Youth activism films with AAMP, WomenNOW, and more close out May this weekend

It’s the final weekend in May, and I bet you’re probably thinking—where did spring go? It flew right by us while we were caught up in our homes. But hey! Now’s the time to crack those windows open wide with the breeze flowing in as you nestle with some virtual events and streams. It’s not quite what many of us would want, but we’ve gotten this far. Let’s hold on tight and inspire our minds in the meantime.

Through Their Eyes

The African American Museum in Philadelphia and Scribe Video Center are teaming up for a night of short films centered on Philly’s youth activism. The online event will be a look into “the future impact Gen-Z will have on the world—centering youth perspectives on issues ranging from climate change, the school-to-prison pipeline crisis, and LGBTQ acceptance.” Join in on Thursday, May 28 at 7pm and register online ahead of time.

A virtual talk with Lauren Francis-Sharma

The Free Library of Philadelphia has another author discussion lined up with author Lauren Francis-Sharma, who penned the acclaimed novel ‘Til the Well Runs Dry and the recently released Book of the Little Axe. The new novel follows the journey of a rebellious young woman from Trinidad to a new life with the Crow Nation in 1830s Wyoming. The event is live on Thursday, May 28 at 7pm, and you can catch it online.

WomenNOW concert

On Thursday, May 28 at 8pm, the Philadelphia Orchestra is hosting a virtual concert in celebration of women composers. Viewers can tune in on Facebook or on their website. The event is free, but donations are welcome.

Long Bright River

A Novel Idea on Passyunk gathers for their monthly book club meeting online on Thursday, May 28 at 7pm. This time, they’re hosting local author Liz Moore, author of the novel Long Bright River. The book follows two once-inseparable sisters who find themselves at odds while living in a Philly neighborhood rocked by the opioid crisis.

Artistry virtual market

The Friends of Laurel Hill & West Laurel Hill Cemeteries is hosting the first Artistry Above Ground Virtual Market. The market serves as a collection of 27 curated artisans and small businesses for visitors to check out at home. Antiques, crafts, vintage items, artwork, and handmade wares are just a few things to check out. The market opens on Friday, May 29 at 9am and runs through Sunday, May 31 at 5pm. Take a look online!

Rock and Roll Playhouse

If you’re looking for something kid-friendly this weekend, the Brooklyn-Philly based group Rock and Roll Playhouse (they frequent the Ardmore Music Hall) is bringing you an afternoon of music from iconic rock stars straight to your living room. Tune in on their Facebook page on Saturday, May 30 at 1pm (and every Saturday after that).

A Practical Demonstration

If you’ve had a hankering for an interactive webinar on kinesthetic ocular neuro-psychology (aren’t we always?), then join Dr. Rhampon Stietger (pretty sure he’s not a real doctor, like Dr. Dre) on Saturday, May 30 at 7pm for A Practical Demonstration. It’s your chance to “learn about yourself, your brain, your eyes, and the community of selves contained within, all grounded and contextualized within the science of the brain.” Find out more about it online, and register if you think you’re up for discovering your full potential.

Stream of the Week

I bet many of us have been getting fatigued by consuming so much screen time lately, so this week I’ve been on the prowl for audio narratives. And if science fiction is at all your fancy, then you might want to check out The Left/Right Game.

The show follows a journalist trying to make a name for herself by following a group of paranormal explorers that are obsessed with a pastime known as the Left/Right game. The journey takes her into a supernatural world fighting for her survival.

Tessa Thompson (Dear White People, Avengers: Endgame) stars and co-produced the ten-episode series written by Jack Anderson and directed by Emma Tammi. Close your eyes and get absorbed in the sounds—it’s available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.