Human Relations Commission looks toward future events

Mark Wilson/News Tribune
Heather Payne of the Missouri Writing Project monitors a Q&A session following a screening of the movie "American Creed" earlier this month at Capitol City Cinema. The documentary takes on key issues on the country, including citizenship, freedom and fairness; the event was sponsored by the city's Human Relations Commission.
Mark Wilson/News Tribune Heather Payne of the Missouri Writing Project monitors a Q&A session following a screening of the movie "American Creed" earlier this month at Capitol City Cinema. The documentary takes on key issues on the country, including citizenship, freedom and fairness; the event was sponsored by the city's Human Relations Commission.

After the positive response of last week's screening, the Jefferson City Commission on Human Relations plans to hold more showing and group conversations in the near future.

Earlier this month, the commission paired with the Missouri Writing Project to show a screening of "American Creed" and host a Q&A afterward. The Missouri Writing Project is part of the National Writing Project, whose mission is to educate people on ways to improve writing and learning.

Commissioners said their first partnership was a success and they want to "continue the momentum," commissioner Jami Wade said. They plan to show the film a few more times this year.

The commission also wants to hold living room conversations, an established program that provides open conversations between groups with potentially different views on politics and culture.

Commissioners and residents at the meeting suggested inviting groups like the Jefferson City Police Department, Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce and local schools to attend the screenings and living room conversations.

"These are people who represent our city," commissioner Patsy Johnson said. "They are going to make the biggest impact that tells people who we are as a city because they encounter people the most."

The commission has not set dates for future events yet.