had lived in the Long Island village for 13 years. Over a two-year period, the story follows Mayor Paul Pontieri, the victim’s brother, Joselo Lucero, and Patchogue residents as they openly address the underlying causes of the violence, work to heal divisions, and begin taking steps to ensure everyone in their village will be safe and respected. Community groups can find information on sponsoring local screenings plus discussion guides at: http://www.niot.org/LightInTheDarkness. The City of Clarksburg is planning activities along with the screening.
Sept. 26, 2011, at 7:00 PM
League of Women Voters: Civility in Practice
Vienna Public Library, Wood County
Everyone bemoans the lack of civility these days, but few are ready to be a part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Join the discussion on what we mean by civility and how we can begin to dialogue with those with whom we deeply disagree. Leave with a deeper understanding of a current topic and with strategies to address difficult situations.
