Diversity Film 'Accidental Hero: Room 408'

"America's embattled public education system provides kindling for numerous negative news stories-school shootings, drugs, gang violence. Accidental Hero: Room 408 provides a powerful exception to those stereotypes. Following an East Bay public high school teacher and his class, the film tells the story of Tommie Lindsey, an extraordinary man who is changing lives by introducing his students to a little known academic sport called "forensics."

ACCIDENTAL HERO has important messages about the tremendous potential that young people from diverse backgrounds can realize when they are given the support of good teachers and ample educational tools." (56 minutes) by Terri DeBono and Steve Rosen

http://www.pbs.org/accidentalhero/film/

Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary, New York International Film & Video Festival.

"Accidental Hero touched me deeply. Teaching is about staying involved, persevering and understanding that students do need you. I recommend this film to all new teachers and any teachers who are feeling tired. This film will reaffirm how important their profession is to the students they touch each day." Darla Dixon, High School Art Teacher, Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Welcome to the world of forensics: students train and compete in oratory, debate, and dramatic interpretation of events. By letting students draw on their cultural backgrounds - sometimes pent up pain or anger - the teacher channels emotions into spellbinding performances in this engrossing documentary.
6:30 free reception with light refreshments
7:00 - 8:00 pm film showing
8:00 - 9:00 pm community discussion