1619 Freedom School hosts community events in Waterloo

1619 Freedom School, an after-school literacy program, will host two community events this month. 1619 Freedom School was founded by Waterloo native and Pulitzer Prize-journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones who will host these events.

The first event is a free screening of Nickel Boys featuring Academy Award-nominated writer and director RaMell Ross. The screening will start at 6 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 13, at Marcus Crossroads Cinema in Waterloo. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and admission is free. RSVP to save your seat.

After the screening, Nikole Hannah-Jones and RaMell Ross will discuss the film’s relevance today. The second event is a read-in centered on Black literature and storytelling featuring readings from authors Tami Charles, Derrick Barnes, Jacqueline Woodson and 1619 Freedom School founder, Nikole Hannah-Jones. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 15, at Waterloo West High School in the Kersenbrock Auditorium. The community event is free and open to the public. RSVP here. The first 300 families to arrive will receive a free tote bag of books. The organization aims to highlight Black stories and educate the community.