Free CeCe
Central Library 201 W. Mifflin St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703
press release:
Thursday, June 14, 6 PM - 8 PM, Madison Public Library - Central Branch, 201 W Mifflin St - Meeting Room 302
Hosted by Community Shares of Wisconsin in partnership with the Madison Public Library, the Racial Justice Film Series aims to educate and spark community-led conversation on systemic racism and related issues at the heart of the contemporary racial justice movement. Join us for this impactful learning experience and contribute to the conversation concerning how we, as organizations and individuals, can support racial justice efforts in our communities. The Racial Justice Film Series continues with Free Cece documentary. Synopsis: On her way to the store with a group of friends, Chrishaun Reed “CeCe” McDonald was brutally attacked. While defending her life, a man was killed. After a coercive interrogation, CeCe was incarcerated in a men’s prison in Minnesota. An international campaign to free CeCe garnered significant support from media and activists, including actress Laverne Cox. Cox signed on as executive producer of FREE CECE!, committed to exploring the role race, class, and gender played in CeCe’s case. In the end, CeCe emerged not only as a survivor, but also as a leader. Documentarian Jac Gares pushed past the everyday narratives of victimhood surrounding the lives of transgender people, to spotlight the way CeCe and other trans people are leading a growing movement fighting for the rights of transgender people everywhere. CeCe's powerful story highlights the groundswell of voices questioning the prison industrial complex and calling for its disassembly. Please join us following the film for a facilitated discussion led by GSAFE and OutReach LGBT Community Center. This event is free and open to the public.