Teach Us All: Documentary Screening with Viacom

On September 20, Citizen Schools New York (CSNY) held a screening of Teach Us All​, a documentary film directed by Sonia Lowman. The documentary details the history of school segregation and educational inequality, and how these issues are still impacting schools in the United States. Much like the courageous efforts of the Little Rock Nine, the film highlights how young people are still at the forefront of disrupting educational inequities.

Generously hosted by Viacom, the screening was attended by 50+ friends and stakeholders of CSNY. Wendy Lee (Executive Director, CSNY) facilitated a discussion alongside Michael Valentino (CSR & Community Investment Manager, Viacom) and​ Gerald Yarborough (Art Director, Nickelodeon & Social Responsibility Chair for The BEAT, Viacom’s African-American Employee Resource Group). Drawing inspiration from the students featured throughout the film, guests reflected on their own experiences and shared how they have resolved to make an impact in their own communities through volunteerism and giving back.

It was an evening filled with mixing, mingling, and forward-thinking discussions. The audience left the room reinvigorated by the students’ stories from Teach Us All. The film ​is an inspiration for CSNY and its supporters to create enriching, diverse, and equitable experiences for students across New York City.