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About OpticVoices: Roots

Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Emmai Alaquiva’s latest photography exhibit, “OpticVoices: Roots” celebrates the story of the roots of our community, highlight the rich history and stories of those who have set the foundation for us.  

“Roots” aims at highlighting the beautiful, and distinct faces that make up the fabric of our communities, demonstrating that for us to move forward, we must understand the past.  The exhibit encourages viewers to find beauty in the everyday lives of people.

OpticVoices is a fully immersive interactive experience. Once the audience views the image; they are charged with captioning the photos through social media to share with the world, fostering conversations that lead to social change; the Optic is provided and you provide the Voice. Through this exhibit, participants will be able to ask the hard questions: what does it mean to be heard?

Curated by Emmy-Award winner, Emmai Alaquiva, his photography grasps the audience in a guttural way, pushing the limits on our healing and understanding of how violence, poverty, and racism can create an everlasting loss in our lives.

For inquiries please email Victoria Snyder, Producer, at vsnyder@yamomzhouse.com

 

Associated Events

 

OpticVoices: Roots Opening

Tuesday, July 9, 7pm
Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh
(826 Hazelwood Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15217)

Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Emmai Alaquiva’s latest photography exhibit, “OpticVoices: Roots” celebrates the story of the roots of our community, highlight the rich history and stories of those who have set the foundation for us.
This opening will feature a screening of “Ghetto Steps,” Alaquiva’s 2017 Telly Award- winning documentary of the Classrooms Without Borders 2016 excursion to Poland. This event is free.  Click here to register

Jim Crow South and Nazi Racial Science

Thursday, July 18, 5:30pm
Center of Life
(161 Hazelwood Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15207)

When is it appropriate to use terms that are reminiscent of a specific history? And how do we compare the histories of various communities without trivializing each one’s suffering?

Guest lecturer Dr. Dan J. Puckett’s will lead this discussion. Dr. Puckett’s research interests are in the Holocaust and Southern Jewish history, and he has published numerous books and articles on this topic. Dr. Puckett teaches at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. This event is free. Click here to register.

Inclusivity in Activism

Tuesday, August 6, 7pm
Repair the World 
(6022 Broad St, Pittsburgh PA 15206)

How do different groups work together to effect change, while being sensitive of each other’s needs?

Playback Theatre will lead this workshop. Playback Theatre conducts improvisational storytelling, based on feelings and stories shared by audience members. Playback Theatre is about creating dialogue and connection through the telling, witnessing, and honoring of our life experiences. Click here to register.