Hal Jacobs, independent documentary filmmaker, Sarah Higinbotham, Assistant Professor of English, Oxford College, and co-founder, Common Good Atlanta “Screening and Discussion of Common Good Atlanta: Breaking Down the Walls of Mass Incarceration” In 2008, Sarah Higinbotham, while a PhD student at Georgia State University, wanted to teach a literature class in a Georgia prison. But she soon discovered that no college programs existed in Georgia prisons at the time. So, she started one. Today, an all-volunteer group of over 70 faculty from six universities has reached over 700 incarcerated students in four prisons, plus a downtown course for prison-impacted people. At the heart of the program’s mission is the belief that broad, democratic access to higher education for people affected by incarceration strengthens the common good of our communities. Common Good Atlanta: Breaking Down the Walls of Mass Incarceration (2022,
57 min.), directed by Hal Jacobs, looks at the evolution of the program and its impact on both students and instructors. Incarcerated students find an intellectual freedom that encourages growth and dignity, while instructors find a stimulating and transformative environment for the liberal arts. This upbeat, uplifting film conveys the excitement and creativity of the program while also serving as a call to action to community and policy leaders. Given improvements in the pandemic situation, it has been possible for Hal to schedule public screenings of the film (like that at the Plaza Theater on May 18). Some emeriti may have been able to attend one of those. But now Hal has arranged a virtual screening for Emeritus College members. Here is the link to the film that will go live on July 26 and stay live through August 3: https://www.commongoodatldoc.com/private-screening-cgaemeritus The August 1 Lunch Colloquium will take the form of a “Zoom talkback” with Hal himself, Sarah Higinbotham, and both alumni and instructors from the Common Good Atlanta program.
Zoom ID/Link information will be emailed to all registrants prior to the meeting.
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