Documentary on Lynden’s March for Black Lives in 2020
A new documentary titled “Lynden: A Portrait of a Small Town, Divided”, has been showing in various venues around Whatcom County. The film looks at Lynden’s March for Black Lives in 2020, organized by Lynden High School student Amsa Burke, whose experience with racism growing up in Lynden inspired her to provoke a local conversation about race.
The marchers were met by loud, angry counter-protesters, some armed. Follow-up marches were equally contentious. The filmmakers interviewed participants in the marches as well as opponents, and let their words speak for themselves.
LWVBWC Board President Eileen McCracken was one of a number of LWVBWC board members to view the film–and she viewed it twice, once at WWU and once at the Lynden Middle School. The screening at WWU was organized by LWVBWC member Sislena Ledbetter. Both events featured a panel afterwards, including the filmmakers and Amsa herself. According to Eileen, audience response to the film was strikingly different. At WWU there was interest in Amsa and her life after the events in the film. In Lynden, the discussion was centered around the Christian faith and mending their community. The Lynden screening was hosted by Racial Unity Now (RUN).
“Lynden” is playing at the Pickford on 8/31, 9/7 and 9/8 and the filmmakers are looking for additional venues. The board encourages you to view the film if you can. It is very thought-provoking.