On Saturday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 PM, the Solidarity Committee of the Capital District continues its 2009-2010 film series with the screening of "Taking Root"

"Taking Root" is the dramatic story of 70-year-old Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, whose act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, empower poor women, and defend democracy.  In Kenya, the disappearance of trees is linked to the drying up of streams, loss of sources of firewood, malnutrition of children and many other life and death issues.  Wangarai Maathai links the problems in her local community to Moi's Kenyan dictatorship, the commoditization of natural resources, and the colonial legacy in Kenya that eroded traditional values which had protected the environment.  Maathai "emerges as a warm, humble, but unstoppable advocate for human rights--proof that one small voice of dissent can shake nations," wrote Brian Miles of the Nashvile Scene.  Ronnie Scheib of Variety, wrote the film "attests to the seismic changes wrought by women of different religions and ethnicities working together."  Author and activist Frances Moore Lappe, wrote "Taking Root..captures the transformative potential of regular people finding their voices...it will inspire untold, endless acts of courage."  Tom Ellis of Albany said "Maathai may someday be as influentual as Gandhi."


The film-showing -- co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson Peace Action -- will take place at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, located at 405 Washington Avenue(across the street from the downtown SUNY campus).






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