Metro hosts screening and panel discussion of critically acclaimed short film
Free event
The event is free, but there is limited seating. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. The Portland Art Musuem is wheelchair accessible.
Metro is hosting a screening and panel discussion of Sista in the Brotherhood, a critically acclaimed narrative short film about a black apprentice carpenter struggling to prove herself on her first day at a new job site.
Metro's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team organized the event, and as team member Scotty Ellis described, viewing equity issues through a work of art, offers a unique and powerful experience.
Based in Oregon, the film brings to light the experience of many women of color and women working in a male-dominated industry like construction. It was inspired by the doctoral thesis of co-executive producer, Dr. Roberta Hunte, and directed by Latina journey-level carpenter/filmmaker, Dawn Jones Redstone.
Barriers that prevent the development of skilled tradespeople of color are a major equity issue in the region. Following the film will be a panel discussion on barriers faced by tradeswomen of color, the role of public and private entities to respond, and potential regional solutions. Panelists include the following:
- Dr. Roberta Hunte (Co-Executive Producer and Professor, Portland State University)
- Dawn Jones Redstone (Co-Executive Producer and Owner, HEARTS+SPARKS Productions)
- Gabriele Schuster (Procurement Manager, Metro)
- Amy James Neel (Construction Manager, Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc.)
- Michael Burch (Community Relations & Outreach, Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters)
For more information about Metro's draft Strategic Plan to Advance Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, visit www.oregonmetro.gov/equity.