Mission & Goal
Cinema with a Cause unites the New York City community through free screenings of impactful social issue films, with a focus on voting and civic engagement. Our mission is to create a space where stories inspire action, spark meaningful conversations, and empower New Yorkers, particularly those from traditionally marginalized communities, aged 17-40, to make a difference.
Each screening is FREE and requires participants to RSVP in advance. Seating is limited, so we recommend reserving your tickets early.
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Movies
Join the Center for Law and Social Justice (CLSJ) at Medgar Evers College on Wednesday, July 16th, for a powerful evening honoring the life and legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis, the fearless champion of civil rights and democracy.
Enjoy a FREE summer night indoor screening of John Lewis: Good Trouble, the inspiring documentary that captures his decades of activism, leadership, and unwavering fight for justice.
This event is more than a tribute and a call to action. As we celebrate Congressman Lewis’s tireless advocacy, we’ll also shine a light on critical legislative battles, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, and the urgent fight against Project 2025 and other threats to civil rights.
Come for the film, stay for the conversation, and leave inspired to make #GoodTrouble.
Event details:
- This is a free event.
- Invite friends, family, and fellow activists. Each person must register separately.
- For large groups, please contact CLSJ directly at info@clsj.org.
Note: By attending, you agree to allow event organizers to take photographs and videos for promotional, social, and archival purposes.
Light Refreshments will be available while supplies last.
Entry is first-come, first-served based on capacity
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Deacons for Defense tells the true story of a group of Black men in the 1960s who armed themselves to protect their community and fight for justice against racial violence during the civil rights movement.BK Reader is the official Media Sponsor for this event. We are proud to partner with community leaders and organizations, including Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman, Women of African Descent Film Festival, and The Links, Incorporated – Brooklyn Chapter.There will be free popcorn provided for event RSVP holders at screenings (first-come, first-served, while supplies last).
Sankofa shows how the history of slavery still affects us today. It uncovers stories that have been hidden for a long time. By watching and learning, we can understand our past better and work toward a fairer future.BK Reader is the official Media Sponsor for this event. We are proud to partner with community leaders and organizations, including Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman, Women of African Descent Film Festival, and The Links, Incorporated – Brooklyn Chapter.There will be free popcorn provided for event RSVP holders at screenings (first-come, first-served, while supplies last).
Rustin shines a light on Bayard Rustin, an overlooked icon in the Civil Rights Movement. Despite facing discrimination for being gay, he boldly organized the 1963 March on Washington and guided activists in nonviolent protest. This powerful film reveals how Rustin’s steadfast commitment to justice and equality influenced leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., inspiring future generations to challenge injustice and shape a more equitable society.BK Reader is the official Media Sponsor for this event. We are proud to partner with community leaders and organizations, including Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman, Women of African Descent Film Festival, and The Links, Incorporated – Brooklyn Chapter.There will be free popcorn provided for event RSVP holders at screenings (first-come, first-served, while supplies last).
Harriet Tubman is the heroic slave-turned-abolitionist whose dangerous missions led to the liberation of hundreds of enslaved African Americans into the Underground Railroad.BK Reader is the official Media Sponsor for this event. We are proud to partner with community leaders and organizations, including Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman, Women of African Descent Film Festival, and The Links, Incorporated – Brooklyn Chapter.There will be free popcorn provided for event RSVP holders at screenings (first-come, first-served, while supplies last).
Malcolm X explores the life and legacy of Malcolm X, taking us through the defining moments of his leadership and impact on the Civil Rights Movement.BK Reader is the official Media Sponsor for this event. We are proud to partner with community leaders and organizations, including Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman, Women of African Descent Film Festival, and The Links, Incorporated – Brooklyn Chapter.There will be free popcorn provided for event RSVP holders at screenings (first-come, first-served, while supplies last).
Boycott offers a powerful recreation of pivotal moments from our past by taking us back to the origins of the Civil Rights Movement.BK Reader is the official Media Sponsor for this event. We are proud to partner with community leaders and organizations, including Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman, Women of African Descent Film Festival, and The Links, Incorporated – Brooklyn Chapter.There will be free popcorn provided for event RSVP holders at screenings (first-come, first-served, while supplies last).
We invite you to watch the film “Selma“. Selma attempts a deep-dive into one of the most pivotal series of events in modern American history – The chronicle of the epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965.
This documentary celebrates tireless advocacy for civil rights and social justice while raising awareness about critical legislative efforts. Selma shows the detailed events that happened in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, highlighting the struggle for voting rights and the enduring impact of this historic movement.
BK Reader is the official Media Sponsor for this event. We are proud to partner with The Links Inc., Councilwoman Crystal Hudson and Assemblywoman Stefanie Zinerman.
There will be free popcorn provided for event RSVP holders at screenings (first-come, first-served, while supplies last).
Read More Registration Closed
This feature presentation of “Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook”. As we fight our own battles here in New York to ensure access to the polls, we invite you to join fellow activists, voters, and legislators for this screening and discussion.
This event underscores the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice by examining the tactics employed to undermine fair elections. The film provides a critical look at the strategies behind voter suppression and its impact on democracy. You don’t want to miss this screening around advocating for equitable access to the polls.
BK Reader is the official Media Sponsor for this event. We are proud to partner with the United Political Association, The Links Inc., Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman, and Councilwoman Crystal Hudson.
There will be free popcorn provided for event RSVP holders at screenings (first-come, first-served, while supplies last).
Read More Registration Closed
This is a special screening of the documentary “Shirley”. Come learn about Shirley Chisholm’s remarkable journey. Ms. Chisholm made history as the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first to seek the Democratic presidential nomination.
Chisholm shows an archival footage while illuminating Chisholm’s trailblazing efforts and her enduring influence on civil rights and political activism. The film highlights Chisholm’s groundbreaking achievements and her enduring legacy in advancing political representation.
BK Reader is the official Media Sponsor for this event. We are proud to partner with community leaders and organizations, including Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman, Mane Move Media, The Links Inc., Women Of African Descent Film Festival, and the Natural Hairstyle & Braiding Coalition.
There will be free popcorn provided for event RSVP holders at screenings (first-come, first-served, while supplies last).
Read More Registration Closed
Join the Center for Law and Social Justice (CLSJ) at Medgar Evers College as we honor the late Congressman John Lewis’s life and legacy with a summer night indoor film screening.
This event celebrates the late Congressman Lewis’s tireless advocacy for civil rights and social justice while raising awareness about critical legislative efforts, such as the fight for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, Project 2025 and other threats to our civil rights.
We are proud to partner with community organizations including United Political Association, Inspiring Minds NYC, Brooklyn Delta Alumni Chapter, Chuck’s Roundtable, College and Community Fellowship and New York Faith.
There will be free popcorn provided for event RSVP holders at screenings (first-come, first-served, while supplies last).
Read More Registration Closed
