FREE Screening of PBS American Experience Documentary "Stonewall Uprising" Set for Oct. 15

Article by: The Mosaic Project of South Texas (Contributed Release)

PBS American Experience Graphic

A free screening of the PBS American Experience documentary "Stonewall Uprising," which examines the events leading up to what is seen as the defining moment in the establishment of the gay rights movement in the United States, is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Oct. 15 at Del Mar College in the Retama Room in the East Campus Harvin Student Center. (Contributed graphic)

The public is invited to commemorate LGBT History Month and attend a free screening of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) American Experience documentary “Stonewall Uprising” scheduled Tuesday, Oct.15, at 6 p.m. at Del Mar College, 101 Baldwin, in the Harvin Student Center’s Retama Room (Second Floor). The event is jointly sponsored by the Mosaic Project of South Texas/PRIDE Corpus Christi, Del Mar College/Safe Space Club and KEDT and is FREE to students and the general public.

The documentary, produced by WGBH in Boston as part of the PBS series “American Experience,” examines the events leading up to what is seen as the defining moment in the establishment of the gay rights movement in the United States––the riot at the Stonewall Inn in New York City in the summer of 1969. This year marks the 50th anniversary of those riots that marked a critical turning point in the LGBT civil rights movement.

“It is a privilege to work with Del Mar College and KEDT during LGBT History Month to offer education and information about the courageous individuals who sparked a national civil rights movement,” said Bill Hoelscher, President of the Mosaic Project of South Texas. “It is important to remember the freedoms and protections we as LGBT individuals have gained over the last 50 years were not easily won. Del Mar College and KEDT are allies who protect and promote the dignity and value of LGBT students, staff, faculty and the community at large.”

Rita Hernandez, z, MA, LPC-S and Lead Counselor with Del Mar College’s Counseling Center, added, “The College is proud to collaborate with The Mosaic Project/PRIDE Corpus Christi, and we are thankful for the opportunity to host this event and learn from LGBT history. As allies and advocates, we strive to foster a culture that is safe and affirming to all who seek higher education. Embracing knowledge and diversity is how Del Mar College Vikings thrive.”

Seating is limited for this event. All seats are general admission with no reserved seating. Go to pridecorpuschristi.com to reserve tickets through EventBrite.

Prior to the screening, a reception will be held starting at 5 p.m. outside the Retama Room. A panel discussion on “The Future of LGBT Rights” will follow the film.

LGBT History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history and the history of the gay rights and LGBT civil rights movement. LGBT History Month provides an opportunity to learn about historical role models, to strengthen community bonds and to make a public statement about the important contributions of the LGBT community to society at large.

LGBT History Month also coincides with National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 as well as the 40th anniversary on Oct. 14 of the 1979 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The first such political rally by members of the LGBT community, the march drew between 75,000 and 125,000 gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender individuals and straight allies to demand equal protections and civil rights legislation.

The struggle continues today, and the public is invited to learn more about the past, present and future struggles for LGBT civil rights.

About Del Mar College

Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.