Throughout this week (2/20 – 2/27), activists have the opportunity to participate in public meetings, panel discussions and film festivals. Read on if you want to get involved in the community regarding political polling and race relations.
Wed., Feb. 20, Understanding the Art and Science of Political Polling @ 7 – 9 p.m.
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall – 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.
Indivisible East Manatee (IEM) will host a public meeting featuring two nationally known experts who will discuss how public opinion polls are generated and how people can better interpret poll results to know if the data are meaningful. The presentation on The Art and Science of Political Polling will feature Michael Binder, Ph.D., an associate professor of political science and faculty director of the Public Opinion Research Laboratory at the University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville. He will provide insights from the polling done by UNF in 2018 and discuss polling plans for the 2020 election cycle. In addition, Robert McCaa, a former research professor at the Minnesota Population Center and Fulbright fellow, will dissect 2018 voter data collected from Sarasota and Manatee counties. This event is free and open to the public.
Thurs., Feb. 21, The Boxser Diversity Initiative Presents: The Language of Racism @ 5 – 8:30 p.m.
New College of Florida – Sainer Auditorium – 5313 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.
Racism continues to overshadow much of the progress that is being made in the United States and in the world. The language of “racism” is used in many ways, formats and styles. A panel discussion facilitated by Judge Charles Williams featuring Michael Jeffries (Wellesley College), Timothy McCarthy (Harvard University) and Professor Ladee Hubbard (Tulane University) will discuss these issues. There will be a reception before the event with entertainment and food trucks that starts at 5 p.m. Students need to RSVP via NovoConnect to reserve one of the 30 free student tickets for this event.
Sat., Feb. 23, Overcoming our History of Hate @ 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
New College of Florida – Sudakoff Center – 5800 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.
A presentation by Equal Justice Initiative co-sponsored by The Florida Conference of Historians. This event is hosted by the Black History Month Committee. This event is free and open to the public.
Tues., Feb. 26, African Diaspora Film Festival – Tongues United — How Are We Doing? @ 6 – 9 p.m.
New College of Florida – ACE 115 – 5800 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.
Filmmaker Marlon Riggs gives a voice to communities of gay black men, presenting their cultures and perspectives on the world as they confront racism, homophobia and marginalization.
This event is hosted by the Black History Month Committee. This event is free and open to the public.
Tues., Feb. 26, Conversation with Chief DiPino @ 6:30 p.m.
Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center – 525 Kumquat Ct, Sarasota.
Chief DiPino was appointed as Chief of Police of the Sarasota Police Department on December 31, 2012. The Chief of Police is the executive officer of the Sarasota Police Department and is ultimately responsible for decisions regarding policy, enforcement and use of resources in conjunction with the City Manager and the City Commission. The Chief maintains command authority over all department employees, both sworn and civilian. This meeting is free and open to the public.