Black Birders Week '24: "The Falconer" Film Screening + Panel Discussion

Please join Through The Trees Collective, the Black Studies Department at Portland State University and the Center for Black Studies for a film screening of "The Falconer" followed by a Panel Discussion, as part of the T3C Black Birders Week '24 series.

This intimate portrait film follows master falconer Rodney Stotts on his mission to build a bird sanctuary and provide access to nature for his stressed community. The Falconer weaves Rodney's present-day mission with the story of his past, both of which are deeply rooted in issues of social and environmental injustice, and consistently orient the viewer to his worldview: nature heals.

The Falconer is a documentary feature that captures beauty and hope. This is a story of second chances: for injured birds of prey, for an abandoned plot of land, for a group of teenagers who have dropped out of high school, and for Rodney himself.

"All this is healing, all this is medicine. All this changes who you are." - Rodney Stotts

Following the film screening, join us for a powerful panel discussion moderated by Healing Us Evergreen and featuring local Black naturalists who will share their journeys of being "Black in the Outdoors". This conversation aims to explore the challenges and triumphs often faced by Black people in natural spaces, especially in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

Our panelists will share how the great outdoors can be a sanctuary for healing and wellness, offering unique perspectives on making these spaces more inclusive and accessible for communities of color. Together we will dive into stories of connection, resilience, and the transformative power of nature in fostering a sense of belonging and restoration.

This event is made possible through the support of the amazing folks of the Black Studies Department at Portland State University and the Center for Black Studies, and is held in partnership with Black AF In Stem - the creators of the national Black Birders Week.

***SPECIAL NOTES***

• This event is FREE and OPEN to persons of ALL BACKGROUNDS... We kindly ask that if you do not identify as a Black, Indigenous or other person of color - to consider making a monetary donation when securing your ticket (however NOT REQUIRED), in order to support free BIPOC events in the Portland Metro Area, and to facilitate equity in the space.

• This event is FOR AGES 13+ (minors must be accpmpanied by a parent/guardian), as some material and topics discussed may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13 (this may include stronger language, discussions of violence and /or drug-use).

• This event centers Black-Identifying Persons - with the intention of making sure there is space for people of the African Diaspora to heal, rejuvenate and build community with one another.

There are a limited amount of spots available. In the event you register but are unable to attend, please email throughthetreescollective@gmail.com to let us know ASAP - so we can offer your spot to someone else!

ABOUT BLACK BIRDERS WEEK:

Black Birders Week 2024 is an enriching and adventurous celebration of community, birds, and the outdoors - and is held in conjunction with the nationally recognized 5th Annual “Black Birders Week” (May 26th- June 1st) created by the organization Black AF In STEM.

From Black AF In Stem: "This annual event celebrates Black birders, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts, highlighting their contributions to the natural world and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the birding community.

This year's theme Wings of Justice: Soaring for Change underscores the commitment to bird conservation, environmental justice, and community care. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Black birders and advocating for more inclusive outdoor spaces."

T3C's Black Birders Week '24 aims to create safe and inclusive spaces for BIPOC folks of all ages/gender expressions to connect with the outdoors, particularly in environments that have historically been inaccessible to them. Our goal is to equip the community with enough insight, comfort, and autonomy to embark on future expeditions on their own.