In the News

Documentary explores race, immigration

February 16, 2006

The Diversity Council is sponsoring a screening of an award-winning documentary that explores race, religion and immigration.

The film, "The Letter: An American Town and the Somali Invasion," focuses on the town of Lewiston, Maine, in 2002. An influx of 1,100 Somali refugees awakened fears among the city's residents about job security and outsiders.

Lewiston Mayor Larry Raymond sent an open letter warning other Somalis not to move to Lewiston because of strained economic resources. That letter generated a firestorm of controversy, and the town became a flash point for white supremacy groups and anti-racisim groups around the nation.

The free public viewing will be from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Rochester Public Library auditorium. The viewing will be followed by a discussion led by the Diversity Council's executive director, Kay Hocker, and IMAA's Abucar Iman.

© 2006 Post Bulletin. Used by permission.

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